Lifetime Experience in China,
Not Just a Tour.
Create a person-centred space for travellers to explore China through fun, authentic, in-depth, and carefree adventures.
''Getting Lost' in China
in a Safe Space.
In 2015, I was guiding tours in Shanghai and grew frustrated with the industry standard: rigid itineraries, hidden costs, and a lack of genuine care. Travellers felt processed; I felt like a factory worker.
So, in 2016, I founded Scarlett Mao Tours with a simple aim: to create authentic experiences for those seeking a real connection to China—to sense its culture from the inside, through its people, rhythms, and hidden moments.
I’ve travelled across China for over 14 years, not as a tourist, but with a deep love for its culture and nature. For me, every logistical detail is an opportunity to create experiences: staying somewhere unique, sharing a local dish in an old courtyard, having the confidence to say 'Yes' to spontaneous activities, and enjoying peace and leisure without rushing.
To deepen how I create that space, I pursued a Master’s in Psychotherapy in Australia. My person-centred training means I listen for what’s said—and what isn’t—so you feel understood and safe from our very first contact. Your preferences and requirements are welcome, not a trouble. I handle the thoughtful logistics, giving you the confidence to explore freely, even to ‘get lost’ on purpose.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s the experience you owe yourself.
Only priority is your experience.
Education
With a Bachelor’s in Tourism Management in China and a Master’s in Psychotherapy in Australia.
I design journeys that resonate on a personal level. I listen with depth and intuition, ensuring your trip is a meaningful experience and you are treated with thoughtful care.
Mouth of the world
My goal is that clients still have smiles years later when they think about their trips to China with us.
Around 70% of my clients came from referrals from previous guests.
Over 110 heartfelt reviews on TripAdvisor and genuine recommendations across
Facebook, Viator, and other platforms.
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Philosophy
Value open conversations, spontaneous fun, delicious food, and authentic culture.
Balance leisure with activity, experience with sightseeing, and personal interaction with observation.
Expect tour guides with excellent English who understand you, adapt to your needs, and bring a great spirit to the journey.
Tours & Services
Personal Guiding (Include a custom itinerary)
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Small Group (1-4 people): 200USD/Day
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Larger Group (5+ people): 20USD/Person/Day
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Extra Hours (Beyond 8): 30USD/Hour
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Mostly walking tours: +50USD Extra
All listed fees are for guiding services only and do not include transport, meals, entrance tickets, or other personal expenses.
Public transport and private cars are both available.
Hear what people said......
"I have traveled a lot and seen a lot around the globe, but this trip I will surely remember forever, thanks to my excellent travel guide. Firstly, without going to any details, Scarlett simply masters her job perfectly. On top of that, she is a wonderful personality, very easy to communicate with, not only because she speaks very good English, but also because she is an intelligent young woman who knows a lot also outside her profession. Traveling with her felt more like traveling with a friend.......
Scarlett is very reliable person, I gave my 3 days travel budget for her and let her take care of all payments. It was so relaxing for me just to concentrate on the views and attractions with no need to worry about the schedule or how to move from place to another, how to find a good restaurant for lunch or dinner, how to pay when the only acceptable payment is wechat pay (which is true in many places), etc practical things. She really cares about your money like it was her own and does not try to fool you at any single moment...."
"......I contacted Scarlett to organise two days of sightseeing with my family in Shanghai. We are two adults and three children (13, 11 and 8).......
I contacted several companies that claimed to offer personalised tours, but Scarlett was the only one who got back to me with a genuine attempt to tailor the experience to our particular needs.
Scarlett and I communicated a lot in the weeks before the tour (she was always super responsive, full of ideas, and enthusiastic). The result was a highly personalised and rewarding experience.
....Our three children loved Scarlett, who really connected with them, and rated the experience their favourite of the trip (which also included skiing in Japan, so it was a high bar). My husband and I also enjoyed talking to Scarlett and the insights it gave us into Chinese society, especially for the younger, urban generation. Scarlett is warm, open, very knowledgeable and an excellent communicator......"
Kathy, Melbourne
Don't know where to start... these tours have been the best experiences I've ever had. Scarlett organized 3 different tours in Shanghai for me and my friends, she is very polite and took care of every detail to make sure we have a good experience.
-So first day was a full day tour in Shanghai around main attractions (it's astonishing), our guide that day was Sophie, she is the most amazing person and guide, full of energy always with a smile and well predisposed to arrange our preferences for the tour.
-2nd day was to Suzhou city, starting with an ancient garden, followed by local markets, a pagoda and ending with the illuminated canals. The guide was Jenny, a local knowledgeable woman from Suzhou who took care of us all day long.
-Last day was to the Yellow mountain, a local attraction with amazing views. Later to local town celebrating Chinese New Year by a small lake with fireworks, such an amazing experience finalizing the day in a family restaurant with local food......
Contact Us
Email: scarlettmao@outlook.com
Whatsapp/Wechat: +86 173 1727 3697
Follow Us: Scarlett Mao Tours
