I typically book my trips 7-10 months in advance as I LOVE researching our destinations to create the best itinerary possible, but most importantly, it gives me ample time to research guides. If you’re reading this attempting to determine which guiding service to use in Beijing you can stop as I did all the homework for you. I literally reached out to every Beijing guide via email asking them specific questions about our time in Beijing, where to/where not to see, etc. and Qing of Discover Beijing Tours gave the most thorough and most personalized responses. Many of the other companies will give you detailed descriptions, but they only send you their generic itinerary rather than customizing to your actual wants and needs. Also, I spoke with some other tourists and some companies do NOT promise you the guide you’ve requested.
Although Qing was fantastic in her pre-trip emails, she was even better in person and I now consider her a good friend. My fiance and I never stopped laughing while around her, but at the same time, we never stopped learning about the rich and lengthy cultural history of China. Also, the itinerary she put together was perfect enjoying all the great sites plus experiencing a bit of regular daily local life. Thank you Qing and Discover Beijing Tours for an absolutely over the top three days in Beijing, we will be back and hope you can come visit us in California soon!
PS – Definitely try the “Traditional Noodle Lunch” at Qing’s mother’ house as she makes the best noodles in Beijing by far!!!
Matthew and Nina
