Our Guides

Since arriving as a student in Guangdong Province in 2002, Garth has spent more than a decade in awe of China’s cultural, linguistic and culinary diversity. Armed with degrees in both Government & International Relations and Chinese Studies from the University of Sydney, Garth moved to Beijing permanently in 2009 and since then has worked on a diverse range of government and private sector development projects. During this time, he was also working to uncover the city’s best bars, restaurants and nightlife as a freelance writer and columnist for local publications, City Weekend and The Beijinger. When he isn’t searching for Beijing’s newest (or oldest) eateries, Garth also  consults the local bar owners and restauranteurs as a menu, management and media collaborator.

Originally a computer engineer, Miguel found his true calling only when he was retraining in linguistics at the College of Mexico. After taking up Mandarin Chinese in his spare time, he entered the national Chinese language competition and won! First prize got him a free trip to China, where he applied for a scholarship at Beijing Language University. The rest is history… When he is not working as a China Host, Miguel runs his own translation and interpretation company, helping both Western businesspeople invest in China and, increasingly, Chinese businesspeople invest in Latin America.

Lured by China’s unique dynamism and potential, Jaime, Mexican by nationality, combined Asian Studies with Economics in his degree at the University of British Columbia in beautiful Vancouver, Canada. Shortly after arriving in Beijing, over a five year period he founded, managed and sold a heritage courtyard hotel, this being a considerable first step into both practicing business in China (with its myriad complications) and the hospitality industry in general. A triathlete in his spare time, there’s no question that Jaime has the stamina, aptitude and linguistic skills to keep abreast of China’s future.

Leon, whose Chinese name is Yeechun, compares his job as a guide to an octopus managing lots of things at once with each of its tentacles – with nearly three decades of experience, he is now adept at caring for the differing requirements of visitors to his hometown of Beijing. In the early 1980’s China began to open her doors to the outside world. Foreign language skills were much sought after for new occupations such as that of a guide. After graduating with a degree in English in 1989, Leon was assigned to work as a guide and hasn’t looked back since. Leon has a passion for introducing travellers to his city and has never lost his desire to help others.

Growing up in a small rice farming village, Michael owes his passion for hiking to the daily 1.5 hour walk he used to make to the nearest market most days. His love of reading translates into a deep knowledge of Chinese history and medicine, as well as a natural curiosity for other cultures. After his studies, Michael volunteered for “Doctors Without Borders” for one year. In so doing so, he developed his empathy for others and learned to appreciate the little things. Grateful for the opportunity to meet and interact with new people, as well as learn from guests and other cultures, Michael makes sure all visitors to his home are welcomed with warm hospitality.

Tashi, originally from the Amdo region of Tibet, studied Tibetan Buddhism and English literature in Varanasi India for five years, before returning to Tibet. During his time in India, Tashi learned to speak fluent English as well as some Hindi. His passion for his homeland led Tashi to dive into the rich history of Tibet and also explore the road less traveled by venturing out into central and western Tibet (Kailash region). Tashi returned to Tibet to educate and share his passion for his homeland with visitors.

Typhoon Lily, as she is known, prides herself on being one of the best guides in Shanghai. As a native of Shanghai, Lily has introduced people from around the world to her beloved and ever evolving Shanghai. With her vast knowledge of Chinese culture and history, she is often a crowd favorite for travelers interested in getting first-hand knowledge of the city. Lily credits her success as a guide to her untamed inquisitiveness, zest for adventure, sense of humor, and also her love of food.

Matthew Kelly has worked as a photographer for over 35 years, documenting the cultures of more than 50 countries. He has been published in innumerable magazines and journals around the world and held exhibitions in Britain, China and South Korea. Kelly and his Chinese wife moved to Beijing in 2007 when Matthew immediately fell in love with the street life in the historic hutong area. He has not stopped exploring and photographing it ever since. (Much of this was done in partnership with Prince Charles’ Charitable Foundation, which has preserved many courtyard homes in the area.) Matthew wants to help improve your photography, but most importantly he wants you to interact with residents so as to experience the traditional local culture and to leave Beijing with some wonderful images.

Chen Hangfeng has called Shanghai’s bustling metropolis home since he was born here in the early 70’s. Trained as a painter, Chen obtained his BA from the Fine Arts College of Shanghai University. His work spans all media, drawing inspiration from such issues as commercialization, environmentalism, globalization and cultural transmutation. Chen’s work has been displayed in museums and galleries across China, Europe and Australia. Whether you’re an art professional or an amateur, you will be enthralled by Chen’s introductions to the best artists, contemporary galleries and museums in Shanghai.

Han Feng, is an international fashion designer with installations in major exhibitions at the Victoria & Albert museum, Neue Galerie and Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, among others. Han was born in Nanjing and trained at the China Academy of Fine Arts in Hangzhou. She moved to New York in 1985 to launch her first ready-to-wear collection in 1993. Han made her costume design debut in Anthony Minghella’s Madame Butterfly at the English National Opera and Met Opera. Finding inspiration from her exploration of highly refined textures, materials and craftsmanship, Han Feng is also an avid collector of contemporary Chinese art which you can view in her newly established Han Feng Art Space in Shanghai.

William Lindsay first came to China to recee the Great Wall in 1986. The following year, he undertook the first-documented traverse of the Ming dynasty ruin covering 2,470 km on foot. Since 1990 he has resided permanently in China, spending more than 2,800 days on the Wall. He has written five books and fronted various documentaries that have been screened internationally. For his tireless work in raising awareness of the need to protect the Great Wall and its environment, he was given permanent residence by the Chinese government and received an OBE from the Queen. Having devoted his adult life to the preservation and history of the Great Wall, few can match his intimate knowledge of this monumental landmark.