In October 2024, Race Across the World (RATW) returned to China for its fifth season. Mandarin Film was once again honored to welcome our old friends. This time, we were thrilled to partner with the award-winning Studio Lambert to bring the Chinese segment of the show to life. From earliest stages of pre-production research to on-set filming, Mandarin Film—serving as China fixer team—pushed through limits, striving to craft the finest filming experience the country has to offer.

Mandarin Film provides local fixer service for Race Across the World UK S5 filming in China.

Photo © BBC / Studio Lambert


Five British teams, traveling across China with no smartphones and a modest budget, are pushed to their limits as they race toward India, testing their resilience with every step. In Season 5, China’s vast and diverse landscapes posed both beauty and challenges. 

1. Preparation for the Best

Behind the Scenes: HQ team Office in Shangri-La, China.

Over the course of six months, the MF fixer team collaborated with Studio Lambert to plan three key routes that highlight the diverse beauty and culture of China. Not just in the pursuit of journalist visas, but in the search through seventeen provinces—where local jobs, welcoming homestays, and breathtaking views became the threads that connected us all. With each step, we strove to craft a journey both thrilling for our racers and seamless for the UK crew.

Behind the Scenes: Scouting the Great Wall of China

2. Dealing with Emergency Weather Challenges

The journey began at the Great Wall in Beijing, stretching 3,000 kilometers to the tropical city of Sanya in Hainan. While one might imagine sunlit beaches and swaying palms, Sanya greeted the teams with a fierce hurricane. 

The torrential rain darkened the skies, but it did nothing to dampen the team’s spirit and filming determination. In close coordination with local assist, MF fixer team and Studio Lambert team ensured filming proceeded on schedule, allowing the racers to reach each checkpoint on time. Despite alert-level winds and restricted transport, the crew carried heavy equipment across the city on foot, undeterred by the rain, blisters, and looming colds. The storm only strengthened our resolve, preparing us for the even greater challenge ahead—reaching the mythical Shangri-La.

3. Filming with Altitudes!

Upon arriving in Shangri-La, our team were confronting not just the usual trials of filming, but the dizzying heights of 3,500 meters above sea level. It became a battle not only for time but also for every breath—headaches, nausea, and even vomiting. Mandarin Film team worked with safety operators to secure local resources for emergencies. With safety assured, we tirelessly ran up and down the hills of Songtsam, determined to capture every moment. Despite the obstacles, our goal was never just to finish filming, but to perfect it against the nature challenges.

Behind the scenes: map reading at the Great Wall before the race launch


Through our experience in previous seasons of RATW, our fixer team has honed exceptional proficiency in navigating the unique demands of the show. While the forces of nature have continually tested our resolve, our fixer team’s adaptability and strong on-ground coordination have been key to overcoming every challenge. Once again, we demonstrated extraordinary flexibility and unshakable management skills, turning obstacles into achievements. With this spirit, we’ve continued to create filming experiences that are not only successful but truly unforgettable—each one a testament to our unwavering commitment.


“From your extensive job research and set up, to helping facilitate all our filming permits and visas, [Mandarin Film Fixers] has been fantastic, and your professionalism, patience, and great ideas, have really helped make the shoot run as smoothly as possible”

— Studio Lambert