Meet Linda! Hailing from Lanzhou, her journey has taken her from the historic landscapes of the Silk Road to the vibrant streets of London, where she pursued her studies, before rooting herself in Chengdu. Driven by curiosity and a love for human connection, Linda has turned her passion for exploration into a career, sharing the beauty of China with travelers from around the globe.
Where are you from and where do you live now?
I’m originally from Lanzhou, the capital of Gansu province, known for its rich Silk Road history and famous hand-pulled beef noodles. When I was 11, I moved to Chengdu, a city that blends a laid-back lifestyle with incredible food and culture. After high school, I spent five years in the UK, completing my undergraduate and postgraduate studies. Now, I’m back in Chengdu, living and working in the city that feels like home.
Was there a specific moment in your life when you realized travel is what you wanted to do for work?
I’ve always had a passion for travel, but discovering WildChina was the moment everything fell into place. It gave me the perfect opportunity to share the joy of exploring China with people from around the world. That’s when I knew I wanted to turn my love for travel into a career.
Through your career, was there one piece of advice you received that really impacted how you do your job? If so, what was it?
One piece of advice that has always stuck with me is the importance of truly understanding travelers — what matters to them, what excites them, and what will make their journey unforgettable. It’s about going beyond the basics, paying attention to the little details, and ensuring every experience feels meaningful. That mindset shapes how I approach my work every day.
What is the best travel experience you’ve had so far?
I have two travel experiences that are especially close to my heart. The first was in 2016 when I traveled with my mom to Daocheng in Sichuan. We hiked over three hours to reach the famous Milk Lake, climbing to an altitude of more than 4,000 meters. Just as we were about to descend, a sudden hailstorm hit. The narrow, slippery path down had a sheer drop beside it. Though we were both nervous, we didn’t say it aloud. Instead, we encouraged each other, taking careful steps until we made it down safely. As a high school student at the time, that experience taught me resilience and the importance of pushing through challenges.
The second was in 2024 after completing my master’s degree in the UK. To celebrate, my two best friends and I decided to visit each other’s cities — London, Southampton, and Glasgow — retracing the routes we had walked during our studies. We shared personal memories, took graduation photos for each other, and reflected on our eight years of friendship. It felt like the perfect way to close one chapter of our lives and step into the next. That trip was filled with laughter and nostalgia — it was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve ever had.
What is the most memorable trip you’ve planned for a traveler?
Many of the trips I’ve planned are set to take place soon, and I can’t wait to see them come to life! One that stands out is a 20-day journey across China for a couple, combining famous landmarks with immersive experiences. I’m especially excited about their time in my hometown, Gansu, where they can experience the stunning landscapes of northwestern China.
What’s the coolest WOW moment you’ve had happen on one of the trips you arranged?
With many exciting trips coming up, I’m looking forward to creating plenty of wow moments. One I’m especially excited about is during an expert-led visit to Dunhuang, where travelers will explore ancient grottoes with an archaeology expert and get up close to the incredible murals inside.
If you had to pick one thing that makes a trip outstanding (not just good, but great), what would it be?
Human connection. The people you meet and the moments you share often leave a deeper impression than the places themselves. It’s the conversations, the unexpected kindness, and the genuine connections that make a trip truly unforgettable.
Tell us three places on your travel bucket list and why:
Antarctica is at the top of my list — I’d love to see penguins and whales in their natural habitat, surrounded by untouched icy landscapes. South Africa is another dream destination, with its incredible wildlife and the chance to witness the great animal migrations. And then there’s New Zealand, a country so breathtakingly beautiful that I can’t even pinpoint one specific reason — I just know I must experience it for myself!
What do you do when you aren’t working?
Traveling is always my first choice. I love exploring new places, capturing them through photos and videos, and creating vlogs to document my adventures. When I’m not traveling, I enjoy watching films and TV shows, spending time with my incredibly funny and extroverted friends, and, most importantly, being with my family.
What’s a fun fact about you that most people don’t know?
My very first dream was to become an actress. It’s funny to think about now, but it’s a great reminder of how our dreams evolve over time. Also, most people don’t know that I’m a bit of an adrenaline junkie! Whether it’s hiking at high altitudes, exploring remote destinations, or even skydiving, I love the thrill of adventure.
