Scenario Matrix
| Scenario | Agency Group Tour | Private Guide | Independent Permit | Skip Tibet | |---|---|---|---|---| | First-time China visitor | ✅ Best | ⚠️ Expensive | ❌ Not recommended | ⚠️ Miss iconic | | 14-day trip (Tibet part of China) | ✅ Best | ✅ Good | ❌ Complex | ✅ Ok | | 21+ day China trip | ✅ Best | ✅ Best | ⚠️ Possible | ⚠️ Miss iconic | | Budget under $150/day for Tibet | ✅ Best | ❌ Costly | ⚠️ Cheap | N/A | | Comfort-oriented traveler | ✅ Best | ✅ Best | ❌ No support | N/A | | Mandarin speaker (intermediate) | ⚠️ Still needs agency | ⚠️ Still needs agency | ⚠️ Possible | N/A | | May–October travel | ✅ Best | ✅ Best | ⚠️ Possible | N/A | | Nov–Mar travel (winter) | ⚠️ Fewer tours | ⚠️ Fewer guides | ❌ Not recommended | N/A |