Mandarin Discoveries logoMandarin Discoveries

About Mandarin Discoveries

We do not sell trips, we craft memories. Every journey through China is designed around you, your dreams, and the moments you will never forget.

Li River at sunrise, Guilin, one of China’s most iconic natural landscapes
  • Tailor-made itineraries designed entirely around you
  • Local guides & authentic cultural experiences
  • 24/7 AI travel expert for instant answers & planning
  • Dutch-registered with SGR travel guarantee protection
  • Hand-picked hotels, transport & dining in every city

Welcoming travellers from across Europe

Whether you are joining us from the Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, or anywhere else on the continent, we are here to make your journey to China effortless and unforgettable. Our team speaks multiple European languages and understands the expectations of European travellers, from SGR travel guarantee protection to flexible booking terms.

Our Vision

To be the travel companion every explorer wishes they had: one that puts your joy ahead of everything else, curates every detail with care, and turns a simple holiday into a story you will tell for decades.

Our Mission

To create deeply personal, seamless, and joyful journeys across China. We measure our success not by revenue, but by the smiles we leave behind and the number of customers who come back to explore more.

What drives us

These principles guide every itinerary, every hotel choice, and every conversation we have with you.

You come first

Your satisfaction is our only benchmark. We listen, adapt, and go the extra mile, because a delighted traveler is worth more than any profit margin.

Moments over money

We chase goosebumps, not margins. From a sunrise on the Great Wall to a home-cooked dinner in a Xi'an courtyard, we prioritise experiences that stay with you forever.

Local, authentic, real

We partner with local guides, family-run restaurants, and boutique stays so your trip supports communities and feels genuine from the first hello to the last goodbye.

Certified & Registered

Mandarin Discoveries is a certified tour operator officially registered in the Netherlands. We work under Dutch consumer protection law and partner with licensed operators across China.

KVK: 0000 6152 8102BTW: NL216514241B03

KVK Nederland

Registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce.

SGR Travel Guarantee

Your prepaid trip is protected under the Dutch SGR fund.

ANVR Member

Member of the Dutch Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators.

China MCT Licensed

Authorised by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

CITS Partner

Official partner of China International Travel Service.

IATA Accredited

Accredited agent for international air ticketing.

Why we exist

Mandarin Discoveries was born from a simple belief: that travel should transform you, not just transport you. After years of watching cookie-cutter tours miss the soul of China, we decided to build something different.

Today we design tailor-made itineraries across every corner of China, from the Forbidden City to the karst peaks of Guilin, from panda reserves in Chengdu to the spiritual heights of Tibet. Each trip is shaped around your pace, your passions, and your people.

Our team lives and breathes China. We speak the languages, know the back roads, and have relationships with the local families who make this country unforgettable. When you travel with us, you are not a transaction, you are part of the family.

Frequently asked questions

We do not sell off-the-shelf packages. Every itinerary is built around your interests, pace, and budget. You get a dedicated local guide, hand-picked boutique hotels, and 24/7 support from our AI travel expert, all backed by Dutch SGR travel guarantee protection.

Most travellers need a Chinese tourist visa (L-visa). We provide step-by-step guidance, document checklists, and partner with a visa agency to make the process smooth. Some nationalities qualify for visa-free transit, ask our AI expert to check your specific case.

By default, every Mandarin Discoveries trip is private, just you and your travel companions, with a personal local guide and private vehicle. If you prefer a small group experience, we can arrange that too on select routes.

Our quotes typically include accommodation, private transport, English-speaking local guides, entrance fees for listed attractions, daily breakfast, and 24/7 emergency support. Flights to/from China, visa fees, and most lunches and dinners are quoted separately so you have full transparency.

Absolutely. You can extend your stay in any city, add side trips (like Zhangjiajie or Tibet), upgrade hotels, or swap activities. Our AI travel expert and human consultants work together to fine-tune every detail until it feels perfect.

We understand plans change. Cancellations made more than 30 days before departure receive a full refund minus a small administrative fee. Between 30 and 14 days, a partial refund applies. Rescheduling is usually free if we have availability. Your booking is protected under the Dutch SGR guarantee fund.

China Travel Expert

Ask anything about your trip to China

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