Curator’s statement
A few years ago, my family took a generational trip to China. As with most Chinese families with American Born Chinese (ABC) children, your parents or grandparents want to take you back to China and show you their birthplace and to have later generations see and experience the Chinese culture. There are many places to go for a generational trip to China, for example, Beijing (The Great Wall, Tienanmen Square), Xi’an (Terra Cotta Warriors), Guilin (Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave), Yangshuo (Li River), Shanghai (Shanghai Tower, Zhujiajiao), and Hangzhou (Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda). We also added a few days in Hong Kong. Depending on where your family is from, you may want to add in a few days to see your parents’ or grandparents’ birthplaces. My parents are from Taishan, so we made a stop there. Here are some highlights and cities to consider for the perfect generational trip to China itinerary. I would definitely recommend a tour guide.
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Things to do in China
Climbing the Great Wall of China
Should I hire a tour guide for a generational trip to China?
Before we get started on the highlights, the question I often get is do you need a tour guide in China. My answer is absolutely! Even if you do speak the language, it’s just easier to hire a tour guide, and I can help you hire one, as I work with different partners in China. The tour guides can be private, arrange for hotels, and provide end-to-end transfers. It just makes planning easier.
How long should I visit China for a generational trip?
Ten to 14 days would be the ideal time frame. You may feel rushed or be moved around too much.
Which cities would you choose to visit for a generational trip to China?
For me, a trip to China cannot be a trip without a visit to Hong Kong. Hong Kong is a busy city like the big cities we all know, but with great food and shopping. Besides the big Buddha, there are some touristy things to do, but you are there for the food and shopping.
For food in Hong Kong, it’s hard to narrow it down. There are so many bib-gourmand and Michelin restaurants. These are not white-tablecloth spots—they are general spots where they serve great food.
For shopping, you must stop by the “Ladies Market” and get ready to bargain for jewelry, clothing, accessories, etc.
Beijing is another entry point. You want to either start your trip in Hong Kong or Beijing. Of course, you have to see the Great Wall, Tienanmen Square, and The Forbidden City. As a kid growing up, I remember watching The Last Emperor and the way the film depicted the Forbidden City, I knew one day I would have to visit. As for climbing The Great Wall—the steps are steep and you are climbing, not walking like you do in your house.
Another site that is often overlooked is the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is just as impressive as the Forbidden City.
From here you because of time you may have to pick and choose which cities you want to take on next. There are highlights to each:
Xi’an, for the Terra Cotta Warriors
Guilin for the landscape (Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave)
Shanghai for the impressive Shanghai Tour and neighboring cities like Xitang, the historic town where they filmed Mission Impossible
Hanzhou for the temples and pagodas
There is lots to see and a travel advisor like myself can put together something to your liking.
Places to eat & drink in China
Peking duck experience in China
Beijing
1949 Duck De Chine: Famous for its Peking roast duck
Gong Palace: Offers a dinner-and-show experience with Beijing cuisine and fusion dishes
Xi’an
Defachang Restaurant: Known for its dumpling banquet
Hong Kong
Yard Bird: A modern yakitori and Japanese bar
Kam’s Roast Goose: roasted meats
Duddell’s: Dim-sum lunch
Need to know
When is the best time to visit China for a generational trip?
The best time to visit is either May or Sepember/October. The summer months can be hot. Avoid February/March—because of the lunar new year, businesses may close down during those weeks.
Don’t over-pack—if you are going on a long trip, you may consider doing laundry halfway through vs over-packing. As you are moving from city to city, you want to leave room for shopping and not having to carry too much.
Travel Advisor
Robert Huie
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our China page.