Guiding across languages and cultures

Inspired by a "city walk" she joined abroad, Dinna returned home and founded a studio in 2018 that offers customized tours for international travelers. Her groups explore the Bund, Nanjing Road, and the former French Concession area — familiar landmarks told through fresh stories.

One popular stop is the "matchmaking corner" in People's Park, where parents display profiles of their children in search of partners.

"Foreigners are always curious why such a tradition still exists in a modern city," she said. "It opens conversations about family, gender, and everyday life in China."

For Dinna, being a tour guide is more than a job — it's a philosophy. "Language skills are just the foundation," she said. "The key is cross-cultural communication — knowing how to connect with people on their terms. That's what makes the job meaningful."