Hong Kong to Beijing, China

This self-launched version of G Adventures' classic Hong Kong to Beijing route lets you explore China's most iconic cities and out-of-the-way gems on your own terms — for a fraction of the group tour price. From the neon-lit streets of Hong Kong to the karst peaks of Yangshuo, panda encounters in Chengdu, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an, and the Great Wall in Beijing, you'll hit every highlight independently using local buses, trains, hostels, and self-bookable tours. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£790

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

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 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

Experience the very best of China independently — from the neon skyline of Shanghai and the surreal sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie (the real-life Avatar Mountains), to the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an and the Great Wall at Beijing. This self-launched version follows the same route and hits all the same highlights as Odynovo's private tour, swapping guided transfers and private cars for high-speed trains, public buses, and self-bookable entrance tickets. You'll save over £1,900 per person while still experiencing one of the world's most spectacular journeys. All costs are approximate estimates based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£650

This self-launched version of G Adventures' Budget China tour takes you from Beijing to Hong Kong over 18 days — hitting every major highlight from the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to Shanghai's skyline and Yangshuo's karst scenery. Swap group tour pricing for budget hostels, sleeper trains, and self-bookable activities and you'll experience the same incredible country for a fraction of the cost. Estimated costs are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£815

This self-launched itinerary mirrors Exodus's Discover Tibet group tour — from Beijing through the Tibetan Plateau to Kathmandu — at a fraction of the cost. You'll ride the legendary Sky Train, explore grand monasteries, gaze at Everest from Rongphu, and cross into Nepal via the Friendship Bridge, all under your own steam. Note: Tibet requires a Tibet Travel Permit (TTP) and an organised Tibet tour permit — independent travel within the TAR is not permitted, so you'll need to book a licensed local Tibetan agency for in-region transport and a guide (mandatory by law). All costs are approximate estimates per person.

Travel Crew

~£840

This 12-day self-guided 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

Yunnan is one of China's most rewarding provinces for independent travellers — ancient towns, Tibetan monasteries, dramatic gorges, and ethnic minority cultures, all connected by reliable intercity buses and trains. This self-launched version of Silk Road Trips' Wild Yunnan tour follows the exact same Kunming → Dali → Lijiang → Shangri-La route, swapping guided transport and 4-star hotels for local coaches, clean guesthouses, and self-bookable activities. All cost estimates are approximate and based on current budget traveller rates.

Travel Crew

~£480