When a client reaches out to me for China Trip Planning, I see it as more than just an itinerary – it’s a partnership and collaboration to create an unforgettable journey. You may think I can copy and paste itineraries from one client to another - in fact, all trip plans I made are customised and unique to each party depending on their travelling style, energy levels, and transportation preferences and interests. Some clients had some must-haves even though the places no longer exist; some clients wanted something new and unique to the place they can’t experience anywhere; some are museum snobs, and some aren’t, while some demand the tour to be physically active!

I want to share the most recent client’s review of my service, which I treasure so much because it is genuine and paints a vivid picture of the experience I can offer. It’s like my trophy, much more worthwhile than a tip, to express her appreciation and recognition of my unique service.

Recently, I had the privilege of working with an inspiring solo traveller who wanted to explore Shanghai and its surrounding towns and cities. What followed was a ten-day journey that allowed her to experience the true essence of Shanghai. Here’s what she had to say about her experience (shared anonymously to respect her privacy):

Bringing Shanghai to Life

Reading this client’s review fills me with joy (I read it almost a hundred times) because it perfectly describes what I aim to achieve with travelers who choose to work with me. Planning her trip to China was more than just arranging logistics; it was about diving deep into her interests, creating a personalized experience, and ensuring she felt truly connected to the city. For example, she mentioned that she watched some CDrama based in Shanghai. I was able to show her where those locations were from the drama.

From exploring hidden gems and vibrant local spots to ensuring seamless communication and arrangements, it was about making the journey stress-free and maximising the best experience and managing her expectations.

Curating a Personal Experience

As she mentioned, one of the highlights of our collaboration was our early conversation on how to shape her travel itinerary. She wasn’t entirely sure what she wanted, but through open dialogue, we were able to craft a unique itinerary that captured the spirit of Shanghai—not just as a tourist destination but as a lived-in, breathing city. I love when clients are curious about not just seeing sights but understanding the culture and way of life. That’s where my passion comes alive – showcasing Shanghai in all its complexity, whether it's through old local places, historic neighborhoods, or contemporary art district and futuristic financial CBD in Shanghai

Seamless Travel for Solo Travelers

Being a solo traveler can come with its challenges, especially in a place where language and tech barriers exist. My client highlighted how I worked behind the scenes to remove those stress points – from helping her navigate hotel arrangements to overcoming hurdles like booking events in China’s unique digital systems, train ticket rebooking and changes. As a solo traveler myself, I understand these concerns firsthand, and my goal is always to empower my clients to feel confident and safe while enjoying their travels.

Building a Personal Connection

One of my favorite parts of this journey was accompanying her through some of Shanghai’s lesser-known neighborhoods and sharing insights into local life – from the perspectives of lifelong Shanghainese, expats, and migrants who shape the city’s ever-evolving identity. It's the human connection that can often be missing in travel, but it’s the key to truly appreciating a place. As I also believe that “The best trips are made of good people.”

Disclaimer: Images are for illustration only and do not depict the client who wrote this review.