Today I received email from another Chinese tour company informing me they have found a travel partner for me through China. The travel partner turns out to be a group of two adults and four children travelling in a large vehicle. No details beyond that.

Their charges quote is as follows - 1 X person and 1 X motorbike =
Euro 12,881 ($15,217 AUD) for me travelling alone.

BUT if I am to travel with this other group the charges are -
1 X person and 1 X motorbike
= Euro 9552 ($11,284 AUD)

The cost of importing a vehicle, obtaining a Chinese licence, temporary vehicle registration and insurance must be expensive.

The same amount is being charged to the other group so the total payable to the tour company is 19,104 Euro for guiding the tour for 30 days. This is nothing short of a ripoff (15,016 GBP, 23,590 USD, 22,568 AUD). Especially when it is for a guide only - no vehicle or driver required. This does not include visa fees, meals and accommodation for myself, the guide and driver. Along with admission fees, tours, personal expenses and a TIP is expected for the guide at the end????

The whole process is inflexible and expensive. China self-drive travel appears to be beyond the reach of ordinary people and these tour companies appear to be cashing in.

I am now seriously thinking of giving China a miss - go where travellers are welcome.