Bridge to Locals
Bridge to Local Friends And Local Experiences
The world has become a bit chaotic in recent years, but that’s precisely why we should take the time to sit down, chat, and experience the real details of life while getting to know each other.
Hi, I’m Joanne Sun
Let me take you to my favorite left-wing bar in Chengdu, or enjoy an unforgettable night at some of the secret gay bars in China. Let's meet up and explore together!
- BA in Business Management, studied in the Newcastle University UK for 5 years
- Published signed Chinese fiction author, with over 100,000 reads online
- Influencer in Chinese historical culture, with thousands of followers and active community groups
- Personally explored 10+ remote historical sites across China, from forgotten temples to hidden ruins
- Former game localization & marketing lead, bringing global titles like The Elder Scrolls, Starfield into the Chinese market
- Aspiring , currently diving into geography and astronomy to better connect with the universe
- Openly queer creator advocating for diverse voices
Hi, I’m Yue
I’ve always dreamed of traveling the world, but before I could make that happen, I discovered a way to connect with the globe without leaving my hometown—by befriending travelers who visit Beijing. As a local, these friends became my window to the world, sharing their stories, cultures, and perspectives. Now, I want to encourage more locals to try this approach. It’s a simple yet powerful way to satisfy your wanderlust while embracing the life you have.
- Master's degree in Interaction Design from Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications
- Traveled to over 20 provinces in China and 20+ international destinations.
- A Xiaohongshu (Red) influencer with more than thousands followers
- Former UX designer at Umetrip (航旅纵横)—a leading travel technology platform in China
- Specializes in designing cross-cultural travel experiences that balance authenticity and user comfort
- Recognized as a “Super Star Host” across major platforms like Viator, Tripadvisor, Showaround... consistently receiving 5-star reviews from international travelers
“And when it did, people all over the world started waking up and realizing that they had more power than ever to go global as individuals”
Our Story
Hi, I’m Joanne — a history fan, a foodie, and a traveler.
I studied in the UK for over four years. When I was applying for university, I wrote in my personal statement: "I want to build a bridge to the world."
I never imagined that one day, I’d actually witness those bridging moments — like when I visited my partner Yue Zhu’s hometown, a small mountain village in Sichuan.
We explored the streets together, sang with passers-by using a portable speaker, watched someone teach their dog to swim, and even visited a local elder to learn how to cook noodles the local way.
That’s when I realized: I love visiting cities where I have friends. And more travelers deserve a friend like Yue Zhu — someone who makes every corner feel familiar, every encounter meaningful.
That’s how the idea of Bridge to Locals began — a way for you to meet your own local friend in China.
The idea of building bridges truly made sense when I witnessed those small, unexpected moments — when a Spanish traveler inspired a Beijing girl to start her globetrotting journey, a Japanese visitor exchanged gifts with a stranger from Taiwan, or two gay couples made friends over tea in Chengdu.
Some are passionate about calligraphy or street food. Some just love making new friends. All of them are here because they believe travel should be personal.
Looking forward to making real cultural connections with you — beyond the landmarks.
* : Bridge to Locals is an independent travel and cultural experience platform in China. Not affiliated with London Bridge Experience in the UK
