WHY TRAVEL WITH US
EXPLORE BEYOND CHINA was founded by Belgian Maxime Tondeur in 2019. Growing up recreating the adventures of the great explorers in the countryside, Maxime studied journalism but got bored with theories and hit the road instead, eventually settling in Shanghai early 2010. For the next 15 years, he has spent most of his time hosting visitors for premium tour operators and further refining his understanding of China, its people, history, and culture.
Maxime aspires Explore Beyond to be a platform of discovery to the China many of us grew passionate about, the one beyond the guidebooks and stereotypes, and to deliver more meaningful alternatives to standard China tours, with their rushed sightseeing, tourist traps, and mediocre service.
WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT
OUR EXPLORERS
Arguably our most valuable assets, Explorers are the embodiment of our core values and company spirit. No impersonal guides, who recite memorised lines and ‘just do their job’, but instead we present you with engaging hosts, who excel at telling China’s story, who adapt to your comforts and expectations, and take care of all challenges someone travelling in China typically encounters.
OUR APPROACH
We are specialised in 'the next step' of China discovery. We prefer to skip the well-trodden tourist trails, and have you immersed in destinations and experiences less easily accessible to the masses. We leave superficial sightseeing to others and instead help you better understand the Chinese perspective by connecting you to our network of local friends and specialists for a more authentic and in-depth introduction to China and all its facets.
OUR ORGANISATION
With the exception of hotels, all included services are arranged by and in direct control of Explore Beyond China. Unlike most other providers, we do not outsource any of our ground operations to unaffiliated third-party agencies so we remain firmly in control and we can guarantee top quality service yet remain flexible for a continuous customization of your China adventure.