Our almost 1 month-long journey through 12 Chinese cities has been nothing short of extraordinary – an experience that exceeded all expectations and left us already planning our return to explore more of this magnificent country.
We traveled across Beijing, Pingyao, Xi'an, Dali, Shangri-La, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Yangshou, Hangzhou, Huangshan, and Shanghai, covering distances via 4 domestic flights and 6 high-speed trains (in both first and business class). Our accommodations included 15 stays at 4 to 5-star hotels, all perfectly located with spacious, comfortable rooms that made each stop feel like a home away from home.
The highlights were countless: breathtaking scenery that looked as if it had been lifted straight from a painting, remarkable architecture that told stories of millennia of history, rich cultural traditions that came alive at every turn, warm and welcoming people, and incredible food that delighted our palates in every region.
What truly set this trip apart was the exceptional service provided by our travel consultant, Shirley, from Asia Odyssey. She has taken substantial time and effort crafting a flawless itinerary that balanced exploration, comfort, and cultural immersion perfectly. There are also the team of local guides who made our journey unforgettable – each one was knowledgeable, friendly, patient, and went above and beyond to ensure we felt valued and well-cared for. From helping with payments when our digital wallets failed, to bargaining on our behalf, answering every question promptly, and ensuring we never felt lost or overwhelmed, their dedication was remarkable. A special thank you to Tracey (Beijing), Jonathan (Pingyao), Jenny (Xi'an), Selina (Dali), Sophia (Shangri-La) , Sumner (Chengdu), Shy (Zhangjiajie), Lizzie (Guilin/Yangshuo), Sloven (Hangzhou), Sophia 汪(Huangshan) and Mary (Shanghai) – you are the heart of this incredible company.
Our drivers were equally outstanding, always smiling, patient, and attentive to every detail – from opening doors to handling our luggage with care. Throughout the entire trip, we felt like VIPs, with every need anticipated and addressed.
We leave China with thousands of photos and even more precious memories, and we cannot recommend Asia Odyssey highly enough. This is how travel should be – seamless, enriching, and filled with genuine care and expertise. We’ll be back soon to discover even more of China’s wonders!
️️ PJ & YL MCCANN