Family’s Year-End Trip to China: 10 Days in Beijing Xi’an Shanghai

In the autumn of 2024, I received an inquiry from Mr. Soumyanath in India. He planned to bring his wife and their 9-year-old son to China at the end of December, hoping to give their child a truly special holiday to close the year.

Reading his email warmed my heart. This was my very first time arranging a private family tour, and I felt both excited and a little nervous. I knew that for a child, a journey could leave memories far deeper than textbooks, and for parents, this was not just a vacation, but precious time to create lasting moments together.

Tailor-Made Itinerary

To make this journey more engaging, I carefully designed interactive experiences for the little boy:

In Beijing, beyond just climbing the Great Wall and exploring the Forbidden City, I arranged for a family-friendly cultural experience in the city's hutongs. They rode a rickshaw through the narrow alleys and visited a local Beijing family to learn how to make dumplings and write the Chinese character for "good fortune" (fu).

In Beijing, beyond visiting the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, I arranged a family-friendly cultural experience in the city's hutongs. They rode a rickshaw through the narrow alleys and visited a local family to learn how to make dumplings and write the Chinese character for "good fortune" (fu).

In Xi'an, in addition to seeing the magnificent Terracotta Warriors, the children participated in a workshop to make their own mini-warriors, visited a local family's home, and tried on traditional Hanfu clothing.

In Shanghai, I organized activities that highlighted what kids love most: technology and city lights. They explored the interactive exhibits at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum and even got to try out a flight simulator.

Mr. Soumyanath’s family loved the customized itinerary. In the end, they confirmed the booking without hesitation, and I was thrilled to see my plan recognized and appreciated.

Surprises Along the Journey

In Beijing’s Forbidden City, the 9-year-old asked nonstop, “Did the emperor really live here?” while his mother snapped photos of the ornate eaves. On the Great Wall, father and son climbed hand in hand to a watchtower, marveling at the endless ramparts. The most heartwarming moment came in a hutong, where the boy proudly held up his wobbly “Fu” calligraphy, sending the family into laughter.

In Xi’an’s excavation pits, the neatly aligned Terracotta Warriors left the family in awe. The boy listened intently to the guide’s stories about Emperor Qin Shi Huang and later crafted his own miniature warrior, declaring, “I’ll take this home to show Grandpa!” During the Hanfu experience, the whole family dressed in traditional costumes, capturing photos that looked like they had stepped back in time.

In Shanghai, the boy couldn’t get enough of the flight simulator at the Science Museum, trying it twice and exclaiming, “I really felt like I was flying a plane!” At night, the dazzling lights along the Bund stunned them all. The boy shouted excitedly, “This is even more beautiful than in the cartoons!”

Thoughtful Dining Arrangements

Long before their arrival, I carefully considered their dietary needs and booked vegetarian and halal-friendly restaurants.

To make New Year’s Eve unforgettable, I added a small surprise. At the end of their dinner, a cake inscribed with “Happy Family Trip” was quietly brought to their table. As the candles glowed, the family’s bright smiles etched themselves into my memory. In that moment, I knew this was more than just a journey-it was companionship, warmth, and a shared memory.

A Perfect Ending

Ten days passed quickly, and the trip drew to a close. On their last night in Shanghai, the family messaged me to express how reluctant they were to leave. Mrs. Soumyanath said, “We never imagined China could be so diverse and exciting-every day brought a new surprise.” Their son hugged his clay warrior, eager to tell his classmates back home about “the secrets of the First Emperor.”

At the airport, they took countless farewell photos with the guide and driver, thanking everyone for their care. In a quiet moment, Mrs. Soumyanath whispered to me, “Liz, this trip made us closer as a family. We didn’t just see the world-we truly shared joy together.”

Guest Feedback

A few days later, I received a heartfelt email from Mr. Soumyanath:

Dear Liz,

Thank you for arranging everything for us. This was our very first time in China, yet it never felt unfamiliar. From the majesty of the Great Wall to the wonder of the Terracotta Warriors, and the modern lights of Shanghai, we loved it all. The interactive experiences were perfect for our son-he learned so much, and we, as parents, felt very fulfilled.

What touched us most was your thoughtfulness for our dietary needs, and the New Year’s Eve surprise. In that moment, we didn’t feel like tourists-we felt like friends.

Thank you for sending us home with such beautiful memories. China will always stay in our hearts.”

-Soumyanath & Family