South of the Clouds, A Slow Journey Through Time for Three Generations

Author: Coco Li

After living in the United States for over a decade, the word "home" gradually split into two halves for me. One half is the California sunshine and my children's laughter; the other is my parents oceans away and a sense of homesickness that never fades. I've always had a wish: to take my American-born son, hold my parents' hands, and travel together through China.

This summer, that wish finally set sail. I flew back to Chongqing from California with my husband and son. The moment I reunited with my parents, seeing the white in their hair and the anticipation in their eyes, I knew the meaning of this trip went far beyond just sightseeing. After a short rest, our family of five boarded a high-speed train to Dali, officially beginning our long-awaited journey to Yunnan.

Honestly, planning a 14-day trip for three generations presents obvious challenges. My son is full of energy and loves to explore new things, while my parents need a relaxed, easy pace. As the "bridge" in the middle, I hoped to unload the heavy burden of planning and truly immerse myself in being present with them.

In the end, I chose to entrust this complex "wish list" to a custom travel service. Their professionalism and attention to detail dispelled all my worries from the very beginning. The questionnaire they sent was so detailed it even asked about my child's age and interests, as well as our preferred travel pace. When I proposed the idea of a "self-drive tour for the whole trip," they not only quickly planned a route through western Yunnan that balanced scenery and comfort but also gave me a huge surprise in the thick "roadbook" that followed.

That bilingual Chinese-English guide was a godsend for me. It not only clearly listed the daily itinerary, hotels, and local culinary specialties but also considered things like a clothing guide for Yunnan's variable weather and a list of medicines to prepare for my child. Most importantly, it gave me, an "overseas wanderer," a comprehensive understanding of the changes in China, like electronic payments and transportation apps. Throughout the booking process, the consultant patiently guided me step-by-step online. All costs were transparent, making me feel secure and in control.

And so, we began this incredibly meaningful journey.

In Dali, we didn't chase after all the "internet-famous" spots. Instead, we often rented a car and drove slowly along Erhai Lake. My husband drove, my parents chatted softly in the back seat while enjoying the scenery, and my son excitedly ran towards the shore at every stop. The lake-view guesthouses we stayed at in Longkan Pier and Wase Town both had stunning views. For countless evenings, we just sat on the terrace, gazing at the clouds over the Cangshan Mountains and the sunset over Erhai Lake. In those moments, there was no tourist hustle and bustle, only the cozy warmth of a family together. This was the "slow time" I had longed for.

From Dali to Tengchong, we specially arranged a light hike on Gaoligong Mountain. The 5.5-kilometer primeval forest trail was a fun adventure for my 10-year-old son and perfectly manageable for my parents, who exercise regularly. The local guide explained various exotic plants along the way, and my son listened with great interest. That night, we stayed at a mid-mountain hot spring hotel near Heshun Ancient Town. The feeling of happiness when three generations soaked in the warm spring water together, washing away the day's fatigue, was beyond words.

The border-town charm of Ruili and Mangshi opened up a whole new world for my son. In the "One Village, Two Countries" scenic area, he curiously hopped back and forth across the national border, experiencing the magic of "stepping into another country in a single stride." In the Moli Rainforest, he saw a "Dripping Guanyin" (Alocasia) and giant ferns for the first time. Seeing his face filled with wonder brought me immense satisfaction. This trip wasn't just about sightseeing; it was a vivid, experiential lesson on the vastness and diversity of our homeland.

Throughout the journey, our online customer service, via WeChat, acted like an invisible local friend, providing support anytime we needed it. Once in Mangshi, we wanted to try authentic hand-served rice but weren't sure which restaurant would suit the tastes of both the elderly and a child. I sent a quick message and received a perfect recommendation within minutes. It was this ever-present support that allowed me to completely let go of my "chief planner" role and fully enjoy the moment.

Over 14 days, our wheels measured the beauty of Yunnan, and our hearts felt the warmth of traveling as three generations. My son's understanding of China transformed from his mother's stories into his own personal memories. My parents' faces were filled with relaxed smiles I hadn't seen in a long time. This journey connected my past, present, and future. It made me truly feel that no matter where we are, home is always the destination our hearts yearn for.