With the arrival of 2025, WildChina founder, Mei Zhang, shared some inspiring words with the team to serve as a guiding light for the year ahead. Her vision — centered on responsibility, meaningful work, the vitality of culture, and the art of slow travel — resonates deeply with all of us, reminding us why we do what we do. It’s our honor and pleasure to share them here with you, too. So, here are five key takeaways from Mei’s heartfelt message.
1. Responsibility: the cornerstone of our work
For Mei, responsibility lies at the heart of meaningful work. True responsibility, she notes, begins when it extends beyond the individual to encompass everyone impacted by our efforts. Mei emphasizes WildChina’s role in not only crafting transformative experiences for travelers, but also honoring the people, cultures, and environments that make these journeys extraordinary. This involves uplifting local communities and preserving the integrity of the places we explore. In 2025, WildChina remains dedicated to ensuring our actions positively impact both travelers and the destinations they discover.
2. Building lasting connections
At the core of WildChina’s philosophy is the belief that meaningful work creates authentic connections between people and cultures. Mei highlights the importance of designing experiences that delve beneath the surface, enabling travelers to truly engage with the traditions, history, and daily life of a place. This approach enriches the travel experience while fostering deeper cultural appreciation and understanding. In 2024, the team is looking forward to continuing to approach each interaction, both internal and external, with sincerity and thoughtfulness, ensuring that all our journeys lead to lasting connections for all.
3. Celebrating culture as a living presence
Mei describes culture as a living, breathing entity, “culture is a forest, not a potted plant.” This analogy urges us to look beyond the curated and packaged elements of culture and to seek out its true essence in the rhythms of daily life. Whether it’s sharing a meal with a local family or observing an artisan at work, Mei’s vision challenges us to celebrate culture as something dynamic and ever evolving.
4. Savoring time and presence
In a world that often prioritizes speed, Mei’s emphasis on slow travel feels especially timely. She underscores the value of journeys that encourage travelers to linger, savor, and immerse themselves fully in their surroundings. By taking the time to connect deeply with people and places, we unlock experiences that are both meaningful and transformative. As we plan for 2025, Mei’s words remind us to continue embracing presence and patience in all that we do.
5. Honoring cultural ambassadors
Culture, as Mei reflects, lives in people. It’s in their stories, crafts, and ways of life. We should always celebrate the guides, artisans, and local hosts who serve as cultural ambassadors, connecting travelers to the heart of a destination. Mei’s call to approach these interactions with respect and humility underscores the importance of mutual understanding in creating impactful travel experiences. For the year ahead, WildChina reaffirms its commitment to honoring and supporting these vital connections.
Looking ahead
Mei’s message is a powerful reminder of the values that guide WildChina. In 2025, we will continue to innovate, crafting journeys that leave lasting impressions while contributing to the preservation and appreciation of cultural heritage. As we welcome the new year, we carry forward her vision of responsibility, meaningful work, and the celebration of culture as a living presence. Her words inspire us to continue redefining what it means to travel with purpose and intention. Here’s to 2025—a year of more transformative journeys and lasting impact.
By Gabrielle Keepfer
