A Chinese entrepreneur is launching a reality TV show designed to showcase "smart travel," with contestants traveling to 12 countries on a budget of $3,000.

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Zhu Zhaorui, 35, has written two best-selling books about his own low-budget adventures in 28 countries over 77 days in 2003. He has also made public speeches in over 400 universities, helping to spawn a craze in China for international solo travel.

Zhu has now teamed up with Goldjoy Film and Television to create a program modeled on "The Amazing Race," the South China Morning Post reported Tuesday.

In "Round the World on $3,000," six contestants will join Zhu for a tour of 12 countries on five continents. More than 60,000 people have signed up to compete for one of the six spots.

The show is slated to air in September.

The British-MBA graduate says he is not promoting backpacking, youth hostels and fast-food restaurants, but a new "smart travel" concept that takes advantage of special deals to maximize value for money.

Zhu's next plan is to set up a travel agency to help Chinese travelers plan their own international trips.

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