Sightseeing

Steeped in history, China's nearly as many tourist spots as it does people. Navigating them can sometimes be a chore, especially as most markers and documentation has only been created for the domestic market. Additionally, tourist traps are rife with touts looking to make a quick buck by cheating unknowing foreigners. Let Your China Pal help you weave your way through some interesting and exciting places, while assuring you're not being taken for a ride.

Exploring

Sometimes the beaten path is not what appeals, and we understand that. As travellers ourselves, we understand the thrill of discovering new places, and veering off of the not-so-Lonely-Planet path. There's no better way to do so than to have one of our Pals accompany you, offering helpful and original suggestions along the way.

Interpreting

Chinese language and culture are by no stretch a quick learn. Our Pals are happy to assist you in being interpreters at social functions, business meetings, chats over coffee, or whatever you may need.

Translation

Your China Pals are eager to lend a hand in translating everything from your new business contract to the local noodle shop menu. Though not trained translators, their English language abilities are more than sufficient to give you a general outline or idea.

Business

With an economy that refuses to stop, China is expanding fast, and foreign investment is going step-for-step. Though Your China Pals are not business specialists, they are happy to assist with interpreting, contract summaries, site visits, etc.

Shopping

From ancient jade carvings and silk patterns to high tech gadgets, China's loaded with wonderful ways to lighten your wallet. Let Your China Pal help make sure that lightening is not any more than it absolutely needs to be. Our Pals have local knowledge, know the best shops, the lay of the land, and how to ask if they've got it in your size.

Bargaining

Though big box stores are slowly proliferating the land, China is still very much a barter barter barter marketplace. Outside of the name brand retailers, most shops will require you bargain until your blue in the face. Laowai (foreigners) are often given a horribly inflated price, under the assumption that coming from 'Western nations' you are happy to just throw your money away. Your Pal work for you to bargain the price as low as they can. Though 'kick backs' and 'commissions' from vendors is rife in China's tour guide industry, at YCP we strictly forbid it - enforcing it with immediate termination of employment - no exceptions.

Chatting

Sometimes the hustle and bustle of a new country and culture can be too much, and all you require is a chat and some coffee. Your Pal is happy to sit and chat with you about any number of topics. Feel free to pick their brain about any of the plethora of issues that make up modern China. We pride ourselves on our Pals being interesting, opinionated and educated individuals, and hope you will take the time to get to see this for yourself.

Cultural Exchange

It can take years to even reach the outer layers of cultural understanding in China. The country is a complicated, confusing and very unique place. With long standing Confucius ideologies, mixed in with newly forged communist-capitalist manifestos, it can be overwhelming. We hope you'll look to your China Pal for guidance and insight into how it all fits together.

Insight Into China

Third largest country, most populated nation, fastest growing economy. These are just a few wide-sweeping statements that sum up China. From its vast geography and ethnic diversity, to its patch-marked history and expansive history; your Pal won't pretend to know it all, but he or she will happily and enthusiastically give you a crash course about this massive country.

Chinese Lessons

Language is the key to any culture. Though they can't make you fluent in an afternoon, Your China Pal will be glad to provide you with a solid survival level of Mandarin to help you get by in your continued journeys throughout China.