About Us
We are a multi-cultural team of travelers, designers, techies and certified travel agents based in Montreal, Canada and Shanghai, China. We specialize in making self-drive travel in China seamless for international visitors who want to discover China beyond the big cities.
We believe it's never been a better time to explore China, its culture, people and amazing landscapes. Our mission is to help travelers worldwide to explore China independently and gain a deeper first-hand understanding of one of the world's most influential countries.
The intersection of the Tian Shan and Kunlun Mountains in Wuqia County, the westernmost point of China's road network.
Why book with a Canadian travel agency?
You are protected. Dragon Roads is a travel agency licensed in Canada. Every booking you make with us — regardless of where you live — is backed by a government-run consumer protection fund (FICAV). We are bound by Canadian consumer protection law, audited annually, and all client funds are held in a dedicated trust account.
We serve clients worldwide. Whether you're joining us from North America, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else, you benefit from the same consumer protections and quality of service.
Dragon Roads operates in both Canada and China. We take care of your planning and payments from our Canadian office, and our China team provide local support from the moment you arrive.
Learn more about your protection
Our Company Values
Expertise
Every member of our team has lived in and explored China extensively. This isn't just a job for us — it's a passion. Our advisors are not only deeply familiar with the roads less traveled but are also eager and equipped to bring your unique road trip vision to life, no matter how ambitious.
Fair Pricing
We believe in complete pricing transparency — no hidden fees, ever. From car rentals and accommodations to attractions and scenic trails, we connect you directly with high-quality, locally priced options. You'll experience the real China without paying a "foreigner premium."
Reliability
From the moment you start planning your trip with us, to the day you return home, our team is available to assist you — whether it's helping with itinerary adjustments, addressing unexpected challenges on the road, or simply answering your questions. You can count on us!
Simplicity
We thrive to make your experience as simple and smooth as possible. We handle the complexities, so you can focus on the drive, explore, and enjoy. Our itineraries are thoughtfully crafted for international travelers, ensuring a smooth, stress-free adventure from day one to your final destination.
Discovery
You're free to plan and adjust your itinerary as you like. Explore lesser-known places and hiking trails we've selected ourselves, from hidden natural spots to landscapes that show China as it is today. Start planning your trip with our Trip Planner.
Immersiveness
Our trips bring travelers as close as possible to the everyday experiences of local people. You can stay in carefully selected boutique hotels and have opportunities to connect with China's artistic traditions and living culture—offering a genuine and immersive way to experience the country.
Responsible Travel
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. We design authentic, low-impact journeys that benefit local communities, protect natural environments, and respect wildlife—ensuring your travels leave a positive footprint across the places you explore.
Why Self-drive Trip in China
Discover the magic of China—its ancient past, modern wonders, diverse cultures, and breathtaking landscapes—through a journey shaped by your own perspective.
Meet the Founders of Dragon Roads
In 2023, a Swiss-Chinese couple packed up their two young children and set off on a year-long road trip across China. Florian, a tech entrepreneur, and Zhihui, a former BMW designer had lived in the country for over a decade, but this journey would take them far beyond the places they knew. Over tens of thousands of kilometers, they traveled through hundreds of towns and villages - many for the first time - discovering landscapes, cultures, and daily rhythms far beyond the places they once knew.
The trip didn't change them - but it deepened their appreciation for China's landscapes, rhythms, and people. Most of all, it reminded them how special it is to discover a country by car: at your own pace, off the usual path, with room for detours and real encounters.
Now, with Dragon Roads, they hope to make that kind of exploration possible for others. They aim to help international travelers go beyond the big cities and into the countryside, mountains, and communities that make up the living fabric of China.
Reindeer Tribe, Inner Mongolia, China
Discover What a Self-Drive Adventure in China Feels Like
