Are group members not allowed to go anywhere unless they go to the scenic spot at their own expense?

If you don't take part in the scenic spot tour at your own expense, you can only wait at the gate of the scenic spot. If you want to go somewhere else, you can't make it in 1-2 hours. Unless you are on your way to the next scenic spot, you should tell the tour guide first and wait by the roadside in advance.

Some tour groups also require that tourists who do not participate in self-funded scenic spots be compensated for a certain fare. Therefore, when traveling, you should see clearly the self-funded projects. If you have visited the scenic spots, you'd better not join this group. Otherwise, it's really not as convenient as self-help tour.

Of course, there are some self-care tour groups, but the discount is small, so this kind of tour guide can't earn it personally.