While on our first trip to China, the illness of a family member was about to sideline us from making a trip to the Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes, two of the places that we were looking forward to visiting the most. Luckily I found Synotrip and I looked up the area and found Tim. He immediately came across as friendly and knowledgeable. I explained our situation and even though he was booked himself, he stated the he could provide a driver for us. I gave him our travel itinerary and we agreed on a meeting time for the driver. On the morning we were supposed to meet the driver, he arrived early by a few minutes and showed us to the car. The driver was friendly but our Chinese was limited. However, Tim called and stated that he was only a phone call away if we needed anything. The trip was relaxing and fun. The Shaolin Temple was very interesting. I had heard that it was very touristy but in China most big attractions seem to be that way. This was no different but the shows were pretty amazing. The Longmen Grottoes were unbelievable. They must be seen to be believed. Tim was an excellent resource that helped make our trip to China complete. Even though he wasn't right there, he provided a great driver and was never more than a phone call away. Thanks Tim! We really appreciate it! Read less

<p>I visited China for the first time in April 2013. I went alone, specifically to train in Chenjiagou (Chen Village), birthplace of Tai Chi.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Being fairly untraveled, planning the trip was quite stressful. I was not traveling as a tourist or in an organized group, do not know Mandarin and had no clue what to expect, or how I would get around once I got there. I had much to plan!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>I found Tim online and contacted him before I left for China. At the time, I wasn&#39;t exactly sure what I would need from him in terms of services. We had quite a few email exchanges, and he was extremely patient in answering all of my questions. I found him to be very flexible and a joy to deal with.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>In a situation where nothing was really a sure thing, it was amazing to have Tim to lean on. He was very supportive and helpful before I had even paid him a cent. He understood that I was on a tight budget, and even offered to help me translate some things by telephone in case I was stuck while training in the village.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>After two weeks of living and training in the village, I booked a hotel room in Zhengzhou the night before leaving China. While I was in the village I did not really have access to a printer, so Tim was kind enough to print out all of my flight information and tickets, and delivered them to my hotel the night before my departure.&nbsp; I had only hired his driver service to bring me to the airport/check me in, and yet he went well out of his way to make my trip less stressful.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>My driver was excellent. Friendly, courteous and always smiling. He brought me to the airport, checked me in and I was on my way home. This took a lot of pressure off of my shoulders.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Tim and I got a chance to speak face to face when he brought me my e-tickets. I found him to be a smart, personable and warm individual. His English is very good and he is a great person. As I plan on returning to Chen Village (and eventually bring groups of my students), there is no question that I will be hiring Tim again. He is a reliable and well-versed tour guide with great energy, and I would highly recommend him to anyone going to this region of China.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Xie xie Tim!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- Daniel Iorio - Tai Chi instructor from Montreal, Quebec, Canada</p> Read less

<p>Tim was an excellent tour guide who spoke excellent english that allows him to communicate without any difficulty.&nbsp; Thanks to Tim for making our visit to Longmen Grottoes, Henan Provincial Museum and to the Shaolin Monastery a fantastic and memorable experience!!! Tim provided us with many interesting history and information of the sights and museum we visited.&nbsp; Our family of four with 2 boys, 8 and 10 felt comfortable and enjoyed his company. Tim look after us exceptionally well from the time he met us at the train station to helping us check us in at the airport.&nbsp; Tim is punctual, professional and we enjoyed his company.&nbsp; I would recommend his services if you are planning a trip to anywhere in the Henan province.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thanks Tim!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lulu Ming</p> Read less