Hong Kong

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

A self-launched version of Silk Road Trips' "Wild Canton" 12-day loop, running from Hong Kong through Guangzhou, Shunde, Kaiping, Zhaoqing, Qingyuan, the Yingxi Corridor, Liannan and Shaoguan before returning to Hong Kong. Instead of 4-5 star hotels and a private guide, you'll use Hong Kong hostels and Guangdong guesthouses/train-station hotels, ride the high-speed rail and intercity buses, and self-book the same headline sights (Nanyue King Tomb, Chen Clan Academy, Fengjian Water Town, Kaiping diaolou, Dinghu Mountain, Gulong Canyon glass walkway, Chuantian Tiankeng and Mt Danxia). Realistic backpacker outlay is roughly £45-60/day plus intercity transport — about a quarter of the £2,050+ advertised operator price. All costs are approximate and exclude international flights to/from Hong Kong.

Travel Crew

~£525

An independent, self-launched version of Much Better Adventures' 11-day China trip — Great Wall hike at Jinshanling, Taoist trails and hot springs on Qingcheng Mountain, pandas at Dujiangyan, a kung fu session in Chengdu, karst cycling and bamboo rafting in Yangshuo, and the Longji rice terraces, finishing in Hong Kong. Built around hostels/guesthouses, high-speed trains, and self-bookable activities at a fraction of the guided group price. Costs are approximate per-person estimates in GBP, excluding international flights into Beijing (PEK) and out of Hong Kong (HKG).

Travel Crew

~£1,265

A 27-day self-launched loop through southern and central China, bookended by Hong Kong. Using China's high-speed rail network, hostel dorms and local buses, you'll hit Yangshuo's karst scenery and rice paddies, the Chengdu pandas, the Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing's Forbidden City, Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors, and Shanghai's Bund — all at backpacker prices. Book transport and hostels yourself as you go; reserve Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors tickets online in advance (passport required). Costs are rough backpacker estimates in GBP; China's visa rules change often, so check the latest 240-hour transit/visa-free rules for your nationality before flying.

Travel Crew

~£1,210

A self-launched 10-day China adventure following G Adventures' "Pandas & the Peaks of Zhangjiajie" route — Shanghai's futuristic skyline, the Avatar-inspiring quartzite pillars of Zhangjiajie, Chengdu's giant panda base, the dreamy karst of the Li River, and Hong Kong. Built around China's superb high-speed rail network and public cable cars/vans inside the national parks rather than private vehicles, with hostel and budget hotel stays. All costs are approximate per person in GBP.

Travel Crew

~£1,120

A self-launched week through three of China's most iconic destinations — Shanghai, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong. Skip the group tour premium and do it yourself: overnight sleeper trains, budget hostels, and self-bookable activities keep costs low while the experiences stay sky-high. From the neon-lit Bund to the limestone karsts of Yangshuo and the electric skyline of Hong Kong, this is China at its most vivid — on your own terms.

Travel Crew

~£340

Same iconic route, a fraction of the price. This self-launched itinerary takes you from Beijing's ancient hutongs to the wild Jinshanling Great Wall, the panda valleys of Sichuan, Yangshuo's karst dreamscape, Longji's terraced highlands, and finally Hong Kong's electric skyline — all under your own steam. You'll swap group tour markups for high-speed trains, local guesthouses and self-bookable experiences, saving hundreds of pounds while keeping every highlight intact. Estimated cost is per person based on budget traveller rates, excluding international flights.

Travel Crew

~£750

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 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

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