How OAT helps this “ambassador” tell China’s story
My name is Sally Yi Qu, and I have been working as a tour guide for more than ten years. People who could speak fluent English were respected greatly in China at that time, and tourism professionals were in demand because the industry was just beginning.
As little as two decades ago, the Chinese knew very little about the outside world and the U.S.—and Americans knew very little about China. When I became a tour guide, it seemed that nearly all Americans thought that China was a poor country, and that people had no food, clothes, or electrical appliances at home. I told them, “That is not today’s China, it was China in the 1970s.” I am proud of my country’s thousand-year history, rich culture, and great changes in recent years. I would like to tell the whole world about the real China, the new China. I wish more and more Westerners came to visit. I am confident that our country will be one of the most powerful in the world soon.
Before I worked for OAT, I worked for a few Chinese tour companies. I was disappointed in all their products because they did not really know what Americans wanted to learn about China. These companies only organized travel to scenic spots, not to visit local families, villages, schools, minority groups, and so on. On the other hand, OAT brings travelers to these places in addition to the scenic spots. After I got the job at OAT, I found I loved its company culture and its products so much. It is my great honor to be a Trip Leader for OAT because it helps me be a successful ambassador for China. More often than not, my guests tell me that meeting and interacting with people was the highlight of their trip—even after I’d escorted them to so many famous sites, such as the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terra Cotta Warriors, the Yangtze River, Potala Palace, and so on. You might be surprised at this. But you will agree after you travel with OAT to China.
Years ago, when I was escorting a group in Lhasa, Tibet, we went to visit the De Ji Orphanage, which is supported by Grand Circle Foundation. It was November, and very cold. All of the orphans were waiting for us outside the orphanage when we got there, and they danced and sang songs for us. Of course, my guests were very happy and joined them. Afterwards, we had some nice interactions with the children, who told us they appreciated that they could go to school, and that they were going to have a new dormitory building thanks to OAT’s financial support. Seeing their happy, smiling faces and shabby, thin clothes, all of my guests were in tears. They asked me to take them to a children’s store to buy all of the children padded clothes and gloves. So we had an extra discovery that morning. Of course, this was the highlight of the trip.
Now, the orphans are living in their new dormitory with shining windows and clean floors. They have running water and a heating system. They don’t look dirty anymore, and their smiles are even sweeter. I took pictures of them and sent them to my guests because I wanted to show them that the orphans’ lives had changed a lot with their help.
You’ll interact with the people of China—and view the scenic highlights as well—during our Imperial China, Tibet & the Yangtze Small Ship Adventure.