As noted in another thread, my friend and I are considering a trip to China this autumn (say November timeframe), and have been checking out the various package tours on the Internet.

For a couple reasons, we'd prefer to get our own hotels (use of awards in some cases, and getting creditable nights toward earning status in other cases). Is it worthwhile trying to "customize" a package tour by getting our own hotel rooms and using the tour company solely for the sightseeing and daytime meals (not breakfast)?

Or would it make more sense to travel by ourselves (including getting plane or rail tickets domestically) and hire day tours when we get to Shanghai, Xian and Beijing?

We're reasonably independent (although do not read nor speak Chinese), but she tends to feel more comfortable if we have something lined up in advance. It makes it a bit easier to relax and enjoy the trip.

Thanks for any advice or experiences you can provide.

Those main cities can be relatively easily done on your own. If you don't use the hotels, even less reason to use a tour. Go independent.

yeah, perhaps the only value i see in tours is the fact that the hotels are often close to free.... sometimes even less than free (e.g. pdx-las often costs LESS if you throw in a hotel). if you don't want those hotels, then do yourself a favor and free yourself from the rest of the shackles that such tours entail (i'm thinking specifically of: 1) gift shops; and 2) temples that you'd probably rather pass on in favor of more interesting entertainment)

MY wife and I always use hotel points in China (Hyatt in Xian; St. Regis in Beijing). We also use Yoee.com or Ctrip to buy etickets in the US for Domestic China flights. Easy to do (and cheap, if you follow the standard moondorg advice and buy about 4-8 days before the trip date). You can watch the various fare buckets as they decline in price as the trip date approaches. I think 55% or 60% off list is the maximum allowed by the government. Anyhow, using Yoee.com, we paid about $50US each way Beijing-Xian.