20140709 - Two Layovers in Beijing

“Two Layovers in Beijing”

While visiting Japan, we had a 15 hour layover on our flight to Japan and a 20 hour layover on our flight home. We wanted to make the most of our limited time in Beijing, so based on Tripadvisor reviews, we booked two separate tours with Beijing Holiday Tours. On our first layover, we booked the Beijing Illuminate Tour. We booked the tour on Thursday and we were scheduled to arrive on Sunday at 5:00 pm. I did not receive a confirmation on the tour which was a little frightening, but I am sure was due to my late scheduling. However when we walked out of customs (over an hour late due to my lost luggage), Alic was waiting for us with my name on a sign. She was extremely friendly! Since we are not seasoned travelers, she helped us get some money exchanged and helped us check into our hotel. From our hotel, her and a very polite driver took us around the city to see the sights of Beijing. We had a fantastic time! She often acted as a photographer, so the entire party was able to be in the pictures. On this tour, we visited the Olympic sites, Tiananmen Square, Houhai Lake Bar Street, the Bell Towers, the CCTV Building and more. When the tour was over Alic, gave us her telephone number and email in case we needed any other assistance while in Beijing. She went above and beyond for us.

On our second layover, we walked to Wangfujing Food Street from our hotel at night and then we scheduled a tour of the Forbidden City for the morning. Pan was our guide and he was really wonderful. He spoke English very well. He was extremely knowledgeable and funny. We enjoyed the tour very much. The morning we visited the Forbidden City, it was very crowded. Pan was able to move effectively through the crowds. My nine year old daughter was with us and we had many local children wanting to take photos with her. Pan helped us move to areas that were less crowded which allowed us to move more freely with less interruptions. It was an incredible experience. Beijing Holiday Tours, Jenny Wong, Alic and Pan helped to make our short time in Beijing into memories that will last a life time. I look forward to going back to Beijing in the future, and I would definitely use this tour company again!