A personal field journal
About the founder
I began with a question: how does China really connect with the world?
I grew up in a rural area of China and became curious about the wider world from a young age.
Rural Chinato the world
Meet the founder
Qishan Li
李琦珊During university, I began looking outward — exploring different places and cultures while entering the international trade industry. That path brought me close to Chinese manufacturing and the people, decisions, and relationships behind products made for the world.
- Chinese name
- 李琦珊 · QISHAN, LI
- English name
- Wendy
- Born
- 2006
- Based
- Guangzhou, China
- Field
- International trade · China manufacturing
- Drawn to
- World cultures · People · Food · Everyday life
- Contact
- wendyli896@gmail.com
I love exploring the world, learning from the culture and humanity of different places, tasting local food, and noticing the small details of ordinary life. Curious, optimistic, and outgoing, I want this journal to carry the same energy: grounded in observation and joyful about being alive.
When I entered university, I started exploring beyond the boundaries I had known — traveling to different countries, volunteering internationally, meeting people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and beginning my work in international trade.
At the beginning of my twenties, I decided to start The China Linker: a personal journey to explore how China connects with the world.
“Understanding begins when we move beyond labels and pay attention to lived experience.”
Through international travel, cross-cultural experiences, and my work with Chinese manufacturers serving global markets, I have witnessed different sides of China: from its industries and supply chains to its cities, communities, and everyday life.
Work / observationDongguan, China
The view from here
China is often seen through simplified narratives.
But behind these labels are millions of people, businesses, communities, and stories that shape a much more complex society.
Through this platform, I hope to share a more personal and grounded perspective on China — helping the world better understand it and build meaningful connections with it.
The journal’s compass
How I want to tell these stories.
- 01
Stay curious
Ask better questions before reaching for easy answers.
- 02
Stay grounded
Begin with real places, real work, and everyday experience.
- 03
Stay human
Look beyond systems and headlines to the people inside them.
Reader notes
What would you like me to explore next?
If there is a part of China you are curious about, a topic you would like me to write about, or feedback that could make this journal better, I would love to hear from you.
Send a reader note wendyli896@gmail.com“The long-term mission is simple: