Our story
Your trusted partner for discovering China differently
Building bridges between China and Europe.
Asian City Travel (ACT) was born from a simple conviction: the most memorable journeys are measured not by the distance travelled, but by the encounters experienced. Our mission is to create the conditions that allow everyone to discover China authentically, understand its culture, and build lasting relationships.
We do not claim to discover China on your behalf. Instead, we create the conditions that allow you to discover it for yourself.
Our philosophy
At ACT, we believe that travelling is not simply about visiting places; it is also about building lasting connections with the people, cultures, and traditions that bring them to life.
We do not claim to discover China on your behalf. We create the conditions that allow you to discover it, understand it, and build your own relationships.
Our role is to guide you, advise you, and open the doors to an authentic China, far from standardised itineraries.
Our team
👥
Men and women who experience China every day
ACT is, above all, a human adventure.
Our team brings together people from a wide range of backgrounds, united by the same conviction: the most meaningful discoveries are born from genuine encounters.
We are neither a traditional travel agency nor a simple booking platform.
We are a network of partners, specialists, artisans, teachers, and entrepreneurs who share their knowledge and open the doors to their world.
Elaine Chen – Co-founder of Asian City Travel
Originally from Shanghai, Elaine Chen grew up and studied in that city before pursuing her career between China, Italy and Switzerland.
Holding a degree in public relations from East China Normal University, she has extensive experience in the fields of commerce, customer relationship management, and international development.
Based in Geneva, she now runs Asian City Travel Switzerland, where she uses her knowledge of Chinese and European cultures to create authentic experiences and promote human interaction.
Languages: Mandarin, Italian, English, and French.
David Schoenknecht Founder of Asian City Travel
Originally from Switzerland and now based in China, David Schoenknecht is the founder of Asian City Travel and the director of Asian City Travel China.
His journey has taken him across much of Europe and Asia before he decided to settle in China and dedicate himself to projects that promote cultural exchange.
His mission is simple: to create the conditions that allow travellers to discover an authentic side of China, far removed from stereotypes and conventional tourist routes.
Languages: French, German, English, Mandarin.
LI WEI – Head of ACT Teach
Originally from Henan Province, Li Wei is an artist and lecturer at the prestigious China Academy of Art.
Holding a bachelor’s degree from Northeast Normal University and a master’s degree from the China Academy of Art, he serves as a guest professor and leads the academy’s advanced programme in traditional flower- and-bird painting.
Within Asian City Travel, he shares his knowledge and passion through cultural encounters, painting and calligraphy workshops, and educational exchange programmes.
Languages: Mandarin and English.
Yany Kong (孔美娟) – Head of ACT Trade
Yany has more than twenty years of experience in international trade and import-export, across sectors ranging from consumer goods to building materials and industrial products. She also has experience in various international markets, particularly in Europe, Africa and the Mediterranean region.
In China, she relies on a network of direct manufacturers and suppliers and has a strong understanding of sourcing and supply chain processes.
Within ACT Trade, she contributes to the development of sourcing, import- export and commercial cooperation projects between China and Europe, with a focus on reliable partners and long-term business relationships.
Languages: Mandarin Chinese, English (upper-intermediate level)
Vella Qin (秦一薇) – Head of ACT Travel China
Vella is responsible for the development of ACT Travel in China. She has a particular interest in promoting and sharing China’s intangible cultural heritage and is actively involved in cultural exchange between China and the West.
Within Asian City Travel, she coordinates the development of destinations and travel experiences offered by ACT Travel, working closely with local partners to create authentic and meaningful journeys centred on human encounters and a deeper understanding of China.
She also contributes to the development of ACT Travel’s partner network across different regions of China.
Languages: Mandarin Chinese, English (upper-intermediate level)