My trip to Beijing from Shanghai exceeded every expectation—all thanks to our guide Andy and the seamless arrangement by the travel company.? Andy greeted us with a warm smile and a brief, engaging overview of the day’s itinerary, adjusting his tone to match our interest in history rather than just reciting scripts.

At Tiananmen Square, Andy didn’t just point out the landmarks—he shared little-known anecdotes about the square’s evolution, connecting it to the stories we’d read in textbooks. When I asked about the significance of the flag-raising ceremony (even though we’d missed it), he pulled up a short video on his phone and explained the protocol, making the moment feel vivid. Moving to the Forbidden City, his knowledge was impressive: he knew exactly where to stand for the best photos without crowds, pointed out subtle details in the architecture like the number of roof ridges that signify imperial status, and even recommended a quiet corner near the Palace of Heavenly Purity where we could take a breath away from the throngs.

Lunch was another highlight. Instead of taking us to a touristy restaurant, Andy led us to a local eatery near the hutongs. He helped us order authentic dishes like zhajiangmian and douzhi, explaining the history of each food and making sure we were comfortable with the flavors. In the afternoon, as we wandered through the Beijing Hutongs, Andy introduced us to the residents’ daily lives—pointing out a traditional courtyard where a family had lived for three generations, and even stopping to let us chat with an elderly craftsman making kite frames. He never rushed us, letting us soak in the atmosphere, and was always ready with answers to our endless questions.

The travel company’s logistics were flawless too. The driver picked us up promptly at each stop, and the route was planned to avoid traffic jams. By the end of the day, we didn’t feel exhausted at all—we felt enriched. Andy even gave us recommendations for dinner in the railway station area and followed up with a message that night to check if we’d arrived safely in Shanghai.

This tour wasn’t just a visit to attractions; it was a window into Beijing’s past and present. Andy’s passion, expertise, and thoughtfulness, combined with the company’s professional arrangements and the driver’s reliability, made it one of the best travel experiences I’ve ever had.

Reviewed to: Classic Beijing Highlights Day Tour From Shanghai by Flight