I am hoping to travel from Japan in November, through China and then down to Thailand.
Does anybody know if it is cheaper to go by boat from Japan to Beijing?
How about Beijing to Xianjin to Hong Kong?
Also, is it possible to travel through Laos and Cambodia to get to Thailand or is flying the only way you can do it?

Sorry for so many questions. Also, I am a British resident, do you need to apply for a Chinese visa before you fly?

Yes you can get boat to Beijing from Osaka, yes you need chinese visa before you go. Thats all I know

you can get a visa quickly and cheap in hong kong for china.