Meet the Founders

Grace was born in the US to a family of Chinese immigrants from Fuzhou, Fujian. Her first trip to China was when she was 6 years old but she didn’t gain a true appreciation for China until visiting in 2023. Grace previously worked at Google and Salesforce. Grace loves building community, having cofounded a community for aspiring PMs named Product Buds and organizing events for Asians in Marketing at Google. She has traveled to 16 countries and is fluent in English and Fuzhounese while improving her Mandarin.

Yongjian was born in Jinan, Shandong and immigrated to the US with his family at age 9. He spent his summers visiting his grandparents, giving him an appreciation for Chinese culture and language. Yongjian graduated from Stanford University and previously worked at UC Davis, managing a portfolio of 10+ study abroad programs. Prior to that, he lived in Almaty, Kazakhstan for 2 years as a Princeton in Asia fellow. He has traveled to 40+ countries and is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Spanish. He loves learning languages and getting to know people from around the world. He is also a huge foodie and an aspiring chef!

How It Started

In December 2023, we took a self-organized three-week heritage trip to our ancestral hometowns in China. Planning a trip to China wasn’t easy for us - we had many challenges (visas, setting up payments, etc), but the experience was life-changing because we were exposed to the cultural, historical, and culinary diversity of China. We want to help you overcome these challenges in your journey to reconnect with your heritage homeland.

Where We Are Now

In 2024, we quit our 9-to-5 lives and moved ourselves from the US to Asia with the purpose to redefine travel as a force for connection.

Because bridges aren’t built by chance—they’re built by curious hearts and intentional steps.

We created From Roots to Bridges to:

Guide overseas Chinese in rediscovering their heritage—not just through places, but through untold overseas Chinese stories and dialogue.
Show travelers the China few see—beyond headlines and tourist hubs, into the raw, real, and resonant.
Craft off-the-beaten-path journeys across Asia where we don’t just take you to places, but create opportunities to interact with locals to learn more about their culture.

Why Travel With Us

Authentic & Culturally Immersive

Each itinerary is a living story—written with regional dishes, friendships with locals, and hands-on traditional activities that pull you deeper into the heartbeat of a culture.

Small Cohorts, Lifelong Friendships

Small cohorts, profound bonds—each journey is designed to unravel stories, both yours and theirs, sparking connections that outlast the experience itself.

Off the Beaten Path Experiences

Our experiences are not to your typical travel destinations. We believe that true discovery begins where the crowds end—where landscapes, traditions, and human connections remain raw, real, and unforgettable.

What Our Travelers Say

Jurrien & Sandra

Together with Grace and Yongjian, we travelled for almost 2 weeks through the province of Yunnan. Having never been to China, we felt a bit overwhelmed with the required preparations for this huge country. Even before we crossed the border from Vietnam to China, they prepared us in every possible way. From how to use Alipay and WeChat, to buying SIM Cards and setting up a VPN. Their knowledge about the area was astounding. Especially on the topics on (local) cuisine and culture, they introduced us to so much we didn't know. The itinerary chosen, suited well with our interests and the execution went very well.

Sebastien

China wasn’t on my travel list until Yongjian and Grace's captivating passion and deep knowledge opened my eyes to its wonders. Their guidance was essential in securing a SIM card, managing payments, booking trains and ordering food. This allowed me to fully embrace Yunnan’s rich diversity, from vibrant markets and museums to stunning landscapes and historical sites. The region’s varied ethnic groups and incredible cuisine enriched every moment. This trip not only left me with precious memories and a new perspective on travel and China but also the gift of friendship with two remarkable people I now call friends.

Angela & Yang

During our trip to China, especially in Fuzhou, Grace and Yongjian made our experience truly unforgettable. Although we have visited China several times before and speak the language (more or less), it can still be challenging to navigate the country, as everything changes so quickly. What made the journey even more special were the fascinating stories they shared about their own trips and the history and culture of the region. Touring with Grace and Yongjian was an absolute pleasure, and I would highly recommend their services to anyone, who want an effortless and memorable trip!

Matt

I've lived in mainland China for over seven years and I was thrilled to join Yongjian and Grace for my first visit to Fujian Province. Together the three of us made stops at the historic district of the Three Lanes and Seven Alleys, Xichan Temple, and the Overseas Chinese Museum. It was a pleasure touring Fuzhou with Yongjian and Grace, who were kind enough to introduce local delicacies and locate vegetarian restaurants to accommodate my dietary restrictions. I would wholeheartedly recommend booking a tour with Yongjian and Grace--you will not be disappointed!

Ted

I had a wonderful time traveling with Yongjian and Grace. They created a comprehensive itinerary with unique, hard-to-find experiences while remaining flexible and open throughout the trip. Their approach to travel planning reflects their commitment to cultural authenticity and meaningful engagement