You've presumably already booked your flight: but you are a little cuckoo imo if you think that a 24+ hr routing in J will be more comfortable than a direct 10hr flight in Y, not to mention the extra cost!

I also think booking a tour guide, especially through the hotel, is rather unecessary and expensive.

We arrived in China not speaking the language, and although I would not say it is totally easy to get round -- asking directions can be quite tricky -- I feel completely safe in Beijing, as do my family.

It will be extremely cold in January, and the wind is very bitter, so wrap up warm. If it's once in a lifetime, you may as well try the GW, but I wouldn't envy you out there.

tb