So if it looks too good to be true, can it still work??? We have just finished the 10 day $800 pp sunday paper special to China and of course, tours, accom, some meals and airfares for 10 days works. Here are a couple of tips for young players... Expedition Exclusive.. Limited communication with the tour company, however nothing was missed. A bit disappointing that there were no travel packs such as backpacks, travel wallets etc like most other companies give to their travelers. Internet... the great firewall of China works good ask no fb or Google unless you have a good sim. Sims direct worked for me but the tour guides often sell them too . 5gb data only for $40. Planes...the tour is sponsored by the government so they pay for smaller airlines to be used such as China eastern and Sichuan in our case. Planes are fine, but meal choice, entertainment and connections are not so great. No beer either. Hotels... again not bad but you may not get a fridge or a great air con. Every room we were in was a smoking room too. None were in the city centre so a good taxi ride to get in if you want Laundry... biggest hurdle for a big group. No self serve laundry facilities in any hotel s o do a rinse every few days or take heaps of clothes... Tours... there are included tours every day with additional tours after them.. then in c lured hit the points, the wall, the square, etc. However if you don't do the additional tour, you may be waiting a couple of hours to get back to the hotel because they don't take you back and you can either fend for yourself or wait for the additional tours to complete to get home. Remember they show you what they are told to. Security... police and cameras everywhere in big cities, not as visible in the smaller ones. A Uniformed air Marshall will film your flight . Remember big brother can beat your VPN and if you speak I'll of them, they shut you down. Included meals... Brekky every day but u usually asian a nd not western. Coffee not readily seen, and no bacon. Enjoy the rice and noodles. A few lunches are also in cckuded sand are 10 plate share tables, they are fine Dinners... always fend for yourself and get adventurous. Point to the picture and see what you get. Great flavours and very cheap. Warehouse factories... the tours are also sponsored by the big factories so you will get the hard sell at the jade, tea, pearl factory a nd a traditional medical clinic. Toilets... western toilets in all motel rooms but they are few and far between in the street. Always take toilet paper or wipes with you. Guides.. They are more escorts. You hear a lot about their families and nothing about the really interesting building you just passed. Having said that they are invaluable to sort out motel issues. Google translate..an absolute necessity for you to communicate at shops and restaurants . It still works over there and off line is data entry, on line is voice recognition. These were my observations only and the others may agree or disagree. But at the end of the day, you will rarely have a cheaper holiday that is as good as it looks so just book it and see how much your local Chinese restaurant rips you off...