China tailormade vacation with Chongqing & Zhangjiajie

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
We have structured this journey to minimize environmental impact by replacing three significant internal flight routes with China’s high-speed rail network: Beijing to Xi’an , Xi’an to Chongqing , and Chongqing to Zhangjiajie. This shift to electric-powered rail travel substantially lowers the carbon footprint per traveler across these long distances. Throughout the itinerary, we integrate low-carbon activities such as cycling along the historic ramparts of the Xi’an City Wall , exploring Beijing’s narrow hutong alleyways by traditional rickshaw , and utilizing Chongqing’s monorail system to navigate the city’s unique vertical geography.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
To protect the fragile sandstone landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, we utilize the park’s designated eco-shuttle buses, cable cars, and the Bailong Elevator. These systems allow us to transport guests efficiently while preventing the soil erosion and habitat damage caused by off-path hiking in UNESCO-protected areas. In Zhujiajiao Water Town, we use traditional wooden boats rather than motorized vessels, which helps preserve the water quality of the ancient canals and maintains the quiet atmosphere of the historic village.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
This itinerary is built on the principle of keeping tourism revenue within local neighborhoods by frequenting small-scale, authentic businesses. Guests are encouraged to engage with local vendors at the food stalls in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter , visit traditional teahouses in Chongqing’s Ciqikou Old Town , and explore the local bazaars surrounding Shanghai’s Yu Garden. By including a traditional Chongqing hotpot dinner and supporting the local boatmen in Zhujiajiao, we ensure that your travel spend provides a direct livelihood for the families who have lived and worked in these communities for generations.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY, AND DIVERSITY
We believe in the power of local storytelling, which is why this trip is led by professional guides who are residents of Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai. This provides stable, fair-wage employment and ensures you receive a nuanced perspective on the region's diverse heritage. We also actively support the preservation of intangible culture by including a "Drunken Bayu" Sichuan opera performance at the historic Huguang Guild Hall. This experience directly funds the training and livelihoods of traditional face-changing artists and musicians, ensuring these unique regional art forms continue to thrive in a modern world.