Tourists visiting the Palace Museum in Beijing. – Xinhua photo

During their 10-day stay as part of Edinburgh’s first tourism familiarisation trip to China, industry veteran Alan Glen, president of the Scottish Passenger Agents’ Association, and Edinburgh Airport Engagement Manager Jenna Donaldson, both seasoned travelers, found themselves in a country where ancient heritage and digital modernity coexist seamlessly.

“I had two days in Shanghai,” Jenna recalled in a recent interview with Xinhua. “The Oriental Pearl Tower – wow. The views were absolutely incredible. And the shopping … I bought so much for my baby girl.”

Experiences in Shanghai

Alan shared the same astonishment, noting, “so many vehicles are electric. In Britain, we’re nowhere near that yet.” From the Bund’s glittering skyline to the lantern-lit canals, the group witnessed Shanghai’s integrated blend of old and new.

“You move from ancient bridges and quiet waterways straight into a futuristic cityscape,” Alan said. “The contrast is amazing.” Their journey continued by high-speed rail to Zhejiang, where the poetic tranquillity of West Lake stood in striking counterpoint to Hangzhou’s cutting-edge innovation corridors.

“West Lake reminded me of Loch Lomond,” Alan said. “Half an hour from the city and suddenly you’re surrounded by mountains, temples, and peace.” A few hours later, he found himself on China’s famed “digital street”, testing AI-powered translation glasses and watching intelligent robotics in action.

Cultural Discoveries

“China is leading in areas that are absolutely mind-blowing,” he stated. The cultural experiences also ran deep: picking Longjing tea leaves, learning the art of century-old Shaoxing rice-wine brewing, and exploring bustling markets where traditional craftsmanship meets seamless digital payment systems.

“The food markets were fantastic,” Alan remarked. “Fresh, vibrant, you wonder how they feed so many people, but they do it so well.” In Beijing, glowing sunlight enhanced their visit to the Great Wall.

“Not a cloud,” Alan said. “It was perfect.” The Forbidden City left another powerful impression, as did the warmth of schoolchildren practicing their English with them. One surprise that persisted throughout the trip was how inexpensive daily life felt compared with Britain.

Opportunities for Travel

Metro rides cost only a few pence, and full restaurant meals came to no more than the price of a takeaway coffee in Edinburgh. For travel businesses, this affordability presents a real opportunity, allowing for the design of trips that feel premium while remaining accessible to a broader range of Scottish travelers.

Behind the delegation’s journey was the year-round Edinburgh-Beijing direct service, now operated by Hainan Airlines. “We’re the only airport in Scotland with a direct scheduled service to China,” Jenna said proudly. Passenger numbers are strong, though both she and Alan see room to grow.

“China can be a gateway,” Alan explained, pointing out the potential for linking travels to Southeast Asia and Australia. “It’s a huge opportunity.”

Future Collaborations

Organised by the China National Tourist Office London, the trip also laid foundations for long-term cooperation, particularly for Scottish travel businesses. Local agencies expressed strong interest in designing products tailored to European travellers, which Alan sees as a major potential.

Inspired by the visit, he has begun drafting proposals for deeper collaboration not only with Beijing and Zhejiang but also with Hainan. Later this month, China’s Hainan Free Trade Port will launch island-wide independent customs operations, marking a significant milestone.

“I want to explore Hainan as a new destination for Scots,” he said. “Beaches, warm weather, duty-free shopping, great resorts, Hainan could be our next big thing. I plan to speak with partners about building it into future packages. There’s so much potential.” His vision is to create itineraries that pair Beijing’s rich cultural heritage with Hainan’s tropical relaxation, offering Scottish travellers a two-center Chinese holiday unlike anything currently on the market.