Published on Jun, 2019
Simply amazing.
What started out as a potentially challenging tour to Xi’an with four elderly and two young kids turned out to be a great, memorable and wonderful visit to the beautiful city of Xi’an, in the hands of our excellent guide, Mr Jackie, and our friendly driver Mr Zhou. Not forgetting Lily, who was so accommodative and thoughtful in helping to plan the itinerary for the 5-day tour. Thank You so much!
Despite arriving late Xi’an (almost midnight), we received a warm welcome from Mr Zhou which certainly helped the family to feel assured and comfortable for a great start.
With a wheelchair and stroller along, it was almost going to be daunting especially when most of the places do not have flat, smooth paths. However, Jackie was ever so patient and thoughtful throughout the tours, and even went out of the way to help negotiate with the local site managements for a smoother passage for the elderly. Our parents are really grateful to him for that as two of them have mobility issues.
With a twist from the usual guiding services, Jackie does not provide plain and dull explanation of the history and sites of Xi’an. Instead, he offered tons of animated illustrations and with comparison and examples in current context for much easier understanding, and with his deep knowledge of the history of China, interesting insights into the rich history and culture of the brilliant city. He is equally well versed in English and Mandarin, and that certainly helped a lot.
We spent a lot of time on the road while travelling to various sites, but there was never a dull moment as Jackie would fill us up with interesting facts of China as well as funny jokes along the way, and our parents and kids had so much fun!
Due to mobility issues, we were often running behind schedule but Jackie was super patient throughout and told us to relax and enjoy the tour, and that safety is always a priority. He also offered great flexibility in rearranging the itinerary to suit the best interest for the family, and doing this while ensuring we did not miss out anything at all. Amazingly, we reached the top of the West Peak of Huashan with the little ones under his careful watch and encouragement!
To further credit, Jackie brought us to nice local restaurants for meals which are super affordable and value for money! Ever the tourist-style, we tend to order too much and luckily there is the super thoughtful Jackie to remind us!
Last but not least, we are very grateful to have engaged Lily and her team for this private tour in Xi’an, and they thoroughly deserved full marks from us. It has certainly been our honour to meet Jackie, who has been impeccable throughout and in him, we did not just have a private guide – we found a true and wonderful friend who is like a family!
Thank You very much!
Jimmy
