How long was my longest trip with a client? 10 days!
I was working as a tour guide and interpreter for a 24-year-old client, the founder of a children’s nutrition snack startup. He’d come to China for a mix of things: meeting his key suppliers, visiting factories to see production firsthand, and also checking off some iconic places to visit in China along the way. This wasn’t just a quick business trip to China — it was a full immersion into both the country’s manufacturing heartland and its cultural highlights.
The Calmest, Most Self-Made Entrepreneur I’ve Ever Met
When I first met him, I’ll admit I had a bias. I saw how young he was and thought, “His family must have funded this.” I was completely wrong. He started this business at 19 while still in university. He told me, “I want to start early and work hard while I’m young. Success comes to those who don’t wait.” He is 100% self-made.
What surprised me most wasn’t just his success, but his personality. He is, without a doubt, the calmest person I have ever met. His emotions are incredibly stable, and he speaks with such peace and kindness. Honestly, he doesn’t act like a typical 20-something; he has the wisdom and composure of someone who has seen it all.
The hustle behind his success is just as inspiring. In the beginning, he visited over 20 investors, facing rejection after rejection. Most people would have quit at the 10th “No,” but he kept going until he got that one “Yes” that changed everything. He simply loves what he does, and I believe that passion is his secret weapon.
A Leader Who Actually Cares (And Treated Me Like a Partner)
Even as his guide and translator, he treated me like a partner, not just a service provider. One night, we wrapped up factory meetings late, around 9 PM, and he still wanted to squeeze in a quick walk to see the city lights. Before we left, he turned to me and said, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how’s your energy right now? I don’t want to drag you around if you’re exhausted.” When I said I was at a 4, he immediately suggested we call it a night. No pressure, no ego — just genuine care. He even invited me to attend his company’s ceremony in the US later this year, and I still can’t believe how honored I felt.
The 10-Day Itinerary: Business, Culture, and China’s Best Sights
Travel to China with a tour guide means you don’t have to stress about logistics — and this trip was perfectly balanced between factory visits and must-see spots. Here’s how our days unfolded:
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
We kicked things off in Shanghai, landing at the airport around 3 PM. After clearing customs and checking into the hotel, we headed straight to dinner at Shanghai Gongyan restaurant, a cozy spot where we could ease into the trip and go over the itinerary together.
Day 2: Shanghai Sights & Therapy
We started the morning with classic Shanghai views: The Bund, a ferry crossing, Yu Garden, and the Oriental Pearl Tower. It was the perfect way to soak in the city’s mix of old and new. After lunch, we squeezed in a therapy session at Zhongjingtang (Xuhui Branch) — much-needed relaxation before the trip really got busy. We finished the day with dinner at Nanshan restaurant, then took the evening high-speed train to Shenzhen.
Day 3: Shenzhen Factory Visit to Foshan
Our first factory visit was in Shenzhen. It was a chance for my client to see the production line, ask questions, and connect with his suppliers face-to-face. After the meeting, we have lunch with the factories. They were so kind and showed us arround Shenzhen. After dinner, we took the train to Foshan.
Day 4: Foshan Factories to Changde
Foshan is known as a manufacturing hub, and we had two key stops here: Casa Ceramic & Sanitary Ware Market in the morning, then a factory later that day. It was a busy day of meetings, we took a Didi to Guangzhou, then a late train to Changde to head to Zhangjiajie.
Day 5: Zhangjiajie’s Natural Wonders
We arrived in Zhangjiajie in the morning, ready to explore the area’s stunning landscapes. We spent the day at the National Forest Park of Tianmen Mountain, wandering the trails and taking in the dramatic rock formations. We also stopped by 72 Qilou, a unique spot that felt like stepping into a different world.
Day 6: More of Zhangjiajie’s Beauty
We went back to the National Forest Park, this time exploring Yangjiajie Scenic Area and Wulingyuan. The views were absolutely breathtaking — it’s easy to see why this place inspired the “Avatar” mountains.
Day 7: Huangshizhai & Jinbian Brook
Our third day in Zhangjiajie took us to Huangshizhai, Jinbian Brook, and Shili Gallery. We hiked through forests, crossed streams, and stopped to take photos at every turn. It was a full day of exploring, but the fresh mountain air and stunning scenery made it all worth it.
Day 8: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon to Xi’an
We visited Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in the morning, taking in the sweeping views before heading to the train station for our ride to Xi’an. It was a long journey, but it gave us time to catch up on emails and plan the next leg of the trip.
Day 9: Xi’an’s History and Lights
We spent the day exploring Xi’an’s most famous spots: the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell Tower, and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Fountain in the evening. We finished the night at Datang Everbright City, where the streets are lit up like something out of a fairy tale.
Day 10: Shaanxi History Museum and the Journey Home
Our final day started with a visit to the Shaanxi History Museum, a perfect way to wrap up our time in Xi’an. After lunch, we headed to the train station for our ride back to Shanghai, arriving in the evening to close out the trip.
What This Trip Taught Me
By the end of those 10 days, I was tired, sure — but I was also full of so much gratitude. This job isn’t just about showing people around or translating conversations. It’s about meeting people who teach you something new, and remind you why hard work and kindness matter. I left this trip with new perspective, a new friend, and a reminder that the best part of my job is never the itinerary — it’s the people you meet along the way. I can’t wait to see where the next trip takes me.
