China & Hong Kong

This 12-day self-launched adventure takes you through China's greatest hits — from the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to giant pandas and karst mountains — before finishing in buzzing Hong Kong. By swapping the group tour leader for self-bookable activities, local public transport, and budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses, you can hit every major highlight at a fraction of the Intrepid price. Expect overnight trains, high-speed bullet rides, street food feasts, and countryside cycling — all on your own schedule. Costs are approximate estimates for a budget/backpacker traveller.

Travel Crew

~£625

A self-launched 15-day adventure across China's most iconic cities and hidden gems — from hiking the Great Wall and marvelling at the Terracotta Army to cycling through Yangshuo's karst countryside and sleeping inside a Hakka Tulou fortress. This itinerary replicates Gap 360's China Discovery group tour using budget accommodation, self-bookable tours and China's excellent public transport network, saving you hundreds of pounds while giving you full flexibility. All costs are approximate estimates per person based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£560

Experience the very best of China independently — from the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, to giant pandas in Chengdu, the jaw-dropping Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie, and the electric streets of Shanghai. This self-launched route follows the same iconic path as the Gap360 group tour but replaces guided group transport with trains (including China's lightning-fast high-speed rail), swaps group accommodation for well-rated budget hotels and hostels, and books all activities directly or via GetYourGuide/Klook — saving you hundreds of pounds. China is one of the most rewarding countries in the world for independent travel: cheap food, reliable trains, and bucket-list sights at every turn. Costs below are estimated per person and assume solo travel with occasional shared dorms or twin-share budget hotels. Note: a Chinese tourist visa is required for most nationalities (~£150–£185); factor this in before you book.

Travel Crew

~£653

This self-launched itinerary covers all the iconic highlights of Gap360's 27-day China Adventure group tour — from camping on the Great Wall to meeting pandas in Chengdu, marvelling at the Terracotta Army and cycling through Fujian's tulou villages — all bookable independently using public transport, budget hostels, and self-bookable activities via GetYourGuide, Klook, and direct booking. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget/backpacker rates. You'll save a significant chunk versus the guided tour price while enjoying the same incredible experiences on your own schedule.

Travel Crew

~£650