Wonderful First Touch in China: Classic Destinations with Practical Tips for First-time Visitors

-- Melinda's 10 Days Solo Trip in China

Have you ever traveled alone? Traveling alone can be an exciting yet challenging experience. Arriving at unfamiliar destinations, you might struggle to find a suitable and affordable place to stay. Navigation can also be a big headache. These problems can be solved if you find a reliable travel agency and consultant.

I’m Wonder, the personal travel consultant of Melinda who completed a classic 10-day solo trip in China, covering Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Shanghai. “I had a wonderful tour!” Melinda gave me a good review after her journey through China. She generously shared her travel story and practical travel tips with us. Let's see how this tour was put together by our joint efforts.

Providing Timely and Informative Response within 24 Hours is My Working Principle

As a travel consultant, I understand that customers expect to receive timely response. So, I tried to reply my customer as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours, which is one reason that Melinda chose me to plan her China tour. She said in feedback, “I decided early on I would use a tour operator for my first trip to China. I was 60, traveling alone, female, and only spoke a little Mandarin. I actually chose another China-based agency first, one with glowing reviews like China Discovery, but quickly dropped them after sluggish response from my assigned tour consultant. What a contrast when I reached out to China Discovery. Wonder Wang, my assigned consultant, reached out pretty much as soon as the time difference allowed.”

With over 10 years of travel experience, I kept meticulous and checked the details of what she wanted. As Melinda reviewed, “We had one hiccup in planning that he quickly fixed right before my departure - a reminder to me that it's important to be clear about what you want in every detail.”

Classic Destinations with Tailor-made Itinerary Add Luster to Trip

At first, Melinda inquired about the travel routes of Beijing, Xian, Guilin, and Shanghai, which is a good choice for first-time visitors to China. Beijing is the capital city full of historical and cultural heritages and Xi’an once served as the capital of several dynasties. China's tour would be more complete if it encompasses the natural beauty in Guilin and the metropolis of Shanghai.

During our conversations, I knew that Melinda was a Chinese American and had learned Chinese culture and history since she was young. So, I selected some featured attractions in these classic destinations to meet her interets. National Museum of China, which is the third largest museum in the world and Hanyangling Museum which is the best-preserved imperial mausoleum of Han Dynasty in China were 2 specially recommended places for her history and culture exploration. Instead of admiring its skyscrapers, I picked Zhujiajiao Water Town and Yu Garden in Shanghai for Melinda to discover the Jiangnan culture. “This was consistent throughout our correspondence. We spent a good few weeks going back and forth tailoring my trip, which I wanted to be focused on history, so I requested tour guides who could speak to that. Wonder was game to any request I threw at him.” Melinda reviewd.

Melinda's Travel Route

Day 1-4 Beijing - Witness Imperial Culture and Architecture

In Beijing, I arranged a delightful hotel, namely Beijing Double Happiness Courtyard Hotel (北京阅微庄四合院酒店) according to Melinda’s needs. “I asked for a different hotel in Beijing because I wanted something more traditional - a siheyuan in a hutong neighborhood - and that is what I got.” The hotel is a traditional Chinese-style courtyard, decorated with various Chinese calligraphy, paintings, antiques, and handicrafts, which maximize the appeal of Chinese traditional culture.

Good rests at the satisfying hotel made a good beginning for Beijing exploration. On the first day, Melinda delved into the imperial marvels of Beijing and started with a visit to Tiananmen Square, which is the largest city square in the world. Head to Forbidden City, Melinda saw where the emperors once lived, held important ceremonies, and exercised their power. Jingshan Park is the next stop for a panoramic view of the magnificent Forbidden City and expansive Beijing Skyline. She continued to explore Summer Palace, where she savored the elegance of the Chinese imperial garden.

The next day, Melinda hiked Mutianyu Great Wall, which once served as a crucial martial barrier and is now still well-preserved with spectacular natural scenery. I arranged a shuttle bus and a round-trip cable car for Melinda to save time and energy. On the third day, Melinda visited the National Museum of China, gaining deeper insights into Chinese culture, history, and tradition.

Melinda Spent Unforgettable 4 Days in Beijing

High Speed Train to Xian & First-class Seat

Concluding her Beijing tour, Melinda took a high-speed train to Xi’an with a first-class seat. “I also specified I wanted to go first class on the bullet train between Beijing to Xi'an.”As Melinda requested, I arranged it and she enjoyed a seamless and comfortable train transfer. After arriving at Xian, Malinda was welcomed by a local guide and driver and then escorted to her hotel. “The tour guide would meet me at the train station or airport upon arrival and then see me off to the next city, taking me as far as possible- to my seat on the train or to security at airports.”

Comfortable First Class Seats in High-speed Train

Day 5-6 Xian – Discover Uncheck Ambition of Ancient Emperor

In the morning, Melinda was picked up by a local guide and driver to uncover another historic ancient capital Xi’an. “In each city, I had a different tour guide and a driver. Except for one, each guide was fluent in English which allowed for some great conversation.”

The first station that Melinda visited in Xi’an was its most remarkable attraction - Terracotta Warriors and Horses. This world-famous site with over 8000 life-like clay soldiers was truly a wonder to behold, which created an awe-inspiring experience for Melinda. Then she went to Ancient City Wall constructed in the Ming Dynasty as a defense system. Next, she explored Da Cien Temple which was filled with a solemn atmosphere and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda standing tall and majestic.

On the following day, Malinda wandered into vibrant Muslim Quarter lined with all kinds of shops and stalls, selling goods from traditional handicrafts to delicious local snacks. Then she took her step to Hanyangling Museum, learning more about funerary system and culture in ancient times.

Melinda Enjoyed Happy Time in Xian

Day 7-8 Guilin – Uncover the Natural Beauty of Rivers and Caves

On the morning of the 7th day, with great anticipation, Melinda embarked on a Li River Cruise. The Li River, like a ribbon of emerald, meandered through the land. During the cruise to tranquil Yangshuo, what greeted her eyes were the wonderful Karst landforms that lined the riverside. After a refreshing rest, a private car was provided for Melinda so that she could go sightseeing in the surroundings, including Jima and Nonggong Bridge. Driving back to Yangshuo, Melinda continued exploring West Street, immersing herself in its bustling atmosphere.

Next day, Melinda entered Reed Flute Cave and was immediately captivated by the stalactites and stalagmites which have been carved by nature over countless years. Ending her Guilin tour, Melinda took a flight to Shanghai.

Melinda Had a Memorable Tour with Li River and Reed Flute Cave

Day 9-10 Shanghai – Feel the Refinement of Jiangnan and Experience Maglev

The final destination was Shanghai, a first-class metropolis with lots of towering skyscrapers. But Shanghai’s charm is not limited to its modernity. There is a hidden gem - Zhujiajiao Water Town, which enhanced Melinda’s understanding of Jiangnan Water Town. Then she visited Yu Garden which was a private garden with exquisite pavilions, lakes, rockeries, bridges, dragon walls, and traditional buildings. It is quite different from imperial Summer Palace in Beijing. I booked a hotel nearby the Bund which gave convenience for Melinda to wander the Bund and Nanjing Road at night.

Melinda's Wonderful Trip in Shanghai

On the final day of her China tour, Melinda tried maglev with a top speed of 431 km/h. “I ride the maglev to the Shanghai airport. In addition, because I was only bringing carry on, I wanted to upgrade seats on my two domestic flights.” Maglev experience and ungrade seat on flight capped off a wonderful tour.

Meglev to Shanghai Airport

Worry-free Tour and All-inclusive Service Win Customer's Heart

“You can choose to have China Discovery handle every arrangement or part of your trip (e.g. if you want to handle hotels and/or domestic transportation yourself).” I am glad that Melinda trusted me and China Discovery Chengdu so much. Traveling alone may be a concern for some people, but we will try our best to make your journey smooth. The visa application process sometimes is long and complicated. Our confirmation letter about your itinerary, hotels, flights or trains can speed up the visa application process. “I received a confirmation letter that I used for my visa application.” Melinda said.

Experienced tour guides and drivers made Malinda’s tour easier. “Before this trip, I’d never traveled with a personal guide before. It was really liberating to not have to sweat the details, worry about getting lost, or navigate a foreign airport. In the past, working through these challenges was part of the attraction of traveling, because I wanted to learn to navigate like a native. But this time, I’m very glad I chose to go the route of a customized tour and grateful that Wonder and all the tour guides were there with me. I’d recommend them to anyone, especially anyone with any trepidation. You will be cared for.”

If you also desire a worry-free and wonderful China tour, please do not hesitate to contact us!

Useful Tips Given by Melinda for First Timer to China

After sharing her first-hand travel expeirence in China, Melinda thoughtfully concluded some practical travel tips, hoping to help those who first visit to China.

1 Get an esim before you leave. Aeralo worked seamlessly for me and I used my iPhone throughout my trip (data only) and had access to my email, texting (iMessage should work everywhere since it’s not SMS), and apps.

2 Set up Alipay or Wechat before you go on your phone. Alipay worked sometimes for me, sometimes not. I didn’t try Wechat. Cash will do if you’re okay with a chance of not receiving change. Credit cards will work only at hotels or places that cater to foreigners. I needed very little spending money (Breakfast and lunch were covered by the tour).

3 You will encounter squat toilets. Some places will have both squat and sit so check all the stall doors if your heart is set on a sit toilet.

4 Bring toilet paper or tissue with you when you go out and remember to throw it in the bin, not the toilet.

5 Accept it will be very, very crowded at any of the standard attractions if you’re going during tourist season. Watch out for the heat at top attractions.

6 When you go through airport security, take out your electronics and that includes any power banks you packed. Make sure your power bank rating is marked or it will be sent special delivery (can't be consigned by plane), plus it has to fall below the limit. I didn’t have to take off my shoes or take out my liquids bag.

7 If you’re bringing carry on, check the limitations. Some airlines limit carry on to a single 5kg item and if you want more, you have to upgrade your seat. Whether they check carry on is your risk, but if it’s 5kg, it’s probably easy for them to guess by sight if you’ll be over.

8 Lean on your tour guide. They will bend over backwards to help you.

(Above travel story was written by our editor, inspired by our customer Melinda's real experience and review on Tripadvisor.com.)