China Ties
Heritage tours for Chinese adoptees & their loved ones
China Ties
Heritage tours for Chinese adoptees & their loved ones
China Ties
Heritage tours for Chinese adoptees & their loved ones
China Ties
Heritage tours for Chinese adoptees & their loved ones
China Ties
Heritage tours for Chinese adoptees & their loved ones
Supported by our dedicated Ties team before, during, and after travel, we take pride in crafting opportunities that allow you to reconnect with people and places important to you, while connecting with a community who share similar life experiences.
Through curated travel experiences, personalized support, and community connections, we’re here to walk alongside you.
Our trips help adoptees reconnect with their roots, deepen cultural understanding, and embrace their unique stories.
We understand adoptees because we are them.
Explore Our China Heritage Tours
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![Chinese adoptees and their loved ones pose in a boat.]()
China Ties Summer
Our classic Ties program that runs in the summer for all ages.
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![Two young women pose with dumplings they made by hand.]()
China Ties Fall (21+)
This program is designed specifically for Chinese adoptees 21 years of age or older.
Summer 2026 China Tours
Our classic summer program that runs two tracks - Signature and Lite. Click below to learn more.
Click here to be taken to our sample itinerary and optional excursion add-ons.
“It was a surprise that I thought the biggest impact was getting to know the other adoptees… it was refreshing to see and hear that I wasn’t alone in my experience of being adopted.”
Megan G., Adoptee
“ It’s hard to put in words exactly how grateful I am for Ties, and the role the program played in making our family’s journey to China truly remarkable… you can feel and see that everyone involved in the operation cares deeply about their role in helping adoptees explore their roots and process their unique experience! The structure of the program also supports connectivity and community building among the adoptees and within the group of supportive adults… with the guidance of a highly knowledgeable staff person who has their own adoption story.”
Debra B., Aunt
Sample Summer Itinerary
Traveling with the Ties Program is an experience like no other
Fall 2026 China Tours
Our fall program was created specifically for adoptees 21+. Click below to learn more about our Signature 21+ and Lite 21+.
Click here to be taken to our sample itinerary and optional excursion add-ons.
“This trip was a trip of a lifetime.”
Jonah D., Adoptee
“This trip exceeded all of our expectations. The trip was incredibly well organized, thoughtful and fun. We were able to enjoy ourselves and focus on the needs of our child from China because we knew everything else was taken care of by Autumn and the team.”
Lori L., Parent
Early Bird Registration Deadline for China Ties Fall is January 31, 2026
Early Bird Registration Deadline for China Ties Fall is January 31, 2026
Sample Fall Itinerary
Traveling with the Ties Program is an experience like no other
Need financial help? Ask us about available grants and subsidies!
Click to learn more
YOUR TIES PROGRAM MANAGER
Autumn Ackerson
Autumn is a Chinese adoptee who joined the Ties team full-time in 2023. She first traveled with China Ties as a participant in 2014 and later returned as an adjunct team member in 2019, bringing valuable firsthand experience to her current role. Originally from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Autumn now lives in Grand Rapids, Michigan with her fiancé and their beloved cat, Otto. She holds degrees in Psychology and Sociology from Aquinas College and has a professional background in Social Work, with a focus on foster care and adoption. Autumn is passionate about supporting adoptees and their loved ones through meaningful experiences and is honored to be part of an organization that has had such a profound impact on her own journey.
Please note: Autumn may not travel on every trip.
Not ready to travel yet?
Join our mailing list to learn more about upcoming heritage tours to China!
Frequently Asked Questions
about heritage travel to China
Q: Will we have time to visit my province?
A: Yes! The province visit is built into the China Ties itinerary in the middle of the trip, with 4–5 days allotted for this portion. We price this portion separately from the main program fee because it is completely customizable— each adoptee can choose whether they’d like to visit their orphanage, try to locate foster family, see their finding spot, and/or do some sightseeing. The Ties team works closely with you to shape what this experience looks like. Every adoptee’s province experience is unique. After the province visits, the group reunites, giving everyone time to decompress, share experiences, and reconnect before continuing on.
Q: Does Ties do our visas for us?
A: No, Ties does not process China visas directly for adoptees and their loved ones. However, we provide detailed instructions, trusted partners, and step-by-step guidance to make the process as smooth as possible. Our team is also available to answer questions along the way so you feel confident about submitting your application.
Q: Can our family travel with two adoptees and visit both provinces during the trip?
A: Yes! Families/groups with two adoptees are welcome, and we can work with you to visit both provinces. Depending on the locations, this may require additional planning, travel time, or costs, but our team will help coordinate logistics. The province portion is designed to be flexible and customizable, and we’ll do our best to make sure both adoptees have meaningful experiences within the time allotted.
Q: Does Ties arrange for me to visit my orphanage?
A: Yes, when possible. The Ties team will work with local officials to request permission for an orphanage visit. Approval is not guaranteed and can vary by province. In recent years, many orphanage policies have changed, and in some cases, original buildings have been torn down or replaced with new facilities. If you are curious about your specific orphanage, you can always inquire with our Program Manager, who can check whether visits are currently allowed and share the latest information about its status. If an orphanage visit isn’t possible, we’ll help create a meaningful alternative, such as visiting the finding spot, connecting with previous staff of the orphanage, or exploring the local area.