China Spree

[sergey]

We're looking to book a trip to China this fall and for a variety of reasons we're looking to use a tour company (I know, I know, this is not how we usually travel but we have our reasons this time). We just requested reservations with China Spree, they have an A+ rating with the BBB since 2005, good ratings/reviews on Yelp and Trip Advisor and only one weird entry on Ripoff Report so I feel pretty good about the company. I know they do the jade/pearl/silk 'factory tour' traps but I'm willing to suffer through them and from what I understand they're skipable too. Anyway, I know it's a long shot but I thought I'd see if anyone here has used them before since I do have a few days to cancel with no repercussions. Thanks!

[sarahbear]

We were going to but changed plans. But I suggested them to a coworker and she did end up using them for her trip. She went with her DH on a 3 week trip and loved it. She had nothing but great things to say about their trip and the company. It made me wish we hadn't changed our destination.

[Deleted]

Sounds like you've done your research on them.
Most tours you go on here in China (I live in Shanghai) will try to take you to those places. We generally avoid tour guides for that reason, but some of the places can be fun, it helps if you know what's going on going in.
If you need any advice on places or traveling here in general, I'm happy to help.

[msamyfarrahfowler]

I don't think you can avoid those factory tours because they're scheduled in between site visits. You can stay on the bus while the others shop, but that's about it.

[sergey]

Great, thanks for the input guys, just put down the deposit!