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China has tens of thousands of trained and licensed tour guides. Some of them are professors, librarians, and teachers, working part time, but all must pass a strict examination to be qualified to work as a tour guide.

China's travel companies are categorized into three classes. Class 1 can work directly with foreign tour operators. Tour guides working for this class are usually more experienced. English language is the first foreign language spoken by the tour guide. They work according to pre-arranged schedules arranged by the employer.

Generally speaking, tour guides in the less developed areas such as along the Silk Road, in Tibet, in parts of Sichuan and Yunnan are less qualified than those working in the East especially in terms of the quality of their spoken English.