Finally I have time for a proper review.
I was in Suzhou two weeks just prior to Christmas 2011, and picked Ivy at random, however, soon found out it really is a small world.  I learned through casual conversation that a fellow I work with who was in Suzhou just prior to my visit hired the same person as a guide.  Ivy! 
Sunday, Ivy was on time in the lobby of the Renaissance hotel.  Through email I told her in advance what I’d like to do so she had a plan.  We took a cab to the train station, took a train to Shanghai and then the subway and another cab to a shopping area specializing in pearls and silk things.  
She was a great help in picking out several gifts for the family, and if the price at a particular vender was too high she politely and quietly suggested we keep looking.  She helped negotiate prices and I really appreciate that.
Having the shopping done, off to see the sights.  She took me to an area of Shanghai with many small shops and where I got the chance to see Shanghai new and old.   We had a couple of Gunisses  along the way to refresh and renew our energy, then off to see more of the area.  Ivy is a wealth of knowledge concerning China and of Shanghai.  She’s even been in  a TV documentary about China!
She speaks English very well which was, as you can imagine, HUGE for getting around and talking to people locally.
You can’t go wrong having  Ivy take you out and about for shopping or sightseeing.
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Ivy was highly recommended by a colleague who booked a tour with her when he was in Suzhou a few weeks ago. I can also highly recommend Ivy as a tour guide.  I wanted to go to Shanghai and see some highlights and also get a feel for the city. Met Ivy in the morning, rode the train to Shanghai, then toured the consulate area, stopped for coffee and walked around the area, checked out some art gallery's, then to General Zhou Enlai residence. Then a nice Chinese local restaurant for lunch. Then to the bund (river front?) area to get a ferry to get to the pearl tower.  The day was exactly what I had asked for, a nice relaxing day, I prefer a relaxing walk and explorong  versus trying to do too much in one day. Ivy made the day very fun and interesting and has lots of knowledge of the area. 
When I get back to China I will definitely  book another tour with Ivy.
Dan
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While I am the adventurous type and generally prefer to explore a new destination by myself, I concluded that I desperately needed a guide. Fortunately for me, Ivy responded to my last minute tour request. She not only turned out to be a competent guide, but also an energetic, humorous, and considerate person. She suggested and planned a wonderful day trip to Suzhou. I could not have been more satisfied. If you are looking for a knowledgeable and personal guide, look no further. Ivy is the best. I wouldn't be surprised if I see her on the Discovery channe in the near futurel. See the real China with a realy goodl tour guide. Thanks Ivy and best wishes! Read less

I came to Nanjing without a clue as to how in the world i was going to get around - I didnt have a map, I knew no mandarin and I had no idea what Nanjing was all about. Come to think of it the whole Nanjing trip would have been a complete waste had I not found this website!!!

Ivy was full of energy and enthusiasm the whole day long, dangit she posed better in the pictures than I did (hehe). She was amazing, there was not a single awkward / uncomfortable moment with her throughout the day (at least none that I'm aware of, I hope it was the same for her) - I could have sworn we've known each other a long time and were old pals. But of course we weren't because that was the first and the last day we saw each other.

If you plan on having a tour of Nanjing, I promise - she's all you'll ever need.

P.S. Hey Ivy, I still have your pictures I'm still figuring out how can send them over to you.
P.P.S. Sorry for the lag in the review, I've been busy (for the last... uh... 4 months...) but thanks a million it's one of the most memorable days of my life! Read less