China had long been on my wish list, but I knew it wasn’t a trip I wanted to piece together on my own. The language, the distances, the logistics — it all felt a little daunting. So in 2018, I joined a 20-day tour that took me across this vast and fascinating country.
What followed was one of the most memorable journeys I have ever taken.
From the moment I arrived in Beijing, I was struck by the sheer scale of everything — the crowds, the cities, the history, the pace of life. There were moments of wonder, moments of exhaustion, and many, many surprises along the way. I travelled by high-speed train, overnight sleeper trains, river cruise boat, coach, metro, bicycle and plane — covering over 5,000 kilometres across China.
This page brings together the highlights of that journey — the places, the experiences, and the moments that stayed with me.
My Route Through China
Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Yangtze River Cruise → Yangshuo → Shanghai
Beijing — First Impressions and Unforgettable Landmarks
Beijing was my introduction to China and what an introduction it was.
The crowds were immense, the atmosphere vibrant, and there was a constant haze in the air that my daughter later jokingly called “dragon’s mist.” It was here that I first felt the sheer energy and scale of the country.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the entire trip was climbing the Great Wall of China. It was challenging, hot, and at times exhausting but standing at the top, looking out across the mountains, made every step worthwhile.
Xi’an — Street Food, History and Atmosphere
Xi’an felt different — more intimate, yet full of history and life.
One of my favourite memories here was something quite simple: breakfast. Arriving early in the morning, we were taken to a local street food spot where I tried jianbing guozi for the first time — a freshly made savoury pancake that I still remember to this day.
The city itself was full of character, especially the lively Muslim Quarter, where the streets come alive in the evenings with food stalls and bustling markets.
Jianbing Guozi — My Delicious Street Breakfast in Xi’an
(Coming soon: What It Was Really Like Taking Sleeper Trains in China)
Chengdu — Spice, Surprises and Local Life
Chengdu introduced me to a whole new level of flavour.
This is the heart of Sichuan cuisine — bold, spicy, and not for the faint-hearted! I experienced my first traditional Sichuan hotpot here, and it was unlike anything I had ever tried before. Hot, fiery, and wonderfully interactive. It was as much an experience as it was a meal.
Beyond the food, Chengdu offered glimpses of local life, from lively parks to cultural performances that brought Chinese traditions to life.
Sichuan Hotpot in Chengdu — A Fiery Food Experience
5 Spectacular Shows I Experienced in China (includes Sichuan Opera)
The Yangtze River — One of the Journey’s Biggest Surprises
After the intensity of cities and constant travel, the Yangtze River cruise came as a welcome change of pace.
For two nights and three days, I drifted through dramatic landscapes of towering cliffs and misty gorges. It was peaceful, scenic, and completely different from everything that had come before.
It was also my first experience of cruising and certainly not my last.
(Coming soon: Cruising the Yangtze River in China)
5 Spectacular Shows I Experienced in China (includes the Three Kingdoms Show)
Yangshuo — Scenery, Food and Simple Pleasures
Yangshuo was a breath of fresh air.
Surrounded by beautiful karst mountains and lush countryside, it offered a slower pace — though not without its own memorable moments! From a hands-on cooking class to wandering through local markets, and even a slightly wobbly attempt at cycling, it was a place full of charm and character.
The evenings were just as magical. One of the highlights was watching a spectacular outdoor performance set against the natural backdrop of the mountains — an experience I will never forget.
5 Spectacular Shows I Experienced in China (includes Impression Sanjie Liu)
(Coming soon: Yangshuo — Cooking, Countryside and a Few Wobbles Along the Way)
Shanghai — A Dazzling Finale
Shanghai was the perfect finale to the journey.
Modern, fast-paced, and full of energy, it felt like a completely different world again. The skyline, the lights, the food — everything seemed bigger and brighter.
And of course, there was the food. I still laugh at how I accidentally earned the nickname “8 Dumpling Molly” after enthusiastically ordering more than I intended but they were simply too good to resist!
The trip ended on a high with one of the most spectacular performances I have ever seen — a fitting finale to an unforgettable journey.
5 Spectacular Shows I Experienced in China (includes Shanghai Acrobatics)
A Few Reflections from My Journey
China challenged me, surprised me, and delighted me in equal measure.
There were moments that pushed me out of my comfort zone — overnight sleeper trains, unfamiliar foods, and experiences that were completely new to me. But those were often the moments that became the most memorable.
What stayed with me most was the contrast between ancient traditions and rapid modern development, between peaceful landscapes and bustling cities, between exhaustion and wonder.
It is a country that leaves a lasting impression.
Explore More from My China Journey
This page is part of a wider collection of posts from my travels in China. I’ll be continuing to add more experiences — from sleeper train adventures to river cruising — so do check back if you’re planning your own journey or simply curious to explore.
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