National Guide: Our best National Guide lives and works in China. Everything about his work ethic as well as his ability to listen and try to accommodate the wishes of the U.S. trip leader is outstanding.
For example my wife, as the tour guide tells him that she would like our group to eat as authentic Chinese restaurants instead of the usual tourist stops with five tour buses parked in front. He finds us outstanding restaurants with great food, inexpensive prices, and away from the other tourist groups.
He always designs the itinerary to the wishes of the tour guide and always makes excellent recommendations of places to visit, in addition to the itinerary.
He handles all of the extra tour obligations such as the gratuities, working with the tour guide on room assignments, making sure that all have an opportunity for that special hotel room, etc.
He purchases cases of water from the local stores, saving a great deal of money for the group.
I would say in summarizing that he is always one step ahead regarding planning, anticipating problems, adjusting to situations, etc.
We often recommend Shen Mao Mao to our many friends wishing to tour China.
Lynn Dyche