Wow yes, today was wicked horrible cold and windy--probably coldest day of year so far. Way below freezing and the Wall will be even worse. So visitors, either forego and hit the Museums, or bundle up like an Eskimo.

On the subject of drivers, couple of days ago I was near the Holiday Inn Express on Chunxiu Lu about 10:30 am, unsuccessfully trying to find an empty taxi, when a black car pulled up and asked where I was going. I was in a bit of a hurry and told him--he wanted RMB 20 (taxi would have been about 12-13 all-in, it wasn't that far), but he did agree on RMB 15 once I started speaking Chinese to him. A "hei che" (illegal cab) but turns out he was a nice guy and gave me his business card.

Mr. Li Jin Guo, 135-2125-2857 has a regular German car (the one that I encountered) which is nice and very clean and easily OK for 2-3 adult passengers. Don't remember the model. Asked him what his price to Mutianyu was round-trip and he said RMB 600 which is pretty much standard, including wait time. He also works with two other vehicles/drivers and the pride and joy is a big Buick which looks like a cross between an SUV and a Van. Also don't know the model (I'm not a car person!) That one is RMB 800 for a rental. Also does airport pickups and drops, daily rentals, and other short and long distance traveling. No English, but if you can manage Chinese give him a call--I got a decent vibe off of him.