The airport transfers, tours and shows we had booked were all well organised. We specifically booked the tour believing that the first day was to be Beijing sites, so that we could really enjoy the Great Wall on the second day when we were less jet lagged - but the days were switched around.
Although we had a local guide "Kathy" who was very attentive, we didn't get the depth of information I would expect from a local.
The compulsory shopping stops were a real draw back, none were really 'factories' rather they were show rooms where we were actually required to be remain for 40 minutes even though none of us were vaguely interested in buying. The guide was quite cross that none of us were buying. Personally we would rather have spent more time at the sites, that sitting in showrooms.
Finally although the guidebooks say tipping is not customary in China, our guide was quite forceful in asking for tips for herself and the driver.
The tension around shopping and tipping really wasn't pleasant.
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[3 of 5 Stars!]
