China · SELF-GUIDED TOURS

The 4 Self-Guided Tours in China We Would Book Again

4 tours  ·  from $79

The good self-guided tours go weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 4 to book early, what each includes and where they differ.

Self-guided challenging hiking from Jinshanling to Gubeikou - The 7 a.m. departure and long private drive
Beijing Tours, Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Jinshanling Great Wall Tours, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews

Self-guided challenging hiking from Jinshanling to Gubeikou

1.Self-guided challenging hiking from Jinshanling to Gubeikou

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 14 reviews · 1 day Our pick

You’ll hike from Jinshanling East to Gubeikou without a walking guide, using a supplied map, trail instructions, and WeChat support. Expect steep steps, quiet wall sections, wild ruins, a private air-conditioned car, and roughly 6 to 7 hours on foot. Driver Liang may assist through a translation app.

“A once in a lifetime opportunity! It might seem pricey but so worth the overall experience. We basically had the wall to ourselves for most of the day, and were able to take our time and enjoy. The first hour of the hike is steep, but there are lots of rest areas and benches. Once you’re on the wall it’s a lot of up and down but manageable for most mobile people. The walk took us 5 hours to the half way mark, at which point the company gives you the option to continue or to stop the trek if you’re tired or running out of daylight. The company was…”

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Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou - The private ride from Hangzhou
Guided, Hangzhou Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Water Town Tours

Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou

2.Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 12 reviews · from $87Top rated

You get a private, air-conditioned transfer from Hangzhou to Wuzhen, with pickup at your chosen time and up to eight hours of driver service. Explore Dongzha and Xizha on your own, including canals, old residences, stone lanes, bridges, markets, and a ferry ride. Entrance fees are extra.

“worked as a charm ! the driver was right on time for pickup and on time with pickup during the day. the experience was pleasant.”

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Datong Private Self-guided Tour with Chartered Car - Reaching Hanging Temple from Datong
Datong Tours, Guided, Private, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Datong Private Self-guided Tour with Chartered Car

3.Datong Private Self-guided Tour with Chartered Car

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · from $79Best value

Travel by private car from your Datong hotel, railway station, or airport to Hanging Temple and Yungang Grottoes. Your driver waits while you explore independently. Mr. Li is one named driver associated with the service. Bring cash or mobile payment for Hanging Temple tickets, and reserve Yungang tickets ahead.

“Great experience! We loved the sites. Our driver was very helpfull assisting us to enter quick and efficiently. Thanks for the safe driving!”

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2 Day Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong Self-Guided w/Transfer - Leaving Chengdu by high-speed train
2-Day Experiences, Guided, Private Drivers, Self-Guided Tours, Tour Reviews

2 Day Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong Self-Guided w/Transfer

4.2 Day Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong Self-Guided w/Transfer

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 3 reviews · 2 days · from $386

You travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong without a guide, using prearranged private transfers and scenic-area tickets. Sunny is your online contact, while local drivers handle station, park, and hotel transfers. Train tickets and hotels cost extra, so compare the $386 price with arranging the trip yourself.

“I posti da visitare sono bellissimi, ma il servizio offerto è davvero pessimo una truffa per quanto pagato. Non danno niente che non possa essere organizzato in autonomia a prezzi più accessibili e con servizio più confortevole. Lunghe attese e personale scortese passi più tempo in stazione ad attendere il treno che altro. Spero di ricevere un rimborso in quanto farò un reclamo”

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