Zhigen, an elderly farmer from China, has spent over two decades living alone in Beijing after relocating there so his son, Chongyi, could pursue a university education. He embarks on a lengthy trip from Beijing to Yangshuo to fulfill a promise he made to his late wife: to return the bird that has been his sole companion in the city. His daughter-in-law, Qianying, a wealthy and successful career woman, requests that he take his granddaughter, Renxing, along. Renxing, an only child raised in luxury, joins her grandfather on this journey—one that takes him back in time and allows her to explore her heritage. Meanwhile, Chongyi and Qianying reflect on their lives, which have been focused solely on achieving success and accumulating wealth.