Travelogue from China: a warm and joyful reunion

A great deal can happen in 20 years, especially in a country like China, where the pace of development never really slows down. Claus, our CEO, experienced this first-hand when he and his family returned in July 2025 to the country they once called home for five years, more than two decades ago.

In the summer of 2025, I travelled with my family back to China for the first time since we lived in Beijing and Shanghai between 2000 and 2005. Both our daughters were born while we were in China, and we cherish many wonderful memories from that era. So naturally, we were all very excited to return to a place that means so much to us.

And what an encounter it was with modern China!

We were absolutely amazed by the transformation China has undergone over the past 20 years.

Back then, the cities were often dirty and heavily polluted, and chaos reigned on the roads, in the shops—practically everywhere, really. Today, every taxi and scooter runs on electricity, the cities are clean and tidy, lined with trees and parks, and while the traffic is still dense, it’s now well-organised and flows smoothly. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find soaring skyscrapers, incredible restaurants, stylish shops, and a state-of-the-art infrastructure. But above all, it’s the Chinese people themselves who stand out—welcoming, friendly, and always willing to lend a helping hand when you need it.

We travelled on our highlights of China tour, which meant we were able both to revisit Beijing and Shanghai, and also explore Xi’an and Yangshuo – each brimming with fantastic experiences.

Our adventure began in Beijing, a city that today represents both a modern metropolis and a historical time capsule, home to some of China’s most spectacular attractions. We visited Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jing Shan Park, and the Summer Palace – all absolutely stunning sights. Each of these gave us valuable insight into Beijing’s significance for both modern day and historical China and its people. For me, the visit to the Great Wall of China was an absolute highlight of any tour to China, and it’s truly incredible to look at such an extraordinary feat of engineering and imagine how it could possibly have been constructed over a period spanning more than 2,000 years. It’s a wonder without equal and alone worth the journey.

The journey from Beijing to Xi’an – 1,200 km in just 4 hours on a high-speed train – gives you a real sense of how far China has come in terms of technological development. The whole system runs seamlessly.

Xi’an, the ancient capital, offers some of China’s most significant historical highlights. Visiting the Terracotta Warriors and the museum was another true highlight for us. Once again, we marvelled at how it was ever possible to create such an army of soldiers all those years ago. When we visited Xi’an 20 years ago, it was a sprawling city with poor infrastructure and completely chaotic traffic. Today, it’s a very modern metropolis that has managed to preserve its remarkable history, including the Muslim Quarter and the magnificent, well-preserved city wall. The cuisine in Xi’an is excellent, with a huge choice of both Western and outstanding Chinese restaurants.

After Xi’an, we continued our tour to Yangshuo. The landscapes around Yangshuo are every bit as magical as we remembered: the extraordinary limestone mountains stretching as far as the eye can see are utterly unique and beautiful. A bike ride through the paddy fields is an absolute must, and if you’re keen to experience a tea plantation, Yangshuo is the place to do it. The town itself has grown into a bustling hub with plenty of visitors, so if you thrive on a lively atmosphere, you’ll enjoy staying right in the centre. However, for those – like us – who prefer a more tranquil vibe, there are several lovely hotels just outside Yangshuo where you can enjoy closeness to nature and the town in equal measure.

We wrapped up our tour in Shanghai, a truly world-class international metropolis. Here, you’re spoilt for choice with an array of excellent international and Chinese restaurants, a vibrant café and bar scene, and endless shopping opportunities. The city is spotlessly clean, with broad, tidy boulevards, plenty of trees and plants, and an abundance of beautiful parks. I can thoroughly recommend a visit to the restaurant and bar district known as ‘Xin Tian Di’ (新天地)—it’s wonderfully atmospheric and brimming with great food. The skyline is dominated by impressive skyscrapers, and a trip up the Shanghai Tower is a must for breathtaking views across the entire city. Getting around couldn’t be easier, with 21 metro lines and ticket machines in English; the network runs safely and efficiently from early morning until late at night. That said, I’d also highly recommend donning a pair of walking shoes and exploring Shanghai on foot—along the way, you’ll stumble upon countless fascinating experiences and a wealth of history.

Returning to China felt incredibly welcoming and joyful. For our family, it was a truly special experience to revisit the country where we lived twenty years ago and rediscover all the amazing things China has to offer.

I can highly recommend a tour to China.

Claus,

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller

Would you also like to experience the enchanting blend of modern and historic on a tour to China?