Beijing: DO NOT Join a Tour Group!!
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It's all the same old trick! These people are so shamelessly greedy, afraid you'll change your mind and not buy anything the next second. They try to rip off everyone they can!
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If it's your first time visiting Beijing, I'd recommend finding a small tour group beforehand. Understand the daily itinerary clearly. It's best to have a completely worry-free experience where you don't have to think about anything for places like the Forbidden City, National Museum, and others. Otherwise, you'll have to book many attractions yourself. With a good small tour, food, accommodation, and transport are all arranged. At the attractions, the driver and guide will help you with tickets and provide explanations. That's what my friends and I did, and it worked out great.
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You're pretty obviously a shill, aren't you?!
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I've joined local tours there before, and honestly, they were pretty good, especially the vehicles provided – super comfortable! For those who get it, you spend a lot of time traveling by car in Beijing, and not having a comfortable one is really unpleasant.
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Looking for recommendations!
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Going DIY, 4 people. Anyone want our itinerary/guide?
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4 days, 3 nights.
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I'm planning to take my parents and kid to Beijing. Just by posting that I wanted to go, I got added by so many salespeople. Their offers looked incredibly cheap with great service, so I was very tempted! But after reading your experience, I've given up on that idea! Does anyone have any good travel plan suggestions?
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This was sent by the salesperson who added me.
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It's a common tactic; a legitimate process involves signing an electronic contract before the trip, with all fees clearly detailed and the contract filed with the tourism bureau.
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I was thinking of taking my kid during the summer vacation and wanted the convenience of a tour group. I'm so glad I saw your post; I really need to reconsider now.
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Definitely don't do it! It's exhausting having to wake up in the middle of the night with kids just to assemble. The driver who took us to the airport told me that summer is peak season for these awful, rip-off tours!