Beijing Travel Forum

We have limited time and do not want a Hotel type tour with side excursions to shops factories etc. Can anyone recommend a "good, reliable, english speaking" private taxi or guide with his own car for a day?

I am travelling to Beijing and in doing my research one of the hotels sent me the following link. Note that if you look at the "Tours & Deals" tab they do have an offering titled something like "Your way in Beijing" where you hire a person for a day.

A friend of mine who worked in Beijing did say their group tour did the shopping thing - although it was OK, but I'm planing on the individual.

Member hommanded has some nice tips on engaging a student guide - I am a woman traveling alone so I have decided to hire an individual guide via my hotel.

I've been recomending our friend "Alvin" from our pages to many travelers to Beijing.
ALL have written back about what a pleasant experience it was using his services.
He's affordable, very reliable. Will NOT stop off at shopping and will even arrange further travel throughout China for you.
His contact information on our pages:

http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/97182/5a0/9/

or; write / email him at: alvinbenton@hotmail.com

Enjoy your trip, please let us know if you need further assistance.
Hello Martha!

Homer

Hi Homer! Hope all is well!

I went to Beijing twice and hire the same girl and her car. She is reliable. I will be in Beijing again this July, and I will choose the same way as you are. If we will be there at the same time, maybe we can share her service and share the fee. Are you interested?

Hi There:

I am a guide in Beijing,I have worked with a lot of individual
tourists,I have a Corolla with good conditions.It is my honor if you can give me a chance!

Looking forward to your answer!

Best Wishes

William Cheng from cool Beijing

Just serch konglin on google,you will find lots of his reviews on internet.
a nice gudie with a Buick van.

I am in Beijing and looking for a private car to Mutianyu for family of four. Are you available Thursday July 2 or Friday July 3? What is your rate.

Please email. I am staying at Marriott Apartments Palm Springs.

Thanks.

Peter

My apologies, I realize I overlooked the link - here it is:
http://www.destinationscn.com/

You are wise in seeking a reliable local guide. I have been in Beijing for several months and my friend, who was formerly my tutor has been accompanying me around many parts of Beijing. She is a teacher at the Beijing University, which is now in recess. She is a great friend, very knowledgeable about Chinese culture and history, is fluent in English but, importantly, has saved me many dollars by bargaining when I buy things, has no connections with any shops or restaurants or other places and she knows the appropriate prices of things. She has a wonderful integrity, coming from a very modest background with little spare money but now studying for her Master's Degree. She knows her way around Beijing and can give cab drivers clear directions. She also has a delightful personality and is very well read on English literature - reading books, in English, I resist - eg James Joyce. A great companion who has a fondness for showing me the real life of locals in Beijing - ie the hutongs - not necessarily the touristy hutongs, although some of those are worth a visit.
Many locals will be seeking to take advantage of the flood of foreign visitors in the period of the Games. I don't blame them for that, but an honest, reliable local guide, like my friend, can save money, time and heartache.I can put you in touch with her if you want. Reply to my email address lenwaugh@gmail.com. Good luck