Backroads of China

From Wang Xin......

I was born and raised in a small countryside village in Xinyang, Henan Province. My wife, Tania, is an Australian who came to China in 2001 as an oral English teacher. During that time, we met in Hubei Province and fell in love.

Now we are married and living in Jishou, Hunan Province. Since arriving in Central China, we have been excited to discover just how much traditional lifestyle still exists here, how many minority groups there are, and also, how cheap this area is to travel!!! However, we have also been surprised at how few international travellers come here. The tour groups generally miss this area because it isn't 'developed enough' for foreign travellers. However, we are convinced there are many foreigners out there who don't just want to see the “developed” China- they are prepared to travel a bit “rougher” to get a fuller picture of what China is like.

That's why we have started “Backroads of China” tours. To give you a chance to see more of China than just the modernized cities. To see the agricultural side of China , to learn the cultures of the various minority peoples and to soak up the beauty of China's wilderness areas. We look forward to having you join one of our adventures!

From our Hunan guide, Eric......

Hello, my name is Deng Yong, but you can call me Eric. Actually, Eric is a Danish hero with bullhorns on the head and an axe in his hands--strong, mature and brave! It's a pity that I'm not very strong and not very mature, but I am very brave, and that's why I can be a tour guide to take you to travel in Great China!

Last century, on exactly 23rd Feb, 1982, I was born in a small city called Jishou in northwestern Hunan. I spent 14 years being a naughty boy in the countryside then transformed into a lovely middle school student. From then on, I began to learn English, and found it was something I really loved. In 2000, I was accepted into the "Zhangjiajie Tourism College of Jishou University". Three years later, I graduated and started working as a tour guide. The reason I chose this job is because I love traveling and making friends. Through traveling, you can understand what freedom is, what difference is, what fun is, what a friend is, and what the world is. I love these aspects of my job.

From our Guangxi guide, Michael......

My name is Michael Yang, it is my English name, and my chinese name is Yang Ming Zhong, maybe Michael Yang is easier for you.

l am a Dong man, from Chengyang village, in the north of Guangxi. The Dong people are very friendly and they are very famous at singing songs. The Wind and Rain Bridge and the Drum-Tower are representative of Dong architecture. I am the owner of a hotel (Dong Village Hotel) in Chengyang, it is my familly hotel. l think I am a lucky man because l can make friends with alot of tourists in my hotel, learn a lot new things, and practise Englsh with them. I am happy to make you know more things about the Dong minority.

From our Yunnan guide, Jonathon.....

My name is Jonathan. I am from a small village in the Northeast of Yunnan province. I am an Yi minority person. I graduated from Yunnan Minorities University as an English major student. After my graduation, I travelled with friends to other provinces and Thailand. I was touched by beautiful scenic spots and different customs and cultures. From then on, I liked travelling. I think I'm lucky to be a tourist guide. To be a guide is valuable because life is about sharing. I can share beautiful scenery, customs and culture with other travellers. I have many beautiful memories of the trips I have shared with others.

I am patient and cheerful man and cherish the chance to get to know people from around the world. There is no time to be unhappy. If you come to Yunnan I promise I will do my best to give you a trip you'll never forget.