The Inn of the Sixth Happiness

Aylward is rejected as a potential missionary to China because of her lack of education. Dr. Robinson, the senior missionary, feels sorry for her and secures a position in the home of Sir Francis Jamison. He writes to his friend in China, Jeannie Lawson, who agrees to accept Gladys as a much-needed assistant at her mission in Yangcheng.

Aylward saves her money to buy a ticket on the Trans-Siberian Railway, choosing the more dangerous overland route to the East because it is less expensive. The journey marks the beginning of her acculturation as she heads toward China.

Sir Francis writes to Jeannie Lawson, who agrees to accept Gladys as a much-needed assistant at her mission in Yangcheng. Lawson has set up an inn for muleteers, where the men can get clean food for their animals, communal beds without bugs, a good hot meal and Lawson's free stories. Aylward begins her path in China through Lawson's mission.

Lawson's inn provides clean food, beds, and stories for muleteers passing through. Aylward becomes Lawson's assistant and begins learning about the local people and language. The community begins to see her as part of the mission.

Tragedy strikes when a balcony collapses, killing Lawson. The loss leaves Aylward to carry on the mission with the help of Yang and others. The inn continues to operate as the new center of her work.

Captain Lin, commander of Yancheng's garrison, advises Aylward to go home and wishes her well as he leaves. This farewell marks a turning point as she continues her work among the local people. The departure signals the shifting tide toward war.

The local Mandarin appoints Aylward as Foot Inspector, charging her with enforcing the government's anti-foot binding policy. She travels through the mountains, wins the esteem of the people, and even earns Chinese citizenship while continuing her mission. Her hard work earns her the nickname 'She who loves'.

Lin returns with news of growing trouble as Japan prepares for war. The two journey on her rounds, and they confess their love before Lin leaves again. Their bond deepens against a backdrop of looming conflict.

Japan invades in 1937 and an air raid shatters the city, killing Yang. The Mandarin evacuates the population to the countryside. Li, a former prisoner, comes to help Aylward with her five adopted children.

Lin returns with grim news of the war, and he urges Aylward to leave with him. She refuses, declaring, 'These are my people and I will live and I will die for them.' They share a kiss before separation.

In a moving moment, the Mandarin announces that he is converting to Christianity to honor Aylward and the faith she embodies. He bids her farewell, saying they will not meet again. The city grows quieter as the conflict intensifies.

50 children arrive at the inn from another mission, and a new letter orders their evacuation to Xi'an by 12 November. Trucks will take them, but the Japanese control the road ahead, forcing a dangerous mountain crossing. Lin gives Aylward a map and a ring, saying, 'I know you'll come back if you can.'

After a long, perilous journey including a river crossing, the group arrives at the waiting trucks on the day they are due to leave. Li dies to save them from a Japanese patrol, a heartbreaking sacrifice that steels the remaining group's resolve.

The column of children reaches the steps of the mission amid cheering crowds. Dr. Robinson greets Aylward and acknowledges how she has changed. She reveals her former name and declares she is going home, looking back toward the mountains.