Founded in October 1999, by husband and wife team Guy Rubin and Nancy Kim, Imperial Tours began with the uncompromising vision of offering spectacular luxury travel exclusively throughout China. At that time nearly all ground-handling companies in China were state-owned enterprises – they did not understand Western visitors’ demands nor how to innovate remarkable experiences. Clients booking through well-known luxury tour operators in their home countries received shoddy and unimaginative vacations as a result, mistakenly believing that this was all China had to offer. China, meanwhile, was liberalizing at an astonishing rate with fabulous new restaurants and hotels opening every month across the country. This process has only accelerated in the intervening period.

Born in Israel, Guy was raised and educated in Britain, attending Cambridge University. His work for a London-based strategy consultancy opened his eyes to many countries across the northern hemisphere. First setting foot in Beijing in 1994, he was immediately smitten, and returned to study and live here in 1997. It was at a Chinese language university program in Beijing that he met Nancy. Born in Seoul, raised in Beverly Hills and schooled in Lugano, Nancy is able to bridge the gap between east and west. With a BA in Western art history from the University of Pennsylvania, and post-graduate degrees in East Asian art from the universities of London, Seoul and Beijing, Nancy is well qualified to advise on East Asian art and design.

They immediately saw the potential for luxury travel in China. Their vision was to offer spectacular travel experiences that responded to the tastes of the discerning visitor and to do justice to China’s incredible heritage. To this day their vision stands firm, as they continue to offer the very best when welcoming guests to experience the country they love.