Connections Beyond The Journey

How It Started

Silky Way was founded by Lingyi Katz and Sherry Chen, two entrepreneurs who met while studying at UCLA Law School. They bonded quickly after discovering that they grew up in the same province of China, only an hour’s drive apart. They also shared similar experiences in the U.S.—arriving around the same time as international students, spending years in the Midwest, and eventually settling in Los Angeles to pursue their careers. These shared experiences shaped their mutual ambition for entrepreneurship and passion for cultural connection, ultimately inspiring them to create a business venture that reflected their multicultural backgrounds.

As they developed their business plan, Lingyi and Sherry envisioned a travel company that offers travelers an authentic, seamless way to explore China—combining enjoyable, worry-free experiences with deep cultural immersion. The name “Silky Way” draws inspiration from the ancient Silk Road and the Milky Way, symbolizing smooth journeys through their homeland and meaningful connections across worlds.

Silky Way is a women-owned business built on dedication, expertise, and a genuine love for travel. With professional backgrounds in business, finance, and entrepreneurship, Lingyi and Sherry are committed to creating journeys that showcase the beauty and heritage of China while fostering connections between people and cultures.