23 Years Later, Back at the Same Hotel in China
Same hotel. Same family. 23 years apart.
The Dolton Hotel, Changsha · Then and Now (2003–2026)
Look at these two photographs.
Both were taken at the same hotel in Changsha, China, 23 years apart. In the first, a couple holds their baby daughter. In the second, their daughter is grown up, standing between them on the hotel staircase.
The first photograph dates back to 2003, when the parents traveled to China to adopt their daughter. The second was taken in August 2026, when the three returned to China together.
This time, they planned a 14-day trip through Beijing, Chengdu, Guilin, Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Shanghai. They wanted to enjoy a family vacation while also visiting places connected to their daughter's early life.
Exploring China Together
For this family, returning to China wasn't just about revisiting the past. They also wanted to see more of the country together.
Their trip included the Great Wall in Beijing, time in Chengdu, the beautiful landscapes of Guilin, and a visit to Shanghai. Along the way, they experienced different parts of China, from its busy cities to its quieter scenery.
With LeadToChina's help, they planned a private tour that included time in Hunan Province for their daughter's personal heritage visits.
Returning to Changsha and Zhuzhou
When the family arrived in Changsha, they met their local guide, who had also accompanied them during their adoption trip 23 years earlier. The family was happy to see him again after so many years.
They stayed at The Dolton Hotel, where the parents had stayed in 2003. Being back at the hotel brought back many memories of their first trip to China.
During their stay in Hunan, the family traveled from Changsha to Zhuzhou for a day focused on their daughter's early history.
They met with representatives of Zhuzhou Children's Social Welfare Institute to learn more about available records. They also visited the place where their daughter had been found as a baby and the former site of the orphanage.
For their daughter, now an adult, this was a chance to visit these places herself. For her parents, it was a return to a part of China they remembered from 23 years earlier.
After their visits, the family returned to Changsha before continuing their journey.
In Their Own Words
After returning home, the family shared a five-star TripAdvisor review titled “An Amazing Return to China.”
Lead to China was our choice for a 14 day, private, Heritage tour of a very beautiful country. From planning with Lisa, an amazing coordinator, to professional, thoughtful and courteous guides and drivers, every detail was managed to perfection. It gave us and our daughter the ability to truly enjoy our surroundings and the culture from Beijing to Chengdu, Guilin, Changsha and Shanghai with worry free connections and travel. Our daughter was able to explore her “finding spot” and visit the site of her original orphanage 23 years later. Coincidentally stayed in the same hotel in Changsha where we became a family. This is a tour company with high standards and expert service. Highly recommend!
Read the original review on TripAdvisor →Planning Your Own Heritage Journey to China? Tell Us About Your Plans →