Because no one should feel lost in a foreign land
We understand the uncertainty and challenges foreigners face when traveling to China. Our mission is to provide reliable support so you never feel alone or helpless during your journey.
Get in TouchHow we became China's premier travel assistance service
Our journey began when our founder, Jimmy Zhou, witnessed a foreign tourist struggling to communicate with a local shopkeeper in Beijing. Despite the tourist's phrase book and translation app, the cultural nuances were lost in translation, leading to frustration on both sides.
Having lived in both China and abroad, Jimmy understood the unique challenges that foreign visitors face in China – challenges that go beyond simple language barriers to include cultural differences, navigation difficulties, and access to essential services.
In 2018, China Travel Assistant was born with a simple mission: to ensure that no traveler ever feels helpless or alone while exploring this beautiful country.
China's conditions differ significantly from those abroad. Many aspects of daily life that travelers take for granted elsewhere work differently here:
68%
of foreign travelers report feeling anxious about language barriers
42%
experience difficulties with local payment systems
5,000+
travelers assisted since our founding
98%
customer satisfaction rate
We created China Travel Assistant because we believe that experiencing China's rich culture, history, and landscapes should be accessible to everyone, regardless of language skills or travel experience.
Jimmy Zhou, Founder
Addressing the unique challenges travelers face in China
Despite the prevalence of translation apps, real-world communication in China presents unique challenges:
"I was at a train station in Guangzhou and couldn't understand any announcements. My train was delayed, but I had no way of knowing where to go or what to do. It was terrifying."
— Sarah, Tourist from Canada
Our human translators provide context-aware assistance that goes beyond word-for-word translation to include cultural nuances and practical guidance.
China's social norms, etiquette, and daily practices can be vastly different from what travelers are accustomed to:
"I accidentally offended my business hosts by refusing a toast at dinner. I didn't know it was considered disrespectful. Having cultural guidance would have prevented this awkward situation."
— James, Business Traveler from UK
We provide cultural context and etiquette guidance to help you navigate social situations with confidence and respect.
Getting around in China can be complex, especially with different mapping systems and transportation networks:
"My usual map app didn't work in China, and I couldn't figure out the subway system in Shanghai. I spent hours lost and frustrated trying to reach my hotel."
— Maria, Tourist from Brazil
Our team helps you navigate China's transportation systems, provides local alternatives to familiar apps, and ensures you always know how to reach your destination.
Comprehensive support for every aspect of your China journey
Expert consultation to prepare you for your journey before you even arrive in China.
"Their pre-trip consultation saved me countless hours of research and prevented several potential issues with my visa application."
Real-time assistance throughout your stay in China, available whenever you need it.
"Having someone available to translate when I needed to explain my food allergies to restaurant staff was literally a lifesaver."
Immediate help during unexpected situations, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey.
"When I lost my passport in Beijing, they guided me through the entire process of getting emergency documentation. I would have been completely lost without them."
Bridging cultural gaps to enhance your understanding and enjoyment of Chinese culture.
"Understanding the cultural significance behind the traditions we witnessed made our trip so much more meaningful and enriching."
Real stories of how we've transformed travelers' experiences in China
Travelers struggle with basic interactions, leading to misunderstandings and stress
Hours wasted getting lost in unfamiliar cities with inaccessible map apps
Feeling helpless during unexpected situations with no local support network
Missing the depth and context of cultural experiences due to language barriers
On-demand translation and cultural context for smooth, meaningful interactions
Expert guidance and local navigation tools for stress-free travel between destinations
24/7 emergency support with local expertise for immediate assistance when needed
Deep understanding of traditions, customs, and local perspectives
"I was in Shanghai for a business meeting when I suddenly developed a severe allergic reaction. The China Travel Assistant team not only found me a hospital but accompanied me there, translated for the doctors, and helped me get the right medication. They turned a scary situation into a manageable one."
Business Executive, USA
"As a solo female traveler, I was nervous about navigating China alone. My concierge helped me plan safe routes, recommended women-friendly accommodations, and was always available when I needed assistance. Their support gave me the confidence to fully enjoy my adventure."
Photographer, Spain
"We traveled to China with our three children and were concerned about managing everything. Our assistant helped us navigate child-friendly attractions, found restaurants that catered to our kids' dietary needs, and even helped us communicate with a doctor when our youngest got sick. They made our family vacation possible."
Family Travelers, Australia
Our multicultural experts are ready to make your China journey unforgettable
Founder & CEO
Born in China and educated in the US, Jimmy combines Eastern and Western perspectives to bridge cultural gaps for travelers.
Head of Operations
With 15 years in tourism and hospitality, Lin ensures our service delivery exceeds expectations at every touchpoint.
Cultural Liaison
An expatriate living in China for over a decade, David specializes in helping Western visitors navigate cultural differences.
Emergency Response Lead
With a background in international emergency services, Yuki coordinates our rapid response team for travelers in urgent situations.
Our support staff are carefully selected for their expertise, language abilities, and cultural understanding:
Our team provides language assistance with focus on major international languages:
Our team includes specialists for all major regions in China:
Beijing, Xi'an, Harbin
Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou
Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong
Chengdu, Kunming, Lhasa
Our credentials and commitments to your safety and satisfaction
Quality management systems
Data protection standards
Comprehensive coverage
International Tour Operators Association
Our emergency team is available around the clock with a guaranteed response time of under 10 minutes.
Partnerships with international-standard hospitals and clinics in all major Chinese cities.
End-to-end encryption for all communications and strict privacy protocols for personal information.
Rigorous background checks and regular training for all team members who interact with clients.
If you're not satisfied with our service, we offer a partial refund based on unused service time.
No hidden fees or unexpected charges. All costs are clearly communicated upfront.
Clear performance metrics and response time guarantees for all our services.
The evolution of China Travel Assistant from idea to industry leader
Founded by Jimmy Zhou after witnessing the struggles of foreign visitors in China. Started as a small team of 5 multilingual guides offering basic translation and navigation assistance in Beijing.
Expanded operations to Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an. Developed our first mobile app for clients to request assistance. Team grew to 25 members covering 8 languages.
Adapted to global travel restrictions by launching virtual pre-trip consultations and remote assistance services. Developed comprehensive online resources and guides for future travelers.
Launched specialized services for business travelers, including cultural training for negotiations, business etiquette, and executive assistance. Formed partnerships with major international corporations.
Now operating in 15 cities across China with a team of 100+ multilingual experts. Serving thousands of travelers annually with a 98% satisfaction rate. Recognized as the leading travel assistance service for China-bound travelers.
We're committed to making your China experience seamless, enjoyable, and memorable. Reach out to discuss how we can support your journey.
Our team is always available to assist you, no matter when you need help.
Communicate in your preferred language with our diverse team of experts.
From major cities to remote destinations, we've got you covered throughout China.
