Our Founders
Founder’s Story – Lloyd Dr. Crossman
When Lloyd Dr. Crossman first stepped off the plane in China in 2001, he came simply as an English teacher from the United States. What he didn’t know then was that this decision would shape the next two decades of his life and leave him forever connected to a country that became his second home.
For nearly twenty years, Lloyd taught in schools across China, meeting thousands of students and families. Through his teaching, he discovered more than a career—he discovered a way into the heart of Chinese life. The warmth of his students, the generosity of their families, and the friendships he formed opened his eyes to a China that most outsiders never see.
Outside the classroom, Lloyd traveled far and wide. He walked the ancient streets of Xi’an, floated along the rivers of Guilin, climbed the mountains of Yunnan, and crossed deserts and plateaus that seemed endless. He experienced China not as a passing visitor but as someone welcomed into its story—sharing meals, traditions, and laughter with the people who live there. What struck him most was not only the depth of history but also the rapid change he witnessed: cities growing, transportation transforming, and opportunities expanding. China was not only ancient and wise; it was modern, dynamic, and full of hope for the future.
By the time Lloyd returned to the United States in 2019, he carried with him a powerful realization. The China he had come to know was not always the China shown in headlines. The China he knew was safe, welcoming, and filled with friendly, curious, and hardworking people. It was a country of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant traditions, a place of great change and great possibility. He felt a deep responsibility to share this truth with others.
That calling became Inside China Travel. Together with his friend Steven—an expert with over 15 years of experience in the travel industry—Lloyd created a company dedicated to showing travelers the real China. Not just the landmarks, but the life. Not just the history, but the present. Their mission is to open doors for visitors to experience the warmth, the beauty, and the energy of a nation that continues to shape the world.
For Lloyd, this is more than a business. It is a promise to every traveler: to see China not as a stranger, but as a friend.
Founder’s Story – Steven Zhu
For Steven, travel is both a profession and a lifelong passion. With more than 15 years of experience in the travel industry, he has dedicated his career to helping visitors discover China in ways that go far beyond guidebooks. Over the years, he has worked with countless travelers from around the world, carefully designing itineraries that balance famous landmarks with authentic, local experiences. His expertise lies not only in logistics and planning but also in understanding what truly makes a journey meaningful.
Steven’s love for China runs deep. Having explored its ancient cities, quiet villages, and natural wonders, he has seen firsthand the richness and diversity that make the country so unique. To him, China is not only a place of breathtaking landscapes and world-class cultural heritage, but also a home filled with warmth, safety, and hospitality. What excites him most is introducing guests to the people of China—friendly, welcoming, and always ready to share their traditions and stories.
When Steven partnered with Lloyd D. Crossman to create Inside China Travel, it was a meeting of vision and purpose. Lloyd brought the perspective of a teacher who had lived in China for nearly two decades, while Steven contributed the professional experience needed to turn that vision into reality. Together, they founded Inside China Travel with a shared mission: to create journeys that help travelers truly feel the spirit of China.
For Steven, every trip is more than sightseeing—it is about connection. He believes that when visitors walk away with memories of not only places but also people, they carry with them the real essence of China. His greatest reward is knowing that through Inside China Travel, guests leave with a deeper understanding of a country he both knows professionally and loves personally.
