As a destination advisor and business owner, Barb Wright has researched and organized one-of-a-kind trips across the globe that leave an impact on her clients forever. Every so often, a trip gives her that same feeling.
In October 2024, Wright traveled to China for a 12-day familiarization (FAM) trip. With a very open mind, she embraced everything the Middle Kingdom had to offer. From city life to countryside exploration, Wright gained a true taste of the best food, lodging and culture, including checking off one of her bucket list items–visiting the handcrafted terracotta warriors.
Out of all of the places her business has taken her, she admits only two have brought her to tears when it was time to depart. Israel was one, and China was the other.
“Both times, I went with people I didn't know and made connections with those people and with the people there. I truly left a piece of my heart in both places,” Wright said. “It is almost a spiritual connection to China.”
Wright relived her experience day-by-day and is excited to send future clients on this same, life-changing trip.
Days 1-3: Xi'an And Shanghai
Wright loves to incorporate historical sights into her trips. The Xi’an TerraCotta Soldiers, uncovered in 1974, was the first stop. No two are alike and 8,000 of them stand guard over Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb. She also visited The Hanyang Mausoleum, the final resting place of Emperor Jing of Han and the Jewish Quarter in Shanghai. Wright was surprised to learn what a large influence Jewish culture has there. Her group enjoyed the culinary selection and people watching.
“The meals were all phenomenal. We ordered the chicken with the head on it, but I wasn't really wild about that. That kind of grossed me out. So, I ate the chicken, but I didn't touch the head.”
Days 4-5: Chengdu
It wouldn’t be a trip to China without seeing the pandas! In Chengdu, Wright took a dumpling cooking class and spent an entire day with pandas, feeding them bamboo and making cakes for them to eat. This is also where Wright took in a signature, Sichuan Opera, where performers instantly swap vividly colored masks to portray character emotions.
“I thought it was going to be really boring, but it was really cool. You're sitting with mostly locals who between scenes, or acts, would go get their ears cleaned. Strange experience, but I stood in line for my turn too. You could order peanuts. They bring peanuts to you and wine.”
Days 6-9: Yangshuo And Longsheng
These two stops in the countryside offered breathtaking views and glimpses into everyday life of the villagers. Longsheng is known for its rice terraces where rice is harvested grain by grain, and rafting along the river in Yangshuo was a highlight for Wright. She was pleasantly surprised by the warm welcomes they received.
“As you are going along, you see people doing their laundry on the side of the water. There's all these nuances that you see from a different angle when you're out there rafting down the river. When I create trips for others, I want them to have those cultural immersions, so you get to know the people.”
“I was shocked at how friendly the people were. We were bike riding along the Yellow River, and a woman said, ‘American selfie!’ And she grabbed her camera and took a selfie with all of us.”
Days 10-12: Beijing
Wright’s time in Beijing was eye opening. She experienced Chinese culture in the best and hardest ways, seeing the disparity in how the government treats different groups of people. She walked inside the Forbidden City and hiked along the Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
"When we got to the top, a Taichi master met us there, and we did Tai Chi on the Great Wall. After that, we all had champagne toasts. I couldn't even imagine what it would be like. To think, ‘How did these people do this?’ It's mind blowing. It's like looking at the pyramids in Egypt.”
For more information on booking a trip to China with Barb, you can book a discovery call online: travelwrightwithbarb.com