kitzur_dot_net you’re talking rubbish. Many international airlines will show a cheaper fare if booked online. The idea is that with more people booking online this will reduce the airline’s overheads in keeping a reservation office/staff. Furthermore, many good deals and last minute deals can be found online which unfortunately a travel agent with the best will in the world simply cannot beat. So,it’s not a matter of “Proceed at your own risk”
One of the only times it is worthwhile to book via a travel agent is when looking for consolidated fare to Israel (where some agents have special deals negotiated direct with the airlines) or if a journey has more than one stopover and or multiple airlines are being used for the journey.
SJSinNYC if you contact the Chinese Consulate/Embassy where you live they will give you an approved list of agents to use for local travel within China. Please remember Visas are required and some remote places require you to travel with an official guide. Please note the correct seasons to travel (weather) and check if you need innoculations.