Larry ZZJ Like 0

This is the third time I have been to China but the first time I have been there with a group. The previous two trips were with my step father and we were able to travel around pretty easily with the help of guides at key points in the trip. On this trip, we had a total of eight people in our group, most senior citizens. We booked Larry as our guide to help with finding day to day things such as finding ATM's, attractions suitable for people with limited abilities, and translating local menus at restaurants. This was the second trip to Western Hunan where we employed Larry's services and as usual, he provided us with quality service. Larry is worth his weight in gold when it comes to the services he provides. He makes the trip seamless and removes many of the stresses associated with traveling in this part of China. Even though Western Hunan is becoming more popular with westerners, it can still be a bit tricky to navigate on your own. Larry helped us secure tickets to shows at night, find the correct attractions for the group we were with, and made sure everyone had what they needed. He was there to assist us whenever we needed. While in Fenghuang, a few of us wanted to head to Zhangjianie national park and would need to hire a separate guide, get a hotel reservation, and then get on the correct bus. Larry assisted us through the entire process including contacting a guide and recommending a hotel. He even rode with us to the bus station to ensure we made it on the correct but. If you're interested in visiting this part of China and need or want a guide, don't hesitate to hire Larry. His english skills are about a 7/10 but work ethic is a strong 10/10. He will meet you at the airport if needed. Read less

My step father and I recently went on a three week vacation through China.  We started in the south in Yangshuo then flew to Zhangjiajie, where Larry met us at the airport.   My step father had contacted Larry before we left the states to arrange for his services.   This may have been the best decision of the trip.   There are many good reasons to hire Larry as your guide through this part of China.   He was able to arrange hotels, arrange transportation, and help get discounted tickets on attractions and shows.   Plus, his knowledge of the western comforts, local areas, and local attractions is key.  

First, it is important know that Larry speaks fluent English and has a good understanding of western needs (comforts).   We traveled to some areas where little or no English was spoken so having a translator was very helpful.  Second, Larry was incredibly professional.   I wasn't sure how many hours Larry had planned on spending with us every day but for us, he was generally with us all the time with only a exceptions.  He quickly learned our dietary preferences, understood and respected our physical capabilities, and desire for adventure.   It was these qualities that really made a huge difference in our experience.

Having a local guide to help with hotel arrangements was a huge help for us.   Since we were traveling without a big tour company, we had no idea of the best hotels or area of Zhangjiajie to stay in.   Based on the attractions we wanted to see, Larry was able to secure us a hotel within walking distance of the bus station, the cable car depot, an ATM, and multiple restaurants.   He also arrange for a hotel room with a western toilet.   The hotel was very nice and met our needs (and was inexpensive as well by western standards).  

Traveling to different towns and attractions as well as traveling in taxis and local buses, Larry is able to help insure that you don't over pay.   Being able to take local buses instead of charter buses will save you money.  Having someone there to purchase the correct ticket and get you on the correct bus will save you loads of time.  There is always the risk of ending up someplace you don't want to when you're trying to figure it out on your own.  Remember, there aren't many English speaking people around here.

Larry's knowledge of local areas was very helpful and saved us both time and money.   He was able to secure discount (senior pricing) for my step father.   He was also able to walk us through attractions opposite of the general direction of most visitors so we were able to miss many of the crowds.   It's important to understand that crowds can be quite impressive and can really slow you down.  

Without Larry, this part of our adventure would have been a completely different experience.   He made what could have been the most stressful portion of our three week trip into the most memorable.  We had accidentally book our flight our a day too far in advance giving us a couple extra days with nothing to do.  Larry took us to a local tourist town three and a half hours away by bus.  This turned out to be the highlight of the trip.   

I can't imaging going back to Zhangjiajie without hiring Larry to guide me.   His service is a huge value for his small fee.   It will be the best decision you made on your trip to this special and beautiful part of China.   

 

 

 

Read less