Beijing Layover: Private City Wonders & Cultural Gems

The tour was very well organised. We were picked up on time and our guide made reservations which made the process much easier. We were also taken into a nice noodle shop with quite good food. That said, we did not leave Beijing with a pleasant feeling. To visit Tianmen square, you need to get through 3 checkpoints and even after that, the police and military personal were everywhere - and not just going about their business, but specifically watching you making their power and control be felt. We were shown many skyscrapers and modern/shiny buildings, clean streets. While nice on the surface, it feels very empty with little actual value apart from manifesting power and wealth. Talking about money or economy is fine. You will also hear rehearsed and fake stories about the communist history. Politics and freedom is a topic you don't mention. We do not blame the guide as they have no choice and we did not want him to get in trouble. You will most likely get the same experience with any other certified guide. In summary, as tourists visiting for only a short time we experienced superficial, show-off Beijing and felt anxious about the control of an authoritarian state all around us.

Once we managed to meet (not facilitated by the Chinese internet enabling WhatsApp or Google to communicate!) Mark was a great, very flexible. tour guide. Perfect way to add a Beijing experience to my 13-hour layover en route from Norway to Sydney. I felt safe and secure travelling in a crowded unfamiliar bustling city with Mark, who went above and beyond to ensure my limited time was packed with enjoyable experiences. He is obviously passionate about the country and city in which he was born and lived his whole life, as well as a great, considerate, and knowledgeable guide. Thank you, Mark, for accommodating my last minute booking, you've inspired me to return for a much longer, dedicated visit.

Great tour site was very busy but we learnt a lot about the dynasty’s and history saw museum artefacts and heard many stories

It was an amazing way to see Beijing during our 10 hour layover! We arrived during the night and Mark still found great places to show us and provided insights into China. Meeting in the airport and the communication were very easy, thank you! Mark is a great guy, highly recommend!

Mark, the tour guide was absolutely amazing. He allowed us to design the four hour tour as we wished. Mark’s knowledge of The Summer Palace was very good and it was a fascinating visit with beautiful views over the lake and incredible buildings. We then went to Tian’anmen Square, which was very impressive. Mark dropped us off at an excellent Beijing duck restaurant with superb food. He then very kindly collected us from Beijing and took us back to the airport for our connecting flight. Overall it was an excellent experience of Beijing and we are very grateful for Mark’s expertise and guidance.

Sofia was amazing, knowledgeable and very patient with us and our baby visiting the Forbidden City. Thank you so much Sofia, see you next time!

Short, efficient trip within the centre of Beijing with Rita who took care of everything. Rita picked us up at the airport, arranged our transport and not only showed us around the city centre, but also told us more about the history of Beijing. Rita fulfilled our wishes, whatever we wanted to see or experience (food etc). Rita did a great job during the 4 hour tour. Happy to do it again!

Short, efficient trip within the centre of Beijing with Rita who took care of everything. Rita picked us up at the airport, arranged our transport and not only showed us around the city centre, but also told us more about the history of Beijing. Rita fulfilled our wishes, whatever we wanted to see or experience (food etc). Rita did a great job during the 4 hour tour. Happy to do it again!

Mark is a very very kind person. Pick-up at the PEK Airport is very easy. Just in front of the Starbucks. We were 4 and he has a very big car. In our few hours in Bejing we have visited Tienmen Square and another main central area with al lot of beautiful local food shops and other amenities. He very help us also with the payment in several shop. Thank you Mark, we hope to see you again.

Went in a day tour with Sofia to the forbidden city, it was awesome and she explains everything you need to know. Recommend!!