Tiananmen Square ,Forbidden City ,Summer Palace Private Tour

Had a great day for this tour. Lucy, our tour guide was fantastic. We were able to learn many things about the place we went to from the information she shared with us, even though we were not able to visit each and every corner of the place. It was too cold today to do that.

Leo sent us Guide April and Mr Wang to drive us on the city tour and as expected they were early and eager to show off Beijing to us. Their enthusiasm is still fresh and pride in Beijing very real. Thats when you know you have a great team guiding you. We started with Tienanmen Square and April knew the security check points that needed navigating. We were completely unaware that you could not just stroll to the Square as one does to Times Sq in NY or the Squares in London. This is the biggest square in the world and security needs to be tight as it is surrounded by government buildings and artifacts in the many sights around the square. None more so than the Forbidden City where April whizzed us through the bureaucracy keeping us moving discreetly as there is a lot of walking and a lot to be seen and explained in the massive historical sight. Fortunately Leos guides seem to be experienced in how to convey a lot in an interesting compact way so you remain glued to the story without drowning in the history. If we had not booked with Leos we would have tried doing it own our own and I cannot imagine the confusion and wasted time trying to enter these restricted areas. April followed this impactful visit to a walk through a local Hutong which was a highlight and mind bending changing perspectives of how modern China lives. It became a bit of a food tour as there are many local food businesses. An aspect of April we really enjoyed was that she took pride to show us her culture and city and when we reacted positively this only encouraged her to do more so. We feel this opened up another level of information given and sightseeing we experienced. Not forgetting Mr Wang who patiently was dropping us off and going to wait somewhere before being summonsed by April to meet us to continue to the next sight. He did this with such patience and humility and respect it was always a delight to see him after being away from his vehicle for a while. We asked April for a good budget conscious restaurant for lunch where we could try Peking Duck and within seconds her and Mr Wang chose the perfect spot, He sadly did not eat with us but April did and the chats were very informative and yet informal enough to get to know the local perspectives on all things. We also got to visit the Summer Palace where April was sneaky and took us away from the crowds to a quiet secret section. This moment made us feel special and we have an emotional reaction to the solitude and beauty of being in a serenely beautiful place - alone. It was the difference we felt April provided trying to show off her city of which she is rightfully so proud. Mr Wang and April also took us to see the Olympic park and Birds Nest and Watercube which we are thrilled they did. We realized there were extras thrown into the tour but that seems to be the case when touring with Leos. In conclusion we feel that Beijing is a grossly underestimated and misunderstood city. Thanks to Leos and his guides and staff we walk away with an updated view of a city which April explained started thousands of years ago. She walked us through the historical and cultural events that shaped the city before pausing in the present and then pointing us to the future of where Beijing is going. Will look out for Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics for sure now.

Thanks Helen for showing us Beijing! On the 22nd December we organised the tour at the last minute but Leo was super quick in answering and organising the city tour visit. Helen was our guide and she is extremely knowledgeable. We were bombarding her with questions and she knew everything. She showed us the sites and explained us the culture and symbolism behind everything we sow. Thanks again for the great time. 100% recommended and ask for Helen! She is the best !!! Gio & Marina