Tayrona is a company that was founded in 2019 by Elisabeth and Fabian when he was a student at Tsinghua University. They were cycling from Haikou to Sanya, when they first thought of organizing a cycling tour especially for expats living in China and for vegans and vegetarians.
The Tayrona was of one of the most advanced Pre-Columbian cultures of Colombia, which goes back at least to the 1st century AD. They excelled in architecture, agriculture, engineering and commerce. This mysterious and powerful tribe resisted the cultural imposition of the Spanish colonizers. Several chroniclers wrote about the Tayrona way of life, their social organization, their trading systems, their religious beliefs and their lack of greed for gold and other precious metals. Nowadays all that is remaining from this culture are the ruins of a city high in the mountains that resembles the Machu Picchu. All these features and the loss of a forgotten culture and civilization, we decided to name our company after this remarkable people.
People who enjoy or want to learn how to enjoy nature, enjoy friendships, enjoy family life, enjoy wholesome health, enjoy life to the fullest are all welcome to attend our events, invite us into cooperation projects or simply to have a chat with us. We are open to learn, and to share what we have learned through the years we’ve lived in China and in other countries.
Bringing people together for outdoor experiences, for practicing sports, for healthier lifestyle training and for everything in between, is what makes us feel accomplished.
Our Leading Team
Elisabeth
A enthusiastic German who also has professional training and experience as a pediatric nurse, a teacher, a manager, and an entrepreneur. She loves reading, photography, cooking, baking. Additionally, she also likes bright colors, chocolate and romantic dinners. One of her dreams is to cycle around China.
Fabian
Fabian is from Colombia. He has been teaching English, Spanish and piano for more than 25 years in Colombia, the USA and in China. His interests include playing the piano, listening to music, practicing outdoor activities, swimming and cycling. His favorite movies portray the benefits of teamwork, the nature of human relationships and the remarkable example of those who lived before us and left a positive footprint in the lives of people and communities.
Zhang Jinhe
Jinhe was born in the Northeast of China. From an early age he showed interest for foreign languages and cultures. He studied Teaching Chinese to Foreigners at the university and skills of intercultural communication. His hobbies include listening to music and travelling.
Liu Yan
Liu Yan was born in central China. He has studied in Canada, so, he knows what it means to be a foreign student. He has been part of numerous organizing teams that run recreational activities for local Chinese and for expats. He has also experience as a summer camp counselor and instructor. He loves cycling, skiing, as well as practicing soccer and other outdoor sports.
