TripAdvisor Reviews

We did the 14 day Beijing to China trip. It was an absolutely fabulous trip from the minute we arrived we were really looked after after by great guides, First in Beijing by Kitty, then Carol Chen in X'ian. Kevin in Chengdu, and Sophie Lee in Shanghai, they all spoke great English, where very knowledgeable on their area and went out of their way to make a memorable experience for us all. The choice of hotels and locations were perfect, the 3 day Cruise down the Yantzee is a must (but upgrade your allocated restaurant to VIP it's not expensive but it is quieter than the main one). I would especially like to thank Sophie Lee for assisting us with a problem in Shanghai that she took onboard and sorted for us. Would really recommend this tour and TravelChinaGuide. Less

This was the first stop on our 18 day tour of China, assisted by Travel China Guide.



We met our guide Helen and everything went like clockwork! She was very experienced, we loved the boat ride through Tongli and ambling through the shopping streets of Tianzifang. We loved the different gardens!



Helen was very knowledgeable, and because of wet weather, Helen helped us tailor our itinerary by switching out a Bund walk and instead squeezing a trip to the brand new Shanghai East museum instead! Our hotel was on the Bund so this was perfect for us!



Thanks Helen! Less

Shanghai was the final destination on the small group tour I joined with Travel China Guide back in September this year. The itinerary indicated that the tour in Shanghai was set for one day; yet, I was eager to discover all that this vibrant and developed city, one of the largest in the country, had to offer.



On the first day of the tour ( the next morning as the tour arrived Shanghai at night ), however, the typhoon Bebinca, which hadn't been seen in the past 75 yeas, unexpectedly made landfall in Shanghai. Despite the impending severe weather, the sky was moderately breezy. Our knowledgeable tour guide, Martin, was able to guide the tour strolling on the historic Bund waterfronts promenade where most of the colonial-era buildings lining up along the Huangpu River. We also visited the classical Yu Garden, known for its architecture reflecting the former rich rank, and explored the former French Concession - Tianzifang, where the old ancient Shanghai contrasts with modern establishments just across the street like Starbucks, Peet's and various trendy shops.



Based on the itinerary, we were supposed to visit the Shanghai Museum and enjoy a river tour on the Huangpu Rive to view the towering skyscrapers in Pudong across the Bund. However, the activities were called off due to increasingly heavy rain and strong winds. Unexpectedly, Martin announced to everyone that we would receive a small partial refund for the cancelled activities. I was truly impressed and appreciated for this policy implemented by Travel China Guide, and I commended Martin for following through with the agenda.



For most of the tour members, it was a brief day in Shanghai as they prepared to head home, but for me, it marked the beginning of a solo adventure since I had planned to extend my stay in the city for few more days after the tour.



Indeed, Shanghai is a lively metropolis, one of the largest and most populated cities in the country. It is a city blended with Eastern and Western cultures, with traditional temples nestled among modern skyscrapers. Jing'an Temple, while not a major tourist spot in some tour itinerary, is easily accessible via the Metro and exemplifies this blend. I just want to emphasize how easy it is to navigate the city by local transportation like a local. Also, I was remarkably impressed that I went from Shanghai to Suzhou in just 30 minutes by bullet train; this quick travel was made possible by the high-speed rail introduced about two decades ago.



The Shanghai city's modernization over the past decades is clearly reflected from its growing skyscrapers. Across the Bund in Pudong, is the IFC building which is conveniently located near major attractions like the Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, all are easily accessible via Metro or the hop-on-off double-decker buses. At night, this is the place showcases the panoramic view of the vibrant lights illuminating from the various skyscrapers.



As a newcomer to this lively city, I felt thrilled with each location I explored. It's a safe city with police presence almost everywhere. Thanks to my phone's travel plan, I navigated like I was at home, using apps for translation and maps. While cash is accepted, mobile wallets like WeChat and Alipay are much more convenient.



In summary, you'll find some historical sites that have become quite commercialized in this bustling metropolis, yet their historical charm still can be seen. If you enjoy exploring at your own pace, Shanghai should definitely be on your travel list . Alternatively, if you prefer a guided experience, Travel China Guide comes highly recommended. Less