Why We Founded Sino PathFinder

Hi there,

I’m Yvon, a journalist turned traveler turned founder of Sino PathFinder. After years reporting on global politics and business from the United States and beyond, I came to a quiet but terrifying realization: genuine connection between people, especially those who look, speak, and live differently, is fading.

I have spoken with some of the world’s most powerful state leaders and CEOs. Yet my role as a journalist never quite fulfilled my early hope to build bridges between countries, societies, and individuals. Instead, I witnessed how misinformation and misunderstanding only grow, especially now in the age of AI, where so-called intelligent systems are often trained on stereotypes, biases, and flawed data.

China is a perfect example.

The China I grew up with — the scent of incense rising from mountaintop temples, grandparents sharing folk stories beneath starlit skies, steaming bowls of noodles served by strangers who quickly feel like family — is missing from global narratives. Too often people make snap judgments about a country of 1.4 billion people after reading provocative headlines.

So I did something unexpected. I stepped away from the newsroom and returned to China’s ancient trails.

Together with my dear friend and expert local guide Jun, we founded Sino PathFinder as a bridge, a way for thoughtful travelers to discover a deeper China, spiritual, poetic, wild, and wise.

Here is the truth. Traveling to China is not just about ticking off famous landmarks. It is about seeing for yourself, meeting people whose stories will stay with you, and uncovering the richness beneath the surface.

And while you are at it, you might find that spending time with people in a different place helps soften misunderstandings and build a little more trust. Sometimes, it is the small moments, shared meals, and honest conversations that make the biggest difference.

Especially now when the world feels more divided and stories are often one-sided, your journey to China might matter more than you realize.

That’s why we at Sino PathFinder carefully craft journeys that go beyond the typical tourist paths to reveal the authentic soul of China. Our trips combine deep local knowledge, meaningful cultural connections, and moments for spiritual reflection, all designed to open your eyes to a China that you don’t see on the headlines. With small groups and personalized attention, we create space for genuine discovery, heartfelt stories, and unforgettable experiences that stay with you long after your trip ends. And who knows-those experiences might even help change the world for the better someday.

Come see for yourself. We would love to curate the best China experience for you.

Warmly,
Yvon Yu
Co-Founder, Sino PathFinder