Learn Mandarin. Understand China. Experience Shanghai from the Inside.

Immersive Shanghai and China experiences for global teams, international visitors, business delegations, schools, and professionals seeking deeper cultural understanding through experiential learning and real-world interaction.

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What I Design

I design immersive Shanghai and China experiences for global teams, executives, innovation programs, international schools, delegations, and international visitors who want to understand modern China through real-world experience rather than theory or tourism.

My work combines cultural intelligence, experiential learning, business immersion, and urban exploration to help people understand how China actually lives, works, communicates, and innovates today.

Experiences may include:

modern Chinese business and workplace culture
innovation and technology ecosystems
branding, consumer, and market behavior
everyday local life and urban exploration
practical Mandarin communication in real situations
experiential team challenges and city exploration

What makes it different:

no fixed templates or tour scripts
fully customized based on industry and goals
designed for real-world understanding, not sightseeing
built for interaction, not observation

From breakfast conversations in local neighborhoods to executive delegation programs and corporate innovation journeys, every experience is designed to create direct engagement with contemporary China.

Because China is not something you observe — it is something you experience.

A woman with dark hair looking to the side outdoors, partially obscured by a blurry foreground

About NanNan

I’m NanNan Lee, founder of Mandarin Plus and a Shanghai-based experiential designer specializing in immersive China programs for global teams, executives, international schools, and innovation-driven organizations.

I create on-the-ground experiences that help people understand modern China through real-life interaction - combining cultural intelligence, business insight, urban exploration, and practical Mandarin in everyday situations.

From breakfast street culture in Shanghai to corporate innovation journeys and delegation programs, my work connects international visitors with the reality of how China lives, works, and communicates today.

Learn More

Book an Appointment

Ready to Experience China Beyond Tourism?

Whether you’re a travel agency, company, team, or independent traveler, we design experiences that give you real access to China.

20mins free consultation

What my students say

NanNan’s Mandarin training is highly practical and business-relevant. Our team could immediately apply what they learned in real meetings and workplace interactions.

— Corporate Client, ANZ Bank
NanNan understands both language and business culture. That combination made a real difference for our professionals working with Chinese counterparts.

— Trade & Government Representative, Australian Consulate Shanghai
This is not textbook Mandarin. The training focuses on how people actually speak and communicate in business settings in China.

— Business Partner, Austrade Shanghai
Her approach is engaging, immersive, and highly effective. Students were motivated to speak and interact in Mandarin naturally.

- Teacher,British International School Shanghai.
NanNan connects language learning with real life. Students gained confidence using Mandarin beyond the classroom.

— Teachers’ representative, SAS
NanNan has a special gift for making you feel confident, even when you make mistakes. She encourages me to speak without fear and always reminds me to believe in myself. That made all the difference in my learning

— Clara S., Marketing Manager
NanNan’s lessons were exactly what I needed as a busy executive. Within weeks, I was confidently using Mandarin phrases during meetings and impressing my Chinese colleagues.

— Laura B., General Manager, Tech Industry
NanNan tailored every session to my industry, helping me prepare for negotiations, write WeChat messages, and even understand Chinese contracts. Highly recommended!

— Daniel K., Legal Consultant
I’ve taken language classes all over the world, and NanNan is by far the most effective and engaging teacher I’ve had. She makes Mandarin feel accessible and empowering.

— Elise R., Fashion Entrepreneur
As someone working in finance, I needed more than textbook Mandarin—I needed real business vocabulary and cultural insights. NanNan delivered both, and more.

— Mark T., Investment Analyst
I used to be so nervous speaking Mandarin, but NanNan’s warm and supportive teaching style helped me break through that fear. She always believed in me—even when I didn’t—and now I’m speaking with confidence.

— Vincent H., Business Development Executive
As a sales manager, I needed industry-specific Mandarin that matched my daily work. NanNan designed every lesson around my real-life scenarios—client calls, emails, product demos—and it made an immediate impact.

— Leo M., Sales Manager, FMCG Industry

What my clients say

Exceptionally well organized. From venue sourcing to cultural context, everything was handled professionally and smoothly.

- EMST 🇩🇪
NanNan doesn’t just explain China — she helps you experience it. Our team gained real business insights, cultural clarity, and confidence within days.

- Henkel 🇩🇪
NanNan created an experience that worked perfectly for both adults and children. The Audi families felt relaxed, engaged, and genuinely cared for.

— Audi Family Program Representative
From planning to on-site execution, NanNan led the program with professionalism and confidence. Our whole team was very satisfied with the experience.

— Deutsch Club Shanghai
NanNan showed true leadership throughout the entire program. Every detail was handled with clarity, calmness, and purpose. Most importantly, every participant felt seen and supported.

— Corporate Program Lead, BASF
“If you want more than just sightseeing, this is the tour for you. It felt like a deep cultural dive, with stories that connected us to China in a meaningful way.”

Kelly
This was not a tour. It was a real-life business and culture decoding experience.

- Senior Manager, Siemens Germany🇩🇪
“Even our teenager said, ‘This is cool!’ NanNan kept all of us engaged, from grandparents to kids. She has a gift for making history alive and exciting.”

Tania
“Fun, flexible, and deeply informative—this tour was perfect for the whole family. Our kids were engaged the entire time, and we learned so much without ever feeling overwhelmed.”

Belle
“NanNan tells stories like she lived them herself. She makes old Shanghai feel close and personal. Truly one of the most engaging tours we’ve ever taken.”

James
“Absolutely amazing tour! NanNan is so knowledgeable and brings China’s rich history to life like you’re stepping into the past. It felt like exploring with an old friend.”

Maria
"NanNan’s deep knowledge as a teacher of Chinese culture added fascinating context to every landmark. This was more than just a tour—it was a lesson in history, culture, and language all at once!”

Tom J🇺🇸
“NanNan’s Chinese Eight Cuisine Tour was a culinary dream! We sampled dishes from all corners of China, each with its unique flavors and cooking styles. I learned not only about food but also regional dialects and traditions. Fantastic!”

Sarah H🇫🇷
“Professional yet warm—NanNan made us feel right at home. The tour was a perfect blend of history, culture, and fun. We didn’t want it to end!”

Chiara
It was so good to land in such an unfamiliar place and have a friendly face to show us the ropes, get all the apps sorted out and help overcome the little glitches! Nannan helped us to feel welcome and relaxed when travelling around Shanghai. She was a wealth of useful information, helped with Mandarin and shared her passion for food and culture with us, taking us to try some absolutely incredible food in spots we never would have found ourselves. Highly recommend a tour with Nannan, we’ll be seeing her again when we come back to China!

Joseph
“Nannan is not just a tour guide — she’s like a living map of Shanghai with a heart. We never once pulled out Google Maps because she just knew where to go, what time to go, and how to avoid the crowds. It felt like being with a local friend who simply knows everything about this city.”

Alex
“Traveling with Nannan felt like reconnecting with an old friend you didn’t know you had. From the moment we met her, she made us feel at home in Shanghai. She wasn’t just showing us places — she was showing us her world.”

Adel
“Our kids fell in love with Nannan instantly. She’s patient, kind, and knew exactly how to keep them curious and engaged. Honestly, we loved her just as much — she brought out the childlike wonder in all of us.”

karla
“We told Nannan we didn’t want touristy spots, and wow — she delivered! She took us to hidden cafes, tucked-away noodle shops, quiet art alleys, and even a robotics building we’d never have found on our own. It was like discovering Shanghai’s secret side.”

Theo
“Nannan is the foodie in Shanghai. Period. She knows every hole-in-the-wall dumpling spot, the best bubble tea, and even where to find gluten-free Chinese dishes. We ate better on this trip than we ever imagined.”

William
“We didn’t just tour with Nannan — we biked with her, got a little lost, found amazing surprises, and made unforgettable memories. She blends fun, flexibility, and cultural depth so naturally.”

Ellie
“Nannan isn’t just knowledgeable — she’s wise. Her stories about China’s history and modern life, her insights into language and culture… we learned more in a few days with her than from any book or museum.”

Kev
“What stood out the most was how flexible Nannan was. We changed our plans last minute, and she adapted instantly, always with a smile. She’s the kind of guide who listens, understands, and creates the experience you want.”

ZaC
“It was never rushed, never forced. Nannan set the perfect pace. She knew when we needed a coffee break, a walk, a good laugh — she just reads the group so well. That’s a gift.”

Mike
“We had a three-day tour with Nannan, and by the end, we truly felt like friends. She even visited us in our home country later. That says everything about the connection she builds with people.”

Marie
“Our favorite day was biking through the French Concession with Nannan. The history, the old plane trees, the stories behind each corner — she made the streets feel alive. It was like time-traveling with a modern guide.”

Clare
“Nannan doesn’t just guide you through Shanghai — she translates the city for you. Culture, language, humor, daily life — she makes it all accessible and fascinating, no matter where you’re from.”

Frank
“We’ve traveled a lot, but this was truly special. With Nannan, we saw the city through the eyes of someone who loves it deeply. She’s not reciting facts — she’s sharing her home.”

Max
“Nannan took our vague ideas — ‘some food, maybe culture, a little walking’ — and turned them into the most thoughtful and seamless day. She just gets it. She knows how to tune in and build something magical.”

Aron
“Our family had different interests — museums, food, tech, design — and Nannan somehow managed to tie everything together beautifully. Everyone felt seen and satisfied.”

Oliver
“The whole time we kept saying, ‘How does she know so much?!’ Nannan knows history, neighborhoods, restaurants, where to find clean bathrooms, what time to see the skyline — it’s almost unfair how good she is!”

Sha
“We were tired of big group tours and cliché stops. Nannan’s private tour was the answer. She took us to places that felt real — where people live, eat, and hang out. It’s a side of Shanghai that most travelers never get to see.”

Leon
“What we loved most was how real it felt. We didn’t feel like tourists following a flag. We felt like friends walking through a city with someone who truly loves it, and loves sharing it.”

Roman
“Rainy weather didn’t stop the fun — Nannan always had a backup plan, and every plan felt like a new adventure. She’s calm, creative, and always three steps ahead.”

Joel
“If you’re coming to Shanghai and want to experience more than the surface, Nannan is the one. You won’t just leave with good photos — you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the city, and probably a new friend too.”

Matt
“After spending time with Nannan, I saw Shanghai in a totally different way. She helped me fall in love with the city — its rhythm, its food, its layers. I’ve already recommended her to three friends.”

Olga
“We’ve done private tours around the world, but Nannan truly stands out. She has the professionalism of a top-level guide and the warmth of someone who genuinely cares about your experience.”

Milie
“Traveling with Nannan was completely stress-free. She handled everything with ease — reservations, timing, routes — and we could just enjoy, relax, and be present in the moment.”

Andre
“You can tell right away that Nannan was made for this. She’s not just good at what she does — she’s essential to what Shanghai feels like. The city needs more people like her to tell its stories.”

Peter
“Her passion for Shanghai is infectious. Nannan brings so much positivity and energy — even after hours of walking, she had this spark that kept us excited and curious.”

Iris
“Scouting Shanghai with Nannan was one of our favorite experiences. She showed us the city like a creative explorer — not just the highlights, but places with texture, with character. It felt like an adventure and an education in one.”

Leo
“Nannan’s photography caught our attention online, but seeing Shanghai through her lens in real life was something else. Her eye for beauty, detail, and light made even quiet corners feel cinematic.”

Josh
“We were amazed at how Nannan explained the layers of Shanghai — not just the buildings, but the stories behind them, the people, the history. It was like she peeled the city open for us, and suddenly we got it.”

Emmy
“I initially booked a tour with Nannan, but after spending just one afternoon with her, I signed up for her Mandarin course too! She’s such a great communicator — fun, patient, and full of cultural gems you won’t find in any textbook.”

Joy
“Nannan is incredibly professional — everything was well-organized, on time, and seamless. But at the same time, it never felt rigid. She strikes the perfect balance between structure and spontaneity.”

Dave
Every detail was thoughtful — logistics, language support, and cultural insight. Our participants felt taken care of from start to finish.”

Henkel Shanghai 🇩🇪

A person wearing an orange vest walks down a narrow alleyway with wires overhead and a partially covered background.

Three chefs walking down an alleyway, two of them wearing white chef outfits with hats, one wearing a beanie, and laundry hanging above.

A man riding a motorcycle with boxes and bags on the back, crossing a city street, while a person on a scooter wearing a yellow jacket and helmet rides past him.

A man wearing a cap and checkered shirt stacking firewood on a pile in an urban area.

An older man wearing a brown jacket, black pants, and white shoes sitting on a black chair outside a shop, looking at his phone. There is a small wooden stool next to him, a red carpet on the sidewalk, and a fire extinguisher nearby. The shop has red

A man sitting on a small bench on a sidewalk next to a fruit cart, talking on a cellphone, with motorcycles parked along the street in the background.

Lost in Shanghai -
been documenting SH Since 2019

Two elderly women walk arm in arm along a tree-lined sidewalk during daytime, with white and black fence on the right and large trees on the left.

A woman wearing an apron stands inside a small kitchen, leaning slightly and looking down at something she is holding. The kitchen is visible through an open door, and outside is a brick wall with cleaning supplies, a washing machine, and various too

A woman wearing a pink jacket and beige pants crossing a city street while looking at her phone; she is carrying a floral bag and wearing a face mask.

A person sitting on a scooter with a metal box attached to the back, and holds a phone while wearing a helmet hanging on the side, in a park-like setting with trees and grass.

Two crossing guards wearing high-visibility vests and face masks standing on a street corner, guiding pedestrians at a crosswalk in an urban area with buildings, scooters, and pedestrians in the background.

Older man walking down a city street with a red bag on his shoulder and a white bag in hand, surrounded by urban buildings and street signs in Chinese.

Person walking on a sidewalk lined with trees and buildings in the daytime.

Person sitting on a stool, wearing a red cap and mask, looking at a phone, next to a table with hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, near a staircase in a restaurant or shop.

A street scene with an elderly person walking with an umbrella near an open gate, a motor scooter passing by in motion, and bicycles parked in an urban alley with buildings and laundry hanging in the background.

Man wearing a face mask, blue jacket, and beige pants standing on sidewalk in front of a building with a sign that reads 'MIDO Swiss Watches Since 1918'.

Traffic jam with cars, motorcycles, and delivery scooters on a wet street under an overpass, with people wearing helmets and carrying backpacks, and a large tree with green leaves in the background.

Three men sitting on orange stools at a table in a dark outdoor setting, one man standing and leaning over, all engaged in conversation or activities.

Two elderly men sitting on the steps outside a building with a brown metal wall. One man is sitting on a chair holding a small dog wearing a sweater, and the other man is sitting on the steps with his arms resting on his knees.

A person wearing a straw hat and checkered jacket pushing a blue cart on the sidewalk, carrying a large white container and a shopping bag.

A man wearing a blue shirt and blue pants, with dark sunglasses and a black cap, walking along a city street holding a water bottle and a plastic bag with items inside.

Learn Mandarin. Understand China. Experience Shanghai from the Inside.

What I Design

Experiences may include:

What makes it different:

About NanNan

Experiences

Mandarin Plus – Real-Life Mandarin Coaching

Shanghai & China Immersive Experiences

Family Mandarin Immersion - China

Global Team-Building Experiences

Book an Appointment

NanNan’s Mandarin training is highly practical and business-relevant. Our team could immediately apply what they learned in real meetings and workplace interactions.

NanNan understands both language and business culture. That combination made a real difference for our professionals working with Chinese counterparts.

This is not textbook Mandarin. The training focuses on how people actually speak and communicate in business settings in China.

Her approach is engaging, immersive, and highly effective. Students were motivated to speak and interact in Mandarin naturally.

NanNan connects language learning with real life. Students gained confidence using Mandarin beyond the classroom.

NanNan has a special gift for making you feel confident, even when you make mistakes. She encourages me to speak without fear and always reminds me to believe in myself. That made all the difference in my learning

NanNan’s lessons were exactly what I needed as a busy executive. Within weeks, I was confidently using Mandarin phrases during meetings and impressing my Chinese colleagues.

NanNan tailored every session to my industry, helping me prepare for negotiations, write WeChat messages, and even understand Chinese contracts. Highly recommended!

I’ve taken language classes all over the world, and NanNan is by far the most effective and engaging teacher I’ve had. She makes Mandarin feel accessible and empowering.

As someone working in finance, I needed more than textbook Mandarin—I needed real business vocabulary and cultural insights. NanNan delivered both, and more.

I used to be so nervous speaking Mandarin, but NanNan’s warm and supportive teaching style helped me break through that fear. She always believed in me—even when I didn’t—and now I’m speaking with confidence.

As a sales manager, I needed industry-specific Mandarin that matched my daily work. NanNan designed every lesson around my real-life scenarios—client calls, emails, product demos—and it made an immediate impact.

Exceptionally well organized. From venue sourcing to cultural context, everything was handled professionally and smoothly.

NanNan doesn’t just explain China — she helps you experience it. Our team gained real business insights, cultural clarity, and confidence within days.

NanNan created an experience that worked perfectly for both adults and children. The Audi families felt relaxed, engaged, and genuinely cared for.

From planning to on-site execution, NanNan led the program with professionalism and confidence. Our whole team was very satisfied with the experience.

NanNan showed true leadership throughout the entire program. Every detail was handled with clarity, calmness, and purpose. Most importantly, every participant felt seen and supported.

“If you want more than just sightseeing, this is the tour for you. It felt like a deep cultural dive, with stories that connected us to China in a meaningful way.”

This was not a tour. It was a real-life business and culture decoding experience.

“Even our teenager said, ‘This is cool!’ NanNan kept all of us engaged, from grandparents to kids. She has a gift for making history alive and exciting.”

“Fun, flexible, and deeply informative—this tour was perfect for the whole family. Our kids were engaged the entire time, and we learned so much without ever feeling overwhelmed.”

“NanNan tells stories like she lived them herself. She makes old Shanghai feel close and personal. Truly one of the most engaging tours we’ve ever taken.”

“Absolutely amazing tour! NanNan is so knowledgeable and brings China’s rich history to life like you’re stepping into the past. It felt like exploring with an old friend.”

"NanNan’s deep knowledge as a teacher of Chinese culture added fascinating context to every landmark. This was more than just a tour—it was a lesson in history, culture, and language all at once!”

“NanNan’s Chinese Eight Cuisine Tour was a culinary dream! We sampled dishes from all corners of China, each with its unique flavors and cooking styles. I learned not only about food but also regional dialects and traditions. Fantastic!”

“Professional yet warm—NanNan made us feel right at home. The tour was a perfect blend of history, culture, and fun. We didn’t want it to end!”

“Nannan is not just a tour guide — she’s like a living map of Shanghai with a heart. We never once pulled out Google Maps because she just knew where to go, what time to go, and how to avoid the crowds. It felt like being with a local friend who simply knows everything about this city.”

“Traveling with Nannan felt like reconnecting with an old friend you didn’t know you had. From the moment we met her, she made us feel at home in Shanghai. She wasn’t just showing us places — she was showing us her world.”

“Our kids fell in love with Nannan instantly. She’s patient, kind, and knew exactly how to keep them curious and engaged. Honestly, we loved her just as much — she brought out the childlike wonder in all of us.”

“We told Nannan we didn’t want touristy spots, and wow — she delivered! She took us to hidden cafes, tucked-away noodle shops, quiet art alleys, and even a robotics building we’d never have found on our own. It was like discovering Shanghai’s secret side.”

“Nannan is the foodie in Shanghai. Period. She knows every hole-in-the-wall dumpling spot, the best bubble tea, and even where to find gluten-free Chinese dishes. We ate better on this trip than we ever imagined.”

“We didn’t just tour with Nannan — we biked with her, got a little lost, found amazing surprises, and made unforgettable memories. She blends fun, flexibility, and cultural depth so naturally.”

“Nannan isn’t just knowledgeable — she’s wise. Her stories about China’s history and modern life, her insights into language and culture… we learned more in a few days with her than from any book or museum.”

“What stood out the most was how flexible Nannan was. We changed our plans last minute, and she adapted instantly, always with a smile. She’s the kind of guide who listens, understands, and creates the experience you want.”

“It was never rushed, never forced. Nannan set the perfect pace. She knew when we needed a coffee break, a walk, a good laugh — she just reads the group so well. That’s a gift.”

“We had a three-day tour with Nannan, and by the end, we truly felt like friends. She even visited us in our home country later. That says everything about the connection she builds with people.”

“Our favorite day was biking through the French Concession with Nannan. The history, the old plane trees, the stories behind each corner — she made the streets feel alive. It was like time-traveling with a modern guide.”

“Nannan doesn’t just guide you through Shanghai — she translates the city for you. Culture, language, humor, daily life — she makes it all accessible and fascinating, no matter where you’re from.”

“We’ve traveled a lot, but this was truly special. With Nannan, we saw the city through the eyes of someone who loves it deeply. She’s not reciting facts — she’s sharing her home.”

“Nannan took our vague ideas — ‘some food, maybe culture, a little walking’ — and turned them into the most thoughtful and seamless day. She just gets it. She knows how to tune in and build something magical.”

“Our family had different interests — museums, food, tech, design — and Nannan somehow managed to tie everything together beautifully. Everyone felt seen and satisfied.”

“The whole time we kept saying, ‘How does she know so much?!’ Nannan knows history, neighborhoods, restaurants, where to find clean bathrooms, what time to see the skyline — it’s almost unfair how good she is!”

“We were tired of big group tours and cliché stops. Nannan’s private tour was the answer. She took us to places that felt real — where people live, eat, and hang out. It’s a side of Shanghai that most travelers never get to see.”

“What we loved most was how real it felt. We didn’t feel like tourists following a flag. We felt like friends walking through a city with someone who truly loves it, and loves sharing it.”

“Rainy weather didn’t stop the fun — Nannan always had a backup plan, and every plan felt like a new adventure. She’s calm, creative, and always three steps ahead.”

“If you’re coming to Shanghai and want to experience more than the surface, Nannan is the one. You won’t just leave with good photos — you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the city, and probably a new friend too.”

“After spending time with Nannan, I saw Shanghai in a totally different way. She helped me fall in love with the city — its rhythm, its food, its layers. I’ve already recommended her to three friends.”

“We’ve done private tours around the world, but Nannan truly stands out. She has the professionalism of a top-level guide and the warmth of someone who genuinely cares about your experience.”

“Traveling with Nannan was completely stress-free. She handled everything with ease — reservations, timing, routes — and we could just enjoy, relax, and be present in the moment.”

“You can tell right away that Nannan was made for this. She’s not just good at what she does — she’s essential to what Shanghai feels like. The city needs more people like her to tell its stories.”

“Her passion for Shanghai is infectious. Nannan brings so much positivity and energy — even after hours of walking, she had this spark that kept us excited and curious.”

“Scouting Shanghai with Nannan was one of our favorite experiences. She showed us the city like a creative explorer — not just the highlights, but places with texture, with character. It felt like an adventure and an education in one.”

“Nannan’s photography caught our attention online, but seeing Shanghai through her lens in real life was something else. Her eye for beauty, detail, and light made even quiet corners feel cinematic.”

“We were amazed at how Nannan explained the layers of Shanghai — not just the buildings, but the stories behind them, the people, the history. It was like she peeled the city open for us, and suddenly we got it.”

“I initially booked a tour with Nannan, but after spending just one afternoon with her, I signed up for her Mandarin course too! She’s such a great communicator — fun, patient, and full of cultural gems you won’t find in any textbook.”

“Nannan is incredibly professional — everything was well-organized, on time, and seamless. But at the same time, it never felt rigid. She strikes the perfect balance between structure and spontaneity.”

Every detail was thoughtful — logistics, language support, and cultural insight. Our participants felt taken care of from start to finish.”