At the beginning of 2025, I welcomed a small group of six from Malaysia. The leader, Ms. Connie Chin, was a thoughtful lady who wanted her friends and family to experience the very best of Sichuan and Chongqing within their limited holiday. From the start, she told me clearly: “We want to see the pandas, visit Jiuzhaigou, and feel the magic of Chongqing’s 8D Mountain City.”

With her wishes in mind, I designed an 8-day itinerary that perfectly balanced culture, nature, and comfort. The journey promised the leisurely charm of Chengdu, the breathtaking landscapes of Jiuzhaigou, and the vibrant energy of Chongqing. I carefully adjusted the pace to suit both the older members’ physical needs and the younger ones’ curiosity.

Chengdu: A Warm Beginning

The trip began in Chengdu, where the group was immediately greeted by its most famous residents—the giant pandas. At the Panda Base, laughter and excitement filled the air as everyone pulled out their phones to capture the pandas’ playful antics.

In the afternoon, they slowed down in People’s Park, sipping tea from traditional gaiwan cups while listening to locals play music and tell stories. One guest chuckled and said, “Now I understand why Chengdu people are so good at enjoying life!”

Jiuzhaigou: Nature’s Masterpiece

The highlight came with a full day in Jiuzhaigou Vally. Here, turquoise lakes mirrored snowcapped peaks, and waterfalls cascaded through pristine forests. The group marveled at the view, repeating again and again that no photo could ever capture the true majesty before their eyes.

At Five Flower Lake and Mirror Lake, they stood in awe, whispering that it felt as though they were walking through a living painting.

Chongqing: The City of Light and Layers

Arriving in Chongqing, they found themselves in a city like no other. Known as an “8D City” for its dizzying topography, Chongqing left them amazed at every turn.

They rode the Yangtze River cable car, admiring the city’s sprawling skyline. At Hongya Cave, glowing with neon lights, they wandered through its maze-like alleys. And in Jiefangbei Square, surrounded by dazzling skyscrapers, they exclaimed again and again, “This place is so unique!”

By the end of the journey, Connie looked at me with gratitude: “Liz, your arrangements made every day fulfilling but never exhausting. This has been a perfect trip.”

An Unexpected Surprise: The Power of Word of Mouth

In mid-February, just as I was moving on to new projects, an unexpected international call lit up my phone.

“Hello, this is Connie’s mother,” a gentle voice said. “My daughter came back from your trip and couldn’t stop praising your service. She said everything was so thoughtful. I’d like to arrange a similar journey with my old friends.”

Her words filled me with warmth. Connie’s trust had extended into her family, and now her mother and her friends wanted to walk the same path. That is the true power of word of mouth—when travelers share not just photos, but also trust.

Crafting the Next Journey: Thoughtful Adjustments

When I spoke with Connie’s mother, I quickly realized her group’s needs were different. They were older, and comfort mattered even more. So I redesigned the itinerary to make it gentler yet equally rich in experiences:

Chengdu: I added more leisure activities, like a Sichuan opera face-changing dinner show and a relaxed stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, blending cultural flavor with easy pacing.

Jiuzhaigou: I arranged electric shuttles and segmented touring routes so the group could enjoy Five Flower Lake, Mirror Lake, and Nuorilang Waterfall without overexertion.

Chongqing: Knowing they preferred lighter meals, I coordinated with restaurants to serve less spicy versions of hotpot and selected local specialties they could enjoy comfortably.

When she reviewed the plan, Connie’s mother said softly, “Liz, you’ve thought of things even before we asked.”

Experiences That Spoke of Care

From the moment they landed in Chengdu, I wanted them to feel special. At the airport, the guide and I greeted them with flower bouquets and small gifts—each guest received a panda brooch. They pinned them on immediately, posing for photos like excited children.

• In People’s Park, they reclined in bamboo chairs, sipping tea and listening to storytellers. One auntie laughed, “This is the true slow life—we don’t want to go back!”
• In Jiuzhaigou, the group’s biggest worry—physical stamina—was seamlessly solved. Electric shuttles carried them between scenic spots, and at each stop, they had plenty of time to rest and take in the view. When the snowy peaks reflected on the turquoise waters, one whispered, “It’s even more beautiful than any painting.”
• And in Chongqing, the highlight came at night. Standing before the dazzling lights of Hongya Cave, they went live on their phones to show their families back home. “We really are here, just like in Connie’s photos!” they exclaimed with joy.

My Reflection: Trust Passed On

At the end of their journey, Connie’s mother held the guide’s hand and said: “You’ve made this trip feel like home.”

For me, this was more than a compliment. It was the continuation of trust—from daughter to mother, from one group to the next. Their joy, their gratitude, and their willingness to pass along their experience showed me once again what travel is truly about.

Travel is not only about landscapes and monuments. It is about trust, sharing, and the emotions carried from one journey to another. And when care is genuine, word of mouth naturally follows, allowing stories—and relationships—to continue.