Fulfilling a Lifelong Dream: A 10-Day China Journey for a Retired American Couple

In my work as a travel designer, I’ve had the privilege of helping many people achieve their travel dreams. But one of the most memorable experiences for me was helping a retired American couple in their seventies take their very first trip to China.

A Long-Awaited Dream

In the fall of 2025, I received an inquiry email from the couple. They told me that although they were already in their seventies, they had always carried a wish: to set foot in China and truly experience this ancient and fascinating country.

Understanding Their Needs

Through our conversations, I learned that their health was only average, so long days of rushing around would be difficult. They also spoke no Chinese, and worried about transportation and communication during the trip. What they wanted most was a journey at a relaxed pace—enough time to immerse themselves in each place, without feeling rushed, and plenty of chances to taste authentic local food.

A Thoughtful Itinerary

Based on their needs, I designed a 10-day China itinerary: Beijing – Xi’an – Guilin – Shanghai. These cities are well connected, tourist-friendly, and offer a mix of culture, scenery, and cuisine. It’s a classic route for first-time visitors, especially for senior travelers who want balance and comfort.

Pacing: I limited each day to 1–4 main sights, with plenty of rest breaks to avoid fatigue.

Transport: We used high-speed trains and short flights for efficiency and comfort, including one train ride so they could experience modern China firsthand.

Guides: English-speaking local guides accompanied them in each city, breaking language barriers, sharing culture and history, and helping with daily needs.

Food: I selected restaurants suited to their tastes—Beijing roast duck and tea houses, Xi’an Muslim Quarter snacks, Guilin rice noodles and beer fish, and Shanghai dim sum and soup dumplings.

The couple were thrilled. In their email they wrote:

“Allan, this is the most suitable plan we’ve received. You considered our health while including the places and foods we’ve dreamed of. Now this trip feels possible, and exciting.”

Travel Moments

In Beijing, they strolled slowly through the Forbidden City, admiring the palaces and treasures. Lunch was Beijing roast duck—crispy, juicy, and so good they couldn’t stop praising it. That evening, they sipped tea in a teahouse while watching a Peking Opera show, fascinated by the costumes and music.

In Xi’an, they stood in silence before the Terracotta Warriors, awed by the scale. At night, they explored the Muslim Quarter, drawn in by the aromas and lively stalls. They tried almost everything: lamb soup with bread, roujiamo (Chinese burgers)—and loved it all.

In Guilin, they cruised down the Li River, sipping tea as green peaks reflected in the water. In Yangshuo, they enjoyed beer fish and Guilin noodles, finding the flavors light yet rich.

In Shanghai, they walked along the Bund, amazed by the glittering skyline. One afternoon, they relaxed in a French Concession café, savoring coffee and pastries. “This,” they said, “is the essence of slow travel.”

An Unexpected Hiccup

Of course, no long journey is without surprises. Just before boarding the train from Beijing to Xi’an, they realized their passports had been left in their hotel room. For foreign travelers, this can feel like a nightmare. They panicked: “What should we do, Allan?”

I quickly contacted the Beijing hotel to confirm the passports were safe, then worked with the train station staff to explain the situation. The hotel arranged express delivery to Xi’an, while I rescheduled their train tickets. They arrived later than planned, but safely and with everything back in hand. Over dinner, they laughed and said: “Thank you, Allan. Without your help, we’d still be stuck in Beijing.” What could have been a disaster turned into just another story to tell.

A Changed Impression of China

By the end of the trip, they shared their reflections with me. Their journey had quietly changed how they saw China. Before coming, most of their knowledge came from news or secondhand impressions—crowded, unfamiliar, maybe inconvenient. But once here, they discovered a country far more modern and welcoming than they imagined.

They marveled at the speed and comfort of high-speed trains, and the ease of mobile payments, where one phone was all they needed. But what touched them most was the warmth and kindness of the people they met along the way.

They told me:

“China was a journey full of surprises. It fulfilled our dream, but more importantly, it showed us a real, vibrant, and charming country.”

My Reflection

For me, this journey was more than just another plan completed—it felt like I was walking alongside them as they fulfilled a lifelong wish. From their first worries, to their joy at each new discovery, to their heartfelt thanks at the end, I felt I had shared in their dream.

It reminded me that travel is not just about places- it is a bridge between cultures. It can change how people see a country, turning distance into closeness, and unfamiliarity into understanding.

As a travel designer, my greatest achievement is not just creating perfect itineraries, but seeing guests come away with new memories, new perspectives, and new courage.