Mao Fei: Chief Sichuan Guide & Photographer

A passion for world history and religion, Taekwondo, and of course the great outdoors only begins to paint a picture of Mao Fei.  Born and raised in Chengdu, where he still resides when he’s not on the road, he graduated from Western China University with a degree in computer science.  However, you’ll need a bit of luck to catch him in Chengdu, as you’re more likely to run into him blazing new trails in unexplored parts of western China.  As long as he’s outside with nature and fresh air all around him, the gentle-mannered Mao Fei will have a smile on his face.  Mao Fei is also the main contributing photographer to our website.

Wu Yunxin: Yunnan Expert

Mr. Wu, a member of the Bai minority, brings more than 9 years experience as a tour guide, tour operator, and guesthouse owner to Overland China.  He also finds time to serve on the local Jianchuan County Tourism Board.  He perfected his English by giving tours to the foreign guests who made the trek to the less-commonly Shaxi Valley, his home since birth.  His idyllic guesthouse comes complete with a teahouse and an impressively restored Bai-style stage for performances.  He runs the guesthouse with just his wife and his adorable daughter.  Besides Shaxi, Mr. Wu has led tours all over northwest Yunnan from Kunming all the way up to Deqin on the border with Tibet.  Mr. Wu's calm, humble demeanor hardly hints at the vast knowledge about Yunnan he has to offer.  

Jerry Zhao: Chief Yunnan Guide

Born and raised in Henan Province and schooled in Beijing, Jerry did not hesitate to leave the industrialized Eastern China for the serene beauty and tranquility of Yunnan. His degree in teaching Chinese as a second language from the Beijing International Studies University allowed him to find work quickly in Lijiang as a college teacher. However, after 2 years of teaching Jerry decided to put his masterful English towards a more stimulating career as a tour guide. Jerry is now in his 4th year as a professional tour guide in Northwest Yunnan. Fascinated by traditional Chinese culture, he enjoys soaking uo knowledge not only by reading books, but by communicating with local people and sharing different opinions with them. Jerry now considers all aspects of tourism in Northwest Yunnan as his expertise.

Isabella Wan: Chengdu Area Guide

Isabella comes from nearby Meishan, a clean city just outside Chengdu a bit closer to the mountains.  Isabella is now in her third year as a tour guide after graduating from Sichuan Normal University with a degree in English.  Her specialties as a tour guide focus upon the many major attractions around Chengdu which allowed the city to be voted as China’s #1 tourist city in 2007.  She describes herself as hardworking, enthusiastic, independent, and brave, characteristics which should all be useful in helping her achieve her goal of traveling the world.  Above all else Isabella places happiness first for herself and all of her friends and family.