China is often associated with revolution, with dramatic upheavals and unprecedented progress. However, these connotations have usually been confined to politics and economics but in the last few years the country has experienced a “backpacker revolution” that is changing the face of Chinese tourism.

There was once a time where China and backpacking seemed as linked as Russell Brand is to understatement. The prospect of young, thrill-seeking adventurers jetting off to Beijing instead of to a Full Moon party was an unlikely one. Travellers to China were intrepid, hardy and experienced. Every year, thousands upon thousands of backpackers would set off to South East Asia in search of beauty, culture and good times without giving the Middle Kingdom so much as a second thought.

In 2011, the Dragon Trip was founded by Ramsay Kerr who sought to alter the perception of China and enable a new type of tourist to discover its charms. Beauty, culture and good times are all in abundance whilst also being affordable and welcoming. China suffers from a bad press and it is challenging to travel around due to the linguistics and logistics. The Dragon Trip's premise is simple and has not wavered since its inception. It provides a group tour for backpackers on a budget that takes in all the major highlights of the country whilst also giving a snapshot of “the Real China. Dragon Trippers take part in Kung Fu lessons from a master, learn how to cook-Yunnan style, camp on the Great Wall of China whilst also seeing the pandas, the Terracotta warriors and the Forbidden City.

The Dragon Trip revolution has taken off with customer numbers going from 29 in 2011 to 460 in 2014. No longer is China the preserve of just the highly adventurous but can be enjoyed and experienced by a growing number of curious travellers. The bilingual Chinese guides offer an insight into the cultural differences and the trip not only allows you to see of the world's most renowned sights but also to gain an insight into one of the world's most intriguing cultures.

You can join one of these trips by booking on www.thedragontrip.com