I became a National Certified English-Speaking Tour Guide in Shanghai 🇨🇳

In 2011, I moved from Hong Kong to Shanghai, knowing no one outside of work and struggling to adapt to this fast-moving city. Over the years, I built a career in digital marketing, led global teams, worked with renowned brands in both creative and digital marketing, succeeded in several projects, and eventually became a General Manager at a digital agency. But in 2021, I felt it was time for a change—I wanted to do something more meaningful, something that truly connected people to a city I had grown to love.

So I started genieyip.com, a platform to help newcomers settle into Shanghai. What began as a small initiative to assist expats soon turned into something more—travelers started reaching out for local insights and customized experiences. I realized that people didn’t just need a guide, they needed someone who understood both their perspective and the depth of Shanghai’s culture. Therefore, I started offering Trip Planning Services to those who are coming to visit Shanghai/China. Connect them with service providers that I trust, and provide off-the-beaten paths, restaurant and hotel recommendations for visitors to explore independently.

To take this seriously and do things the right way, I took on a challenge that few with my background would attempt: I studied tourism laws and regulations, communist party history, culture, geography, food, music, arts and crafts, the architecture of all mainland China (Including Hong Kong and Taiwan)—over 10,000 questions worth of material—to pass China’s National Tour Guide Certification (English-speaking). Yesterday, I officially received my certificate from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China.

Why Get a Tour Guide License?

In China, performing tour guide services without a license is illegal: 📌 According to Article 102 of the “Tourism Law of the People's Republic of China” (主席令第3号) and Article 18 of the “Regulations on the Administration of Tour Guides” (国务院令第263号), unlicensed guides can face fines from 1,000 RMB to 30,000 RMB, and illegal earnings will be confiscated.

So, How Am I Different?

I am here to change and bridge the competency and cultural gap:

More than just a script: Many local tour guides stick to pre-approved routes and rarely explore beyond them. Once, I asked a licensed tour guide to take my client to a specific viewpoint, and his response was, "Oh, we don’t go there; I’ve never been there." This mindset limits my client's experience. I go where my private clients want to go, I eat what my clients want to eat, offering practical suggestions, flexibility and depth in my tours. (as long as it's legal)

Customized experiences based on travelers’ interests - Music? Librarian? Dentistry? Craft beer? Ice-cream? Kids and family-friendly places? Let me know your likes and dislikes, and I will craft the experience that fits your energy, pace and taste (again, as long as it's not illegal).

An international perspective with deep local knowledge and insights from an expat’s lens:

Most local guides have never lived abroad and may struggle to explain Shanghai’s culture in a way that makes sense to international travelers. Having traveled to a couple dozens of countries and spent over a decade in Shanghai with both expat and local communities, I understand both perspectives. I know what details matter to visitors, what surprises them, and how to connect them with the city in a meaningful way.

Excellent Communication: Unlike many local guides whose English is limited to memorized scripts, my education and work experience have always been in a mix of English, Mandarin Chinese and Cantonese. I can communicate clearly, articulate and answer unexpected questions, and hold meaningful conversations, making the experience much more engaging for visitors.

A passion for storytelling beyond just facts and landmarks

I know I am still new in this industry, but my background, approach, and international perspective set me apart.

I curate bespoke experiences tailored to what travelers actually want. I bridge cultural gaps and overcome language barriers, explain history when it’s relevant, and introduce people to a Shanghai that isn’t just about landmarks, but about its evolving identity and its unique stories. I do not take commissions from places/services I refer my clients to, as those are all based on first-hand experience, and transparency is what I am advocating.

Looking Forward to Connecting!

I am excited to meet visitors who can benefit from my services, collaborate with like-minded individuals, and bring memorable experiences to those exploring China. This is just the beginning, and I am eager to continue learning and improving along the way.

If anyone is interested in taking this year’s National Tour Guide Exam in November 2025, I’d be happy to share my journey and experiences on how I prepared and passed the exam. Feel free to reach out!

If you're visiting Shanghai and looking for more than just a sightseeing checklist, let’s talk!

📍 Have you ever had a travel experience in China with a guide that changed your perspective? I’d love to hear about it!