You are not alone in China!

Author: Elizabeth Loma Barbante, August 22, 2006

Enjoy all the photos
taken by us

Aug. 02 - Aug. 13, 2006
Totally 12 days

Beijing - Xian - Shanghai & around

· Click for the details of tour Itinerary we took

Annie Fang

Details of the tour itinerary we took

Dear Annie,

I can't begin to thank you for your superb organisation. Our two tour guides from Beijing (Hawke) and Xi'an (Forrest) could not be faulted. If I had to choose the best it would have to be Forrest only because of his maturity and relaxed manner, but Hawke was very obliging and friendly especially when I had a funny tummy one day and he swapped our tour days around without any hesitation. Nothing was a problem to them and their knowledge of the history of China could not be surpassed.  They looked after us like children and at no time did we ever feel threatened. They are both highly recommended. 

The hotels got better as we went. The Harmony Hotel we found was a little too far away from Tiananmen Square but their little card at reception with the sights listed on the back with a tick box was a brilliant idea for tourists and taxi drivers. The Orient in Xi'an was a step up from the Harmony and in Shanghai the Juilong was probably the best. 

We failed to find a market in Shanghai, we walked the Bund and Nanjing Street but didn't come across a market selling CD's, cameras, watches, clothes and things in general. The guide in Shanghai (Lena) needs a little guidance. She strode ahead too far and fast. Didn't give enough commentary at the Lingering Garden and Humble Administrators Garden.  Didn't know where the toilets were. Actually she acted as if she had never been to Souzhou before. She did try very hard and she was enthusiastic and dynamic. She was good in the silk factory and gave a terrific commentary and accommodated us in Shanghai when we wanted to have a night cruise down the Huangpu river to see the lights of the city. She needs to accompany an experienced guide to have some idea of what is expected.  

Elsa saw us to the airport and she had the demeanour of an experienced guide. The three drivers were exceptionally good, we felt very safe and comfortable in their vehicles at all times. 

If I returned I would like to return to Beijing to see another part of the Great Wall with a few less people, and maybe take a trip up to Datong to see the hanging Temple.  Beijing is so rich in culture and everything is so big I think another few days back there would be great and of course a trip down to Guilin to meet you. 

Thank you Annie, we have heaped praise on you and your company since returning and recommended everyone who visits China to contact you first.   

Sincere regards
Liz Barbante

I understand what you mean when you said:
You are not alone in China !