Originally Posted by
trueblu
I'll post the typical 'BJ resident' response, that you don't really need a private guide for beijing -- it's pretty easy to navigate with a little bit of planning -- and the only think that's a pain is the traffic, which a guide won't help you with.
Of course, if money is no object, and you are very anxious about things, a guide can make you feel at ease, but in many ways, it may actually decrease efficiency of what you end up doing, since they may insist on taking you places that you don't really want to see etc.
For highlights of BJ, plenty on this forum, search for 'one day in beijing'.
Weather has a big impact on what I would do for my one day, so the time of year that you come would be fairly relevant.
tb
I was afraid to be the first person to post this advice, which has become so second nature that people assume that our forum is decidedly anti-guide. In fact, we are; it's just that we REALLY don't think guides in Beijing or Shanghai are remotely necessary.
It's not really about the money, but the fact that guides can actively detract from your experience (e.g. by taking you to places that they like and will most certainly not).
For those that insist on ignoring this advice, I shall reiterate my past point that: random girl you meet at Starbucks>TA specialist>>>>CITS.
Even if I didn't speak a word of Chinese, I would still maintain my stance, but at least in the case of the Starbucks girl, you'll have the ability to craft your own plan, and she might even be cool to hang out with. Knowledge of Chinese history is pretty much a moot point in all cases (i.e. read a book or two, and you'll probably be on higher level than them).
All that having been said, one of my weixin friends is a Shanghai guide (part time), and I'm the process of vetting her. If I can convince her to refrain from being dogmatic, and actually offer tours that are of interest to our community, I will contemplate plugging her... we're not there yet.