Today/OU 0415
Anyone can become a private tour guide in China nowadays.
Also known as 'The Local', personal tour guides have lately become very popular here in China. It's easy to find one on the internet - and just as easy to become one. All that's needed is to create a profile and wait for someone to hire you.
Comments:
(QD): Fair box says on sina.com.cn,
There are no regulations on private tour guides and therefore, there'll be risks involved. If there're dispute between the visitors and their guide, then who's responsible?
(WY)
Keke wrote this on weibo:
Personally, I'd like to hire a private tour guide and to become one myself. Locals know much more about the culture, food and other things, and it'll be quite convenient to have a local guide with you.
(BL)
Tong Nian is a bit dubious about this whole thing on gmw.cn,
To follow a complete stranger in a foreign place - that sounds crazy! What if they're thieves or bad guys?!
DISCUSSION
(QD)
Jill Becker has used one of these tour guides before and wrote on cnn.com that,
The time I spent with the guide turned out to be one of the best parts of my entire trip. Private tour guides can really be a traveller's best friend.
(WY)
Xiao Xi said on sohu.com that,
It's great that everyone can become a tour guide - I hope to become one, too. It's the perfect opportunity to earn some extra money and make new friends at the same time.
(BL)
Blue Rose on 163.com is uneasy about the idea:
Since anyone can become these tour guides, there're going to be so many risks involved. Your whole trip could become very annoying if these guides turn out to be terrible. For me, it's just too risky. I'd rather hire someone from a travel agency than off the internet!