The Country That Completely Changed My Mind

I always say that every country is on my travel list. It is really just a question of how high it ranks.

Before GTM, China was on the list, but honestly, it was nowhere near the top. Then the Century Cruises representative walked into our boardroom wearing a panda suit while “Panda” blasted through the room, and suddenly I was paying attention.

Yes, the panda suit was hilarious, but it was the photos of the actual trip that completely changed my mind. The contrast between old and new is unlike anything I had pictured. One day, you are surrounded by thousands of years of history. The next, you are looking at futuristic skylines that feel like they belong in another century.

Century Cruises offers a 14-day journey from Beijing to Shanghai that combines a guided land tour with a Yangtze River cruise. You visit Beijing, Xi’an, Chongqing and Shanghai, with experiences including the Terracotta Warriors, historic neighborhoods, the Three Gorges, Goddess Stream and Shanghai’s mix of ancient water towns and modern skyscrapers.

I already know two of my personal must-dos would be walking on the Great Wall and cruising the Yangtze River.

What I especially love is that the river cruise falls right in the middle of the trip. China is a huge destination with so much to see, so after several days of touring, the Yangtze gives you a chance to slow down, relax and take in the scenery from your private balcony. Then you are refreshed and ready to continue on to Shanghai.

And let’s talk about the food.

One of my favorite parts of travel is trying the local cuisine, and I love that so many meals are included. You can experience foods from different regions without having to figure everything out on your own. The trip also includes guided touring, scheduled meals, excursions and English-speaking tour support. Eligible packages include international and domestic airfare, with beer and wine included during cruise meals.

The offer presented to me included flights from San Francisco or Los Angeles and started at $5,299 per person. Considering the flights, hotels, guided experiences, meals and river cruise, I was genuinely shocked by the value. The current itinerary is also advertised from $5,299 per person, although exact inclusions and departure options can vary by date and cabin category.

And yes, there is an option to upgrade the flights because, girl, your girl is not flying to China in economy.

China went from “maybe someday” to a trip I am seriously considering for October 2027 or 2028.

Would you join me?