China Ties - Summer
Heritage tours for Chinese adoptees & their loved ones
Why Ties?
Our Chinese Ties journeys are designed specifically for adoptees returning to China — not as tourists, but as individuals reconnecting with their personal history and heritage. Supported by our dedicated Ties team before, during, and after travel, each experience is thoughtfully built around adoptee needs, identity exploration, and meaningful cultural connection.
We work closely with trusted in-country partners and guides to create opportunities for deeper engagement - including heritage sites, cultural learning, and, when possible, connections tied to each traveler’s story - all within a supportive adoptee peer community.
Through curated heritage experiences, personalized support, and shared reflection, we walk alongside you every step of the way.
Our programs help Chinese adoptees reconnect with their roots, deepen cultural understanding, and honor their individual journeys.
We understand adoptees because we are them.
Itinerary
Inclusions & Exclusions
Optional Excursion - Xi’an
Please contact the program manager for pricing.
“I can’t imagine doing this trip without the expertise of the China Ties Program. Their years of experience and unique approach to adoptee travel made a daunting journey into a treasured life experience. Autumn was communicative throughout the planning process, and her knowledge in country made all the difference in having a well organized, fun and meaningful experience. She was born to do this!”
—Gail Rusnak, China Ties 2025
Hear from prior tour members
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.
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China Ties Program Manager Autumn Ackerson reflects on her personal journey as a Chinese adoptee returning to her birth country—and how leading others on their own return trips has shaped her path.