Family vacations in China

Planet

The distance travelled on this trip is substantial, from 2020 we have changed the itinerary removing the internal flights and instead utilise a combination of overnight trains and new ultra high speed bullet trains. This measure will significantly reduce our carbon footprint as train travel has a lower footprint than air travel as well as providing guests the opportunity to see more of the countryside as we pass through central China.

This is a fast paced trip that encompasses many of the highlights of China. We cruise along the Li River. In Yangshuo we encourage customers to take a bike road around the country lanes as well as exploring the town on foot. Our Tour Leaders will also assist and direct customers to eat as much as possible at local restaurants and to visit the local markets, helping reduce food miles.

As a travel company we are continually looking for ways to improve and are proud to be ‘Responsible in everything we do’. Education is key, and so all staff, Tour Leaders and partnering suppliers are trained in responsible and sustainable tourism. At our Head Office, we continually strive towards a sustainable and planet-friendly working environment, including having solar panels installed and a company commitment to reducing our plastic usage.

People

We spend two nights in a small guesthouse in Pingan. Our stay generates much needed tourist income for the family and contributes to wide local employment in the village. In addition guests get to spend time with the Zhuang people, witnessing the agricultural feat of engineering that has created this remarkable landscape as we walk along the rice terraces built into the hillside.

During our stay in Xian we support local artisans which makes the miniature replicas of the Terrcotta Warriors. We get the chance to get 'hands on' as we learn how they're made, the have a go ourselves. There is the option to purchase crafts which will help them maintain this tradition and support their families.

Enjoying traditional meals in home-stays is a unique aspect to this trip, which includes a dumpling-making lesson. This not only helps to maintain the age-old skills of authentic China, but also financially supports the local community. This is especially important in the more rural areas we visit.

As a company we have valuable and longstanding partnerships with UK charities Toilet Twinning and Send a Cow, plus many smaller initiatives and projects around the world. We’re members of the UK travel industry body AITO because we believe it’s important to share our knowledge and experience, as well as learn from other operators.