What can I say! My two weeks in China were simply amazing. The package put together by Chinatour360 was perfect. I saw the must see locations without feeling rushed. I had enough time to explore on my own and practice my Mandarin with the local people. The itinerary allowed me to venture off to less traveled areas where I could get a feel for how the local communities really live their lives.
The three guides were fantastic. a) all guides were exceptional and went the extra mile to accommodate any requests or interests I had outside the itinerary. They were all very helpful with the language and assisting me for those times I would be on my own. b) all three guides had a very good command of English. I had no problems communicating with any of them. c) all the guides were very knowledgeable about the sites we visited and the area and general. They had answers to all the questions I asked. I am amazed at how they can keep their energy and enthusiasm given that they visit the same places hundreds of times. I never got the sense that they were tired or bored. I truly felt like each of them was a friend showing me around their city - as opposed to them showing a client around because they had to. I can't say enough about these three wonderful ladies. My guide in Beijing was kind enough to hold on to some souvenirs while I was visiting Xian and Lasa. Upon meeting with her when I returned to Beijing, she took her own time to meet me at my hotel, give me information and advice for the remaining things I was to do on my own, and even volunteered to accompany me on a trip to a site an hour outside the city just to make sure I didn't encounter any problems. Her courtesy and consideration were impressive. My guide in Xian took great care to make sure that I was having a good visit and was full of suggestions for other things I could do. The Lasa guide had a very kind and intelligent spirit and was extremely helpful, flexible, and patient in assisting me with the changes I initiated to the itinerary.
The food was quite good - particularly the dumpling sampler in Xian. There was too much food for me as a solo traveler, but that's better than not having enough! The accommodations in Beijing and Xian were superb. Internet access, financial transactions, and most importantly laundry service was always available. The vehicles were comfortable and the drivers very skilled - I would certainly struggle in those big roundabouts!
I must also thank Judy for working with me to change my train ticket from Lasa to Beijing. Your efforts provided me a full day to wander around Beijing on my own and that day was truly memorable.
In summary, the service was exceptional - the local guides were great, and my "Chinatour360" contact was patient and flexible. The itinerary was relaxed and provided opportunities to get out on my own and basically see the sights on a schedule that was comfortable for me - with the opportunity to consult with each guide on the pro's and con's of different places; and how to get there and back. The overall package was an amazing value, and ultimately the guides and "Chinatour360" contact exceeded my expectations and provided me an experience I will not soon forget. I will recommend "Chinatour360" to anyone planning a visit to China.
Thank you Judy, Brenda, Ellen, Lena, and Yang Jing. Thank you Chinatour360 and thank you China for your hospitality - I will see you again.
Forgot to mention; the meals were quite large - not sure if it only seemed that way as I was traveling alone, but each meal offered more than I could really eat (particularly the lunches). This kind of tired me out immediately following lunch. Also, I understand why the guide and driver don't eat with the guests, but being a solo traveler, being dropped off to eat alone felt a bit strange. Would have been nice if the guide could have joined me (although two of three did have one meal with me).
David Johnson
The three guides were fantastic. a) all guides were exceptional and went the extra mile to accommodate any requests or interests I had outside the itinerary. They were all very helpful with the language and assisting me for those times I would be on my own. b) all three guides had a very good command of English. I had no problems communicating with any of them. c) all the guides were very knowledgeable about the sites we visited and the area and general. They had answers to all the questions I asked. I am amazed at how they can keep their energy and enthusiasm given that they visit the same places hundreds of times. I never got the sense that they were tired or bored. I truly felt like each of them was a friend showing me around their city - as opposed to them showing a client around because they had to. I can't say enough about these three wonderful ladies. My guide in Beijing was kind enough to hold on to some souvenirs while I was visiting Xian and Lasa. Upon meeting with her when I returned to Beijing, she took her own time to meet me at my hotel, give me information and advice for the remaining things I was to do on my own, and even volunteered to accompany me on a trip to a site an hour outside the city just to make sure I didn't encounter any problems. Her courtesy and consideration were impressive. My guide in Xian took great care to make sure that I was having a good visit and was full of suggestions for other things I could do. The Lasa guide had a very kind and intelligent spirit and was extremely helpful, flexible, and patient in assisting me with the changes I initiated to the itinerary.
The food was quite good - particularly the dumpling sampler in Xian. There was too much food for me as a solo traveler, but that's better than not having enough! The accommodations in Beijing and Xian were superb. Internet access, financial transactions, and most importantly laundry service was always available. The vehicles were comfortable and the drivers very skilled - I would certainly struggle in those big roundabouts!
I must also thank Judy for working with me to change my train ticket from Lasa to Beijing. Your efforts provided me a full day to wander around Beijing on my own and that day was truly memorable.
In summary, the service was exceptional - the local guides were great, and my "Chinatour360" contact was patient and flexible. The itinerary was relaxed and provided opportunities to get out on my own and basically see the sights on a schedule that was comfortable for me - with the opportunity to consult with each guide on the pro's and con's of different places; and how to get there and back. The overall package was an amazing value, and ultimately the guides and "Chinatour360" contact exceeded my expectations and provided me an experience I will not soon forget. I will recommend "Chinatour360" to anyone planning a visit to China.
Thank you Judy, Brenda, Ellen, Lena, and Yang Jing. Thank you Chinatour360 and thank you China for your hospitality - I will see you again.
Forgot to mention; the meals were quite large - not sure if it only seemed that way as I was traveling alone, but each meal offered more than I could really eat (particularly the lunches). This kind of tired me out immediately following lunch. Also, I understand why the guide and driver don't eat with the guests, but being a solo traveler, being dropped off to eat alone felt a bit strange. Would have been nice if the guide could have joined me (although two of three did have one meal with me).
David Johnson
- Name: Mr. David Christopher Johnson
- From: Manassas, the USA
- E-mail: aol.com|d1johns
- ltinerary: 12-Day Standard China Tours of Beijing - Xian - Lhasa - Beijing
- Date: 2/16/2007
