We just returned from 13 days in China. We started out in Beijing, meeting our guide Konglin at our hotel the first day after arrival. We went to the Silk market, the Pearl market and several other places the first day. The second day, Konglin and his driver took us to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. We took the chair lift up to the wall and the tobaggan down. Very nice experience. The next day, they took us to the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace. Konglin also took us to several local restuarants for some authentic meals, and shopping all around Beijing. We had a wonderful time, and would not have seen half of what we did see without Konglin. His email is [email protected]. I would recommend his services to anyone who is travelling to Beijing. When we arrived in Shanghai,we didn't see quite as much because we didn't have Konglin!

We leave for Beijing next month.
Did you pay Konglin by day / hour?
What sort of vehicle does he have ?
Thaks

So, did you buy the black pearls? Can you give us details of your purchases? Thanks and glad you had fun with Kong Lin.

Glad to hear more positive comments about Konglin. I'll be using his services next year to go to the Great Wall at Mutianyu.

Monica

Monica while I think of this..remember to try and get an early start on the drive to Mutianyu..you will have more chance of avoiding other tourists and have plenty of time for exploring before lunch. Make sure to visit the dumpling restaurant that Kong Lin knows..the English translation of the name of the place is something like "Festival." (Bring some tissue for the rest room at the restaurant, too)

ekscrunchy, yes, I do want to get an early start and Konglin already told me about the restaurant we'll be stopping at - same one that you did!

Thanks!

Monica

thank you for nice report.

I'm trying to plan a similar trip this fall. Did you book this through an agency or do it yourself? If through an agency, was it one you'd recommend? Thanks.

Kong Lin is a private guide that many of us have hired in Beijing. He is independent and not affiliated with an agency. He is becoming quite popular with Fodor Beijing visitors.

Kong Lin has bought a mini van, so you don't need to hire a driver any more. Yes, we bought the black pearls. Very nice and a good deal.
We are now planning a 10 day London/Devon trip in March. Any advice?

We had booked with Konglin for our trip to Beijing to go to Mutanaiyu but at the last minute our plans changed and Konglin was most professional and understanding of our last minute cancellation. I am glad others have enjoyed his services. Wish we could have too.