I will be traveling to Beijing for a couple of days in Early September I will be arriving to Beijing in the morning of a Saturday (7am) and leaving late evening Sunday. Since it’s a limited time to explore the city, I was wondering if you have any recommendations for tour guides that are fluid in English, during those two days. Broadly, what I would like to do is:

Sept. 6: Visit and hike on the Great Wall. Will need car service. Meet up at hotel at 10am and drop off at around 6pm. I would love to make a day out of this, see as much of the “rural” areas surrounding Beijing and maybe even get some lunch there. Then explore and hike as much of The Wall as possible without any rush (it would be a plus if it’s in a not-so-crowded area), just taking in the landscape, atmosphere, etc.

Sept. 7: Tour Beijing. No car service; Would love to walk around/take public transportation. Meet up at hotel at 8 - 8.30am and back there at 3pm (check out at 4pm). I’’d love to see as much as possible without being too rushed definitely want to go to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven but other than that, I am open to anything the guide suggests.

Does this sound plausible? Am I missing a must-see? I would really appreciate any recommendations!

Also, on Sat. night I think it'd be fun to get a drink or something like that in town. Any gay bars you would recommend?


Thanks a lot!!!