OUR STORY

Explore Beyond China was founded by Belgian-born Maxime Tondeur in 2019. As a child, he recreated the adventures of great explorers in the countryside. After studying journalism, he grew restless with theory and set out to discover the world for himself, eventually settling in Shanghai in early 2010. Over the years, Maxime welcomed travellers on behalf of premium tour operators, building a deep understanding of China's history, culture and people, as well as the details that make a journey truly rewarding.

He founded Explore Beyond to share the country that captured his imagination: a China beyond the guidebooks and familiar stereotypes, revealed through its regional traditions, remarkable places and personal encounters. The aim is to offer a more meaningful alternative to conventional sightseeing tours, with the time, local insight and personal attention to experience China in greater depth.

After years in China, we still find places that surprise us, traditions that intrigue us and people whose stories change the way we see the country. There is always another road to follow, another local speciality to discover or another perspective to understand.

Through Explore Beyond China, we invite travellers to share that sense of discovery. Our hope is that each journey reveals something unexpected, creates lasting memories and leaves you with a deeper appreciation of the country.