Originally Posted by
moondog
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.
Perhaps I should have qualified my original post. I always explore new cities on own, perhaps with the help of a guidebook, and have never hired a guide before. Had I the luxury of at least 2 days in Beijing and a bit more time to prepare, I'd have done just fine taking public transport and walking around myself. But given the constraints I have and the complete lack of knowledge of Chinese language, I thought the best use of time would be to hire someone and see as much as possible in the single full day I have there.
Whether this decision proves to be a mistake… well, you'll hear back from me on Monday.
