China Tour vs DIY China Trip: Full Cost Comparison

Planning • 8 min read

We Did the Maths — Here Are the Real Numbers

One of the most common questions from first-time China travellers: "Would it be cheaper to just book everything myself?" It's a fair question, and the answer might surprise you.

We've compiled real 2026 pricing for a 10-day Beijing-to-Shanghai trip to give you an honest comparison between booking independently and joining our Amazing China tour.

The DIY Cost Breakdown (Per Person, 2026 Prices)

Return flights Sydney to Beijing: $800-1,400 AUD depending on airline, season, and how far in advance you book. Budget carriers and indirect routes sit at the low end; direct flights on major carriers at the high end.

Hotels (10 nights, 4-star): Beijing averages $120-180/night for a 4-star hotel in a central location. Shanghai is similar. Smaller cities like Suzhou and Hangzhou average $80-120/night. Total estimate: $1,000-1,600 for 10 nights.

Internal transport: Beijing to Xi'an high-speed train: ~$100. Xi'an to Shanghai flights: ~$150-250. Local transport (subway, taxis) in each city: ~$15-25/day = $150-250 total. Total estimate: $400-600.

English-speaking private guide: A qualified, licensed English-speaking guide in China costs $150-250 per day. For 10 days: $1,500-2,500. This is not optional if you want to understand what you're seeing — it's the single most important component.

Entrance fees: Great Wall (Badaling): ~$8. Forbidden City: ~$10. Temple of Heaven: ~$5. Terracotta Warriors: ~$25. West Lake: free. Lingering Garden: ~$12. Various other sites: ~$40-60 total. Total estimate: $100-120.

Meals: Local restaurants average $5-15 per meal for Chinese food. Budget $30-50 per day = $300-500 total.

DIY Total: $4,100-6,820 per person

The ExploreChina Tour Cost

Amazing China — 10 Days: $999 per person

Includes: return flights from Sydney, 10 nights 4-star hotels, dedicated English-speaking guide (entire trip), all airport and inter-city transfers, all entrance fees, and private coach transport throughout.

How Is This Possible?

The pricing gap isn't a gimmick — it's economics. CTS (China Travel Group) has volume purchasing agreements with airlines, hotels, and ground transport providers across China. When you're booking hundreds of rooms per month rather than one, you get rates that individual travellers simply cannot access. This is the fundamental advantage of a tour operator backed by China's largest travel group.

What DIY Gives You That a Tour Doesn't

Complete flexibility to change your itinerary daily, the ability to stay longer in places you love, the satisfaction of navigating challenges independently, no group dynamics to navigate, and the freedom to eat wherever and whenever you choose.

What a Tour Gives You That DIY Doesn't

Dramatically lower cost for equivalent quality, a dedicated guide who transforms sightseeing into understanding, zero logistics stress (no booking, navigating, or problem-solving), social connection with other travellers, and 24/7 support infrastructure across all destinations.

Our Verdict

For first-time visitors to China, a guided tour wins on both cost and experience. You get more for less, and you understand more of what you see. Independent travel makes sense for repeat visitors, Mandarin speakers, or those with very specific itinerary needs — but for most Australians on their first China trip, the economics are overwhelming.

See the full Amazing China itinerary → 10 Days from $999pp Including Flights