trip cost china

The Cost of Travel in China: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

China is one of the most fascinating places I’ve ever been.

As one of the largest countries in the world, it has incredibly diverse landscapes, food, people, history, and development. With a recorded history dating back over 3000 years, it’s a country with fascinating heritage and culture at every turn.

When I last visited, it was around the time of Chinese New Year and I spent a month travelling across the country. If you get the chance to travel to China at that time of year, I’d wholeheartedly recommend it — it was so much fun! There were decorations everywhere, fireworks filled the sky, and everyone was in a joyful mood.

Of course, this means that you’ll likely need to book things like transport and accommodation ahead of time before they sell out, but it was so worth it. One of my favourite memories was celebrating Chinese New Year in Shanghai over hotpot with new local friends.

Regardless of when you do end up visiting, however, know that travel in China takes some planning.

This is predominantly due to the visa requirements and application process, which can be onerous — yes, even when visiting as a tourist. It will differ depending on where you’re from, but odds are: it’ll be a pain in the ass. I needed to provide several forms and documents, proof of onward tickets , and even a list of every country I’d visited over the past 10 years. As a travel writer who travels full-time, that last part made me want to cry — I’d been to 80 countries!

Even though the visa application is slightly more difficult than other countries, I promise you it’s worth it, and especially if you go through the process and score a long-term multi-entry visa. A standard single or double-entry tourist visa lasts 15-60 days and costs around $80, but for around twice the price, multi-entry options are available for some passport holders that give 60 days per entry for three or five years. Not a bad deal at all, to be able to return for half a decade and see more of this amazing country!

Another important thing you should do ahead of your trip to China is download the WeChat app. This is the primary messaging app in China and you’ll use it regularly while in the country. You should also download a VPN ahead of time, but I’ll get to that later in the post.

For now, get ready to learn more about China, what you can expect from a trip there, and how much it costs. If you’re happy to step a little outside of your comfort zone, you’ll have an incredible experience: I met some of the loveliest people while I was there, and crossed some major things off my bucket list.

Go in with an open mind, be ready for some adventure and unpredictability, and you’ll have the time of your life!

What’s Included in this Post 

This budget breakdown covers how much I spent on accommodation, transportation, activities, and food while I travelled around the country.

I’ve not included my flights into and out of China as this is going to vary significantly based on where you’ll be arriving from.

The amounts in this guide are listed in U.S. dollars, simply because the vast majority of my readers are from the U.S. I also included some prices in Chinese yuan (CNY), as this is the local currency that you’ll use day to day.

While prices have risen a little since China reopened its borders post-pandemic, it’s not as noticeable as most other parts of the world. Sure, you can spend a fortune on travel here if you want to, but as I’ll show below, you definitely don’t have to. Let’s get started!

The Cost of Accommodation in China 

Finding places to stay on a mid-range budget in China is fairly easy. In terms of what to look out for, the two most important aspects are the location and staff, especially if you’re a foreigner. Many Chinese cities are very large and heavily populated, so it really helps to be close to the things you want to see. I found that having staff who speak English and can offer good recommendations and advice makes a huge difference as well.

Guesthouses, hostels, and homestays usually start around $40 (289 CNY) per night, while good mid-range hotels cost $70-80 (505-578 CNY) per night, often including breakfast. That said, expect to pay a bit more than that in the most popular destinations like Shanghai and Beijing.

Here’s a list of my favourite accommodation options in China:

Beijing — Jingshan Garden Hotel ($118 a night)

You can’t get much better than a hotel located in a traditional Chinese hutong (narrow alleyway) alongside Jingshan Park and right behind The Forbidden City! Even though you’re so close to many of Beijing’s biggest attractions, there’s still a very local feeling and flavour. In addition to having such a great location, the staff were very welcoming, sharing a guide to China, offering great suggestions, and calling ahead for information at tourist sites to help me make the most of my stay. The room itself was comfortable and clean, and when I didn’t feel like leaving the hotel one rainy evening, the traditional Chinese dishes at the attached restaurant were delicious (there was also Western fare if I’d wanted it).

Shanghai —  Kevin’s Old House ($109 a night)

What I loved about Kevin’s Old House was how unique it was! In a world where hotel chains vie to offer generic modern design and high-tech features, Kevin’s stands out from the crowd. It’s cosy and eclectic, and stepping inside the building leaves you feeling as though you’ve walked straight into 1930s Shanghai. It’s an experience you won’t find anywhere else in the city. It’s in an excellent location, too, close to all of Shanghai’s best restaurants and bars. The staff were wonderful, the breakfasts delicious, and I hugely appreciated having a washing machine in my room, too!

Yangshuo — The Bamboo Leaf Yangshuo ($60 a night)

Yangshuo has some incredible, stunning landscapes coupled with a smaller town feeling, and Bamboo Leaf is the perfect base for all your explorations. The facilities and rooms were beautiful and clean, including the onsite outdoor swimming pool with a stunning backdrop of the Yangshuo mountains. The onsite restaurant had delicious food in generous portions, but most of all, the staff really went out of their way to offer incredible service and hospitality. They were all incredibly knowledgeable about the area and went as far as sending location links through WeChat (messaging app) for the places I wanted to visit! Considering not everything in Yangshuo is properly marked, this was super helpful. It’s in a lovely quiet area away from the tourist centre: you can walk to the main market in about twenty minutes, but the hotel offers a free shuttle to and from town, plus bikes and e-bikes you can hire.

Hangzhou — Rock&Wood Cozy House ($100 a night)

Hangzhou was one of my favourite cities in China. There was just something endearing about walking down the Ancient Qinghefang Road or taking a paddle boat on scenic West Lake, and I was very happy to be staying at this cute guesthouse while I was in town. It’s in a quiet residential area only a few minutes walk from the tranquil lake, but still within easy reach of all the sights and attractions downtown. The host (Sally) couldn’t have done more for me, and had endless great sightseeing tips to offer, as well as cooking delicious Chinese and Western breakfasts on alternate days. The room was absolutely lovely, with cozy wooden decor and furniture and a super-comfortable bed. Needless to say, you’ll leave your stay here feeling both physically and mentally refreshed!

Chengdu — Buddha Zen Hotel ($74 a night)

Home of the famous pandas, Chengdu is the place to go to see these beautiful creatures up close. Beyond this, there are tons of temples to explore and authentic Sichuan cuisine to enjoy. I highly recommend staying at Buddha Zen Hotel while you’re there: a lovely hotel with a real “old world” feel, it’s it’s in a great neighbourhood full of traditional buildings, many of which have been converted into adorable cafes and restaurants around to help bring out your inner foodie. It’s on a quiet street, so you’ll still get a good night’s sleep, and you’re in good hands with the owner who will help make your stay comfortable, whether you need transport, local recommendations, or advice for how to get around.

Nanjing — Janling Hotel ($70 a night)

For many centuries, Nanjing was the capital of China. This makes a visit to this historical city worth it during your travels, especially considering it’s only a few hours from Shanghai. Jinling Hotel was the ideal place to stay while I was there, in an unbeatable location right in the heart of the city, and really close to a metro station so I could easily get to anywhere further afield that I needed to go. I found this hotel to be one of the most foreigner-friendly places I came across in China, with English-speaking staff and a great range of Western and local options in the restaurant. Reasonably priced and kept immaculately clean, I’d be only too happy to stay here again.

Xi’an – Eastwood Inn Xi’an ($45 a night)

If seeing the Terracotta Army Warriors (soldier figures that accompanied the tomb of China’s first emperor) intrigues you, then you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the city of Xi’an. And you can stay at this lovely, affordable homestay while you’re there! You’re within walking distance of both a metro station and the Wenchang Ancient City Wall. My room was clean, with a comfy bed (not always the case in China!) and its own private bathroom. The staff were great, with plenty of recommendations of where to go and what to do, and the front desk is manned 24/7 in case of any issues. This is a comfortable, conveniently located, affordable homestay that’s perfect for a couple of days in Xi’an!

The Cost of Transportation in China

Transportation in China was some of the best I’ve ever experienced in all of my travels so far. It was fast, easy to navigate, and ran on time. Unlike some other countries where I’ve had what feels like endless stopovers and long, bumpy drives to get anywhere, moving around China felt like a breeze by comparison. 

Here are the most common forms of transportation in China: 

Underground Metro — If there’s an underground metro system available, this is one of the fastest, easiest and cheapest ways to travel around any city in China. I used the metro system in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou, and it was always very quick and efficient. You can expect to pay around $0.40-1.25 (3-9 CNY) for a metro ride depending on the distance.

Most cities also offer 1-7 day passes which are often good value, especially anywhere that you’ll be regularly using the metro to get around. For example, the fare for a 1-day pass in Shanghai was $2.50 (18 CNY) , while the fare for a 3-day pass was $6.25 (45 CNY) . Definitely pretty reasonable!

Taxis/Didi — I used taxis a couple of times and if I was with a local friend of mine, we would take Didi , which is a Chinese Uber equivalent. I wouldn’t rely on Didi unless you know Mandarin or are with people who live there because it doesn’t always work with foreign credit cards. That being said, taxis are everywhere and really easy to hail in major cities, but not many taxi drivers speak English, so have a translator app handy or name a major landmark that you’re heading towards that they would recognize. 

Each Chinese city has a different base rate for taxis.  Bigger cities like Shanghai and Beijing start at $1.95 (14 CNY) for the first 3km, while other cities have a lower starting rate of around $1.10-1.40 (8-10 CNY) . To give you an idea of a full taxi ride fare, from Beijing airport to the city centre (about a 40 minute drive) costs around $18-21 (130-150 CNY).

Note that taxis rarely accept foreign credit cards, so always have cash in the form of small bills on hand to pay your driver. 

Train — China has one of the biggest high-speed rail networks in the world, which links nearly every town and city. I took the train between most of the cities I went to, and it was always very reliable, quick, comfortable, and straightforward. Not to mention, I thought the prices were quite reasonable. 

As a tourist, you need to verify your ID when you pick up a ticket. So once I booked my tickets through 12Go Asia , this only meant that my ticket was issued, but it didn’t mean I had the ticket in hand. I needed to go to the train station ticket office to show my booking voucher and passport, and then be given my ticket. I’d recommend booking train tickets at least 3-4 days in advance.

Note that I traveled second-class on high-speed trains where possible. There are often cheaper seats available on the slow trains, but they usually take a lot longer to get where they’re going.

Here were some of the routes I took and their respective prices:

• Nanjing to Hangzhou: $23 (167 CNY)
• Hangzhou to Shanghai: $10 (73 CNY)
• Beijing to Nanjing: $72 (520 CNY)
• Shanghai to Guilin (sleeper): $84 (607 CNY)

Flights — Even though China is a large country, and it might feel like taking flights to get around makes sense, in most circumstances taking the train is better because of its high speed, punctuality, and lack of lengthy check-ins and wait times. Not to mention, it’s often cheaper to take the train anyway. In some cases, though, taking a flight can be an easier option, so here are some of the routes and their respective average prices from Skyscanner : 

• Beijing to Shanghai — $111 (802 CNY )
• Shanghai to Guilin — $110 (795 CNY)
• Guilin to Chengdu — $102 (737 CNY)
• Chengdu to Xi’an — $100 (723 CNY)

The Cost of Food in China

Summarising the food scene in China isn’t easy. With thousands of years of cultural history and millions of square miles of geography, you could spend a lifetime trying to eat every dish in the country and still not even come close to finishing the job.

As you might expect, the local climate and culture has a big impact on the kinds of food you’ll find in each area. There are eight major culinary regions in the country, but even those are split up into endless local variations. While it’s true to say that rice or noodles are a staple in much (although not all) of the country, after that, all bets are off as to what you might find on the menu.

The good news is that you don’t have to visit every far-flung corner to enjoy its food: the major cities have restaurants that cover every cuisine imaginable, both from within China and much further afield.

Let’s start with hotpot and bubble tea, something I could happily have eaten every day. There’s something really special about going to eat hotpot with a group of friends, and I just love the communal aspect of it. It’s less of a meal and more of an experience (although don’t get me wrong, the food part is good too!). 

If you’re unfamiliar with hotpot, it’s typically a simmering pot of seasoned broth, paired with thinly-sliced meats, veggies, mushrooms, noodles and more. You essentially cook and season your food by putting it into the pot, dipping it in a selection of sauces and then digging in. If you go with a decent size group, then you’ll probably pay around $15-20 (108-144 CNY) per person for a hotpot meal with a couple of drinks.

One of my other favourite food experiences was eating Peking Duck in Beijing, a dish that goes back as the Imperial era. Usually a Peking Duck meal includes thin slices of duck, wraps, and add-ons. If you go as a group, you’ll likely end up with an entire duck to share, so if you’re going alone or with a friend, just make sure you can order a smaller amount. You’ll likely pay around $10-12 (72-87 CNY) per person for this.

If you’re heading to Guangzhou or elsewhere in the Cantonese part of China, expect dim sum to feature heavily on your list of dining highlights. Again, it’s best experienced with others, since it means you’ll get to try more of the vast selection of small steamed or pan-fried dumplings, buns, and rice noodle rolls on offer. Expect to pay around $2 (15 CNY) per dish.

You’ve likely heard of kung pao chicken before, and maybe even tried it back home, but it’s a whole different experience when you’re eating it in Chengdu or somewhere else in the Sichuan region that it originated. It’s not a dish for the faint-hearted, full of heat from the dried chillies, a numbing sensation from the region’s famous peppers, and big, complex flavours from the sauce. If you can handle the intensity, though, it’s absolutely delicious! Served with rice, it’s often quite cheap as well: you’ll pay around $4-7 (30-50 CNY) for it.

The Shangdong region is famous for its seafood, and while you should definitely try some of the higher-end dishes like cong bao youyu (stir-fried sea cucumber) and weihe clam noodles, even the cheap eats are a culinary delight. My favourite was scallion pancakes, a low-cost yet delicious option for breakfast or lunch in particular. The crispy dough and delicious zing of the scallions meant that even though one really was enough, I often went back for a second anyway! The low prices helped with that decision: I never paid more than $1.40 (10 CNY) for one.

Speaking of cheaper eats, especially for lunch, I often grabbed something from a street vendor or at a food market, where a steamed bun, fried rice, or a dish of chow mein noodles would typically only cost around $2-3 (15-22 CNY) . 

The Cost of Activities and Entrance Fees in China   

China is certainly the land of sightseeing. I’ve wanted to see The Great Wall of China for as long as I can remember, and it blew me out of the park. It was a beautiful sunny day in January and I could see the wall stretch on and on and thought to myself how lucky I was to see one of the wonders of the world. 

My best piece of advice would be to take a weekday tour that leaves early in the morning from Beijing, because The Great Wall itself is about a two-hour drive away from Beijing. It’s possible to take public transit, but I definitely saved time and had a smoother experience with a tour. We left around 6 a.m. and got there before 9 a.m., and there was a moment when we were the only seven people or so on that section of the wall—it was pure magic and also very rare. So trust me, the earlier you can get there the better, because the crowds start to roll in around 10 a.m. 

I booked through my hotel, and it cost around $40 for the tour which included entry and round-trip transportation from Beijing. Make sure to ask the people at your accommodation about tour companies because they will have a better idea of the best options, but do confirm whether the price includes transport, entry, cable car and toboggan tickets, or just some of those things.

Here’s a breakdown of some popular attractions in China and their respective costs: 

• (Beijing) The Great Wall of China: $6 (45 CNY) entry ticket, plus $14 (100 CNY) one way/$19.50 (140 CNY) return for the cable car/toboggan
• (Beijing) The Forbidden City: $8.40 (60 CNY) (April 1 – October 31) or $5.50 (40 CNY) (November 1 to March 31)
• (Beijing) Summer Palace: $8.40 (60 CNY) (April 1 – October 31), $ 2.80 (20 CNY) at other times
• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: $7.70 (55 CNY)
• Zhangjiajie National Park: $31.50 (227 CNY) (March 1 – November 30) or $20.50 (147 CNY) (December 1 – February 28)
• (Shanghai) Yu Garden: $5.50 (40 CNY) (April 1-June 30 and September 1-November 30), $4.20 (30 CNY) at other times
• (Hangzhou) West Lake: FREE
• (Xi’an) Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum: $16.70 (120 CNY)

Miscellaneous Costs

Chinese SIM card : I don’t know about you, but one of my least favourite aspects of arriving in a new country is having to figure out how to get connected. Specifically: buying a local SIM card so that I have data to use while I’m in the country.

There’s locating a store that will sell you one, language barriers to deal with, various forms of ID you might need to bring, scams to navigate, and… well, it’s a headache.

This year, I’ve started using  Airalo , which sells local e-SIM cards for travellers, and it’s absolutely improved my travel experience. What this company allows you to do is to buy an e-SIM online  before  you arrive in China, and then as soon as you land in the country, you can switch on your data and start using it. It’s worked flawlessly for me and I’ll never go back to physical SIM cards. All you need is an e-SIM-compatible phone (all iPhones are, and most Androids). You’ll pay  $5 for 1 GB of data , $11.50 for 3 GB , or $16.50 for 5 GB for China, with other data amounts available, and can top-up through the Airalo app.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) : To get a full range of internet access in China and circumvent the country’s internet censorship, you’ll need a VPN. Believe me, it’s worth it. You can’t access Google or most social media accounts without one. I was travelling through China for one month, so I got the 1-month plan with ExpressVPN which costs $12.95 . 

Travel insurance: If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance.

As someone who works in the travel industry, I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. These costs can quickly land you with a six-figure bill to pay at the end of it.

In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance  will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by appendicitis and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died and you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use  SafetyWing  as my travel insurance provider, and recommend them for trips to China. Firstly, they’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. If you’re on a long-term trip, you can pay monthly instead of up-front, and can cancel at any time. Finally, they’re cheaper than the competition, and have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always appreciated.

With SafetyWing, you’ll pay just  $1.50 a day  for travel insurance.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in China? 

It’s time to tally up all of my expenses to see my total travel costs! 

• Accommodation: $83 per day
• Transportation: $6 per day
• Food: $33 per day
• Activities/Entrance Fees: $24 per day

Average amount spent in China: $146 a day!

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

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I visited the Temple of Heaven on a day when nearly no one was there. Of course, it was the dead of winter also. Have a pic where I’m standing on the mound clapping and listening to the sound….

Great post, great pictures

Gorgeous photos Lauren! The colors are so vivid!

I feel like I am kind of an expert when it comes to showing up in places during their “busiest time EVER” so I totally empathize with you, Lauren!

When I went to the Temple of Heaven it was also colder than cold December and there were still these precious senior citizens out there, ballroom dancing the day away!

The echo chamber didn’t work for me either. Maybe it’s all a sham?

I just spent a 20 hour layover in Beijing and loved the Temple of Heaven. WhenI went there were a ton of old people around the park. Some were working out (aerobics, badminton, kicking a feathery ball), others playing cards, some were dancing in exotic costumes and my absolute favourite, about 50 of them chanting these jawdroppingly beautiful songs. It was freezing at 8 am and they were all so active!

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Cost of a Trip to China & the Cheapest Time to Visit China

The average price of a 7-day trip to China is $1,235 for a solo traveler, $2,056 for a couple, and $1,622 for a family of 4 . China hotels range from $38 to $183 per night with an average of $69, while most vacation rentals will cost $90 to $380 per night for the entire home. Average worldwide flight costs to China (from all airports) are between $820 and $1,178 per person for economy flights and $2,575 to $3,699 for first class. Depending on activities, we recommend budgeting $32 to $65 per person per day for transportation and enjoying local restaurants.

See below for average , budget , and luxury trip costs. You can also look up flight costs from your airport for more tailored flight pricing.

The Cheapest Times to Visit China

On average, these will be the cheapest dates to fly to China and stay in a China hotel:

• February 12th to April 22nd
• August 13th to December 9th

The absolute cheapest time to take a vacation in China is usually early September .

Average China Trip Costs

Average solo traveler.

The average cost for one person to visit China for a week is $1,052-$1,904 ($150-$272 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $32 to $65 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $528 to $1,041 for economy

Lodging : $50 to $68 per night for one 2 or 3-star hotel room

or $54 to $65 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Average Couple’s Trip

The average cost for a couple to visit China for a week is $1,798-$3,406 ($257-$487 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $63 to $131 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,057 to $2,081 for economy

Average Family Vacation

The average cost for 4 people to visit China for a week is $3,475-$6,800 ($496-$971 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $126 to $261 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,113 to $4,163 for economy

Lodging : $99 to $135 per night for two 2 or 3-star hotel rooms

or $80 to $99 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Traveling Cheap to China

How cheap can you make a vacation to China? The cheapest trip to China is about $119 per person per day for travelers willing to take standby flights, deal with inconvenience, and otherwise limit travel expenses. About 15% of rentals are available in the $0 to $100 range for an entire place, and vacation rentals can be booked for as low as $19 per night. These inexpensive rentals must be booked as early as possible and may not be in the most desirable areas. 1-star hotels are more likely to be available, with rooms starting at around $32.

Even cheaper trips are possible depending on where you live and whether you can drive. Check the cheapest times to fly for more saving ideas.

Budget Solo Traveler

The lowest cost for one person to visit China for a week is $832-$1,841 ($119-$263 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $16 to $32 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Lodging : $32 to $38 per night for one 1-star hotel room

or $66 to $96 per night for a 1-bed vacation rental

Budget Couple’s Trip

The lowest cost for a couple to visit China for a week is $1,473-$3,105 ($210-$444 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $32 to $64 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Budget Family Vacation

The lowest cost for 4 people to visit China for a week is $2,951-$5,916 ($422-$845 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $64 to $127 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Lodging : $65 to $76 per night for two 1-star hotel rooms

or $99 to $144 per night for a 2-bed vacation rental

Overall it is easy to travel to China cheaply.

The Cost of a Luxury China Trip

There is no true ceiling on the cost of a luxury trip, so our estimates are based on what most people do in China.

Luxury Solo Traveler

The high-end price for one person to visit China for a week is $2,338-$7,807 ($334-$1,115 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $63 to $130 per day for one person’s daily expenses

Flights : $1,327 to $2,601 for first class

Lodging : $95 to $183 per night for one 4 or 5-star hotel room

or $358 to $716 per night for a preferred vacation rental

Luxury Couple’s Trip

The high-end price for a couple to visit China for a week is $4,106-$11,317 ($587-$1,617 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $126 to $260 per day for two people’s daily expenses

Flights : $2,654 to $5,201 for first class

Luxury Family Vacation

The high-end price for 4 people to visit China for a week is $8,206-$20,487 ($1,172-$2,927 per day)

Food, Travel, and Sightseeing : $252 to $521 per day for four people’s daily expenses

Flights : $5,308 to $10,402 for first class

Lodging : $189 to $366 per night for two 4 or 5-star hotel rooms

or $536 to $1,073 per night for a preferred vacation rental

China Hotel Prices

The cost of staying in China is lower than the average city. On average hotels are less expensive than vacation rentals. Luxury vacation rentals are more expensive in China due to very high property costs. The graphs below show how much cost can vary depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

China Lodging Cost by Star Status

The average price for the class of hotel is on the (y) axis. The hotel class (out of 5 stars) is on the (x) axis.

Prices are based on China hotel averages and may not reflect current prices. In some cases, we extrapolate prices to estimate costs, and hotels with your desired star rating may not be available.

Vacation Rental Prices

The percent of vacation rentals in the price range is on the left (y) axis. Price range is on the bottom (x) axis.

There are a healthy amount of vacation rentals serving all budgets in China.

Flight Costs to China

Averaging flights around the world, prices go from a high of $1,178 average in late December to a low of $820 in early September. Median flight price is $821. These prices are based on millions of flights. For China our data includes thousands of originating airports, and hundreds of airlines. The area has average variance in price compared with other locations.

Average Flight Cost by Season

Average flight cost by day of week.

The cheapest day to fly in is typically Tuesday, and the cheapest day to fly back is usually Tuesday. Click here to see data for the cost of flights from your airport. In China, the difference between the cheapest and the most expensive week is about $358, so you can easily save about 44% simply by using our free flight guides and booking in advance.

Daily Expenses Budget

Daily vacation expenses vary more based on what you’re interested in doing. A fine dining restaurant with drinks around China can easily cost $239 per person or more, while a standard nice meal might be about $16 per person. Private tours can cost $477 per day, but self-guided tours to see the outdoor sights can be free. Costs vary wildly, so recommendations are made based on the cost of living and averages we see for this type of vacation.

Other China Guides

Travel costs nearby.

• Zhumadian, China
• Xinyang, China
• Suizhou, China
• Guangshui, China
• Luohe, China
• Zaoyang, China
• Pingdingshan, China
• Zhoukou, China
• Xuchang, China
• Nanyang, China

Travel Costs in Popular Places

• Kaohsiung, Taiwan
• Kuta, Indonesia
• Siem Reap, Cambodia

How to Plan Your First Trip to China 2024/2025 — 7 Easy Steps

From December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024, visitors from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, and Malaysia can stay in China for up to 15 days without a visa for travel, business, transit, or visiting friends and family.

Starting March 14th, travelers from Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Switzerland can also enjoy this visa-free entry.

China, with its long history and rich geography, may be on your bucket list. It is also the top place to explore Far-Eastern elements and culture.

Below are seven easy steps for planning a first China tour using our first-hand knowledge, being based in China, and our experience creating over 100,000 custom-made China tours, the majority of which were for families and couples.

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1. choose where to go, 2. decide how many days to stay, 3. consider when to travel to china, 4. consider your budget.

• 5. Take a Private Tour

6. Check Out Visa Policy

7. getting to/around china.

With our knowledge of China and feedback from our customers, we suggest you visit Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai for your first trip, extending it to Guilin and/or Chengdu if you have the time.

1) Beijing — Explore China's Imperial Past

As an imperial and modern capital of China, Beijing is a must-see, because it is home to many of the finest icons of China's medieval and recent past. It is also China's top gateway city .

The Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City are both must-see attractions, especially if you are interested in China's architectural marvels and dynastic history.

For a special experience and some private time, we can arrange a less-crowded sunset visit to the Great Wall with a romantic picnic for you.

If you are interested in Beijing's local lifestyle, a locally-guided walk through Beijing's hutongs with your children or husband/wife is highly recommended.

If you want to try some new things with kids, we recommend a family morning tai chi session , a local home visit, trying Chinese calligraphy, and playing with a Chinese yo-yo.

2) Shanghai — Explore Its Unique Blend of Old and New

If you want an intuitive sense of how China's recent past and present meet and collide, Shanghai is the place to go.

Hop on a ferry to cross the Huangpu River . You will see the historical architecture on the Bund as well as the modern skyscrapers opposite, giving you a distinctive contrast between modern life and the post-imperial past.

We have specially designed an in-depth Bund culture discovery walking tour for those who want to learn more interesting stories about the Bund and old Shanghai. See our 2-Day Shanghai Essence Tour itinerary.

If your schedule allows, extend your tour to Hangzhou or Suzhou to see water towns and classical Chinese gardens.

3) Xi'an — Discover China's Ancient Civilization

Xi'an is an excellent and interesting place to discover where the nation of China really began. China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, established the first capital of a united China there.

The Terracotta Warriors are definitely a must-see. We offer a more interesting and in-depth experience to learn more about the Terracotta Warriors: make a mini clay warrior with local artisans and visit their disappearing cave dwellings.

For couples and families, a hanfu costume experience in an ancient academy could be a highlight. A bike ride on the 600-year-old city wall is also great to do with kids.

All our tours can be adjusted based on your needs. Just contact us .

4) Guilin — A Relaxing Escape with Picturesque Scenery and Minority Culture

First-timers love Guilin for its beautiful landscapes and relaxing places to escape from the cities — it is a true masterpiece of classic rural China .

A Li River cruise is the best way to enjoy karst peaks combined sublimely with the Li River .

Yangshuo and Longsheng, two counties next to the city of Guilin, offer most of Guilin's top highlights.

Yangshuo is a place where children can put down their phones and iPads and still be well entertained… by cycling around the idyllic countryside and even experiencing the life and work of a Chinese farmer.

Yangshuo also offers a natural romantic atmosphere for couples. A romantic riverside candlelit dinner set in a mountain retreat garden could be a great way to celebrate your 20th, 30th, 40th, etc. anniversary. Contact us to design a special time for you.

If you are interested in minority culture , the Longji Rice Terraces in Longsheng are really a highlight — both for enjoying the magnificent tiered fields and for experiencing the world of the Zhuang and Yao minorities.

• 5-Day Dynamic Guilin and Yangshuo Tour — Best for Summer Vacations
• 11-Day Family Happiness — Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin/Yangshuo–Shanghai

5) Chengdu — Have a Close Encounter with Pandas

Chengdu's giant pandas are for many the icing on the cake, the finishing touch to a China must-do list.

An even more special experience would be to have a close encounter with pandas by taking part in our giant panda volunteer program — cleaning the glass of their enclosures, making panda food, watching a panda eat it, and more.

Chengdu is also famous for delicious Sichuan food like kung pao chicken and spicy hotpot. A food hunting tour is the best way to taste the delicious specialties of Chengdu.

If you are interested in cooking, you can try cooking the most authentic Sichuan cuisine with a local chef.

After a long journey to get to China, you probably won't want to just scratch the surface of China and just take snapshots with the landmark attractions.

We suggest you take at least a week for your first trip to see a spectrum of the highlights in the top three cities: Beijing (3–4 days), Xi'an (2 days), and Shanghai (1–2 days). See our 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Tour for inspiration.

To discover more of China, like charming Guilin and lovely Chengdu pandas, you would need a few more days. See our 11-Day Classic Wonders tour of Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin/Yangshuo, and Shanghai. See How Long to Spend in China: Itineraries from 1 Week to 1 Month

Tibet is also open again for international visitors now [March 2023]. If you want to visit this pure land, you may need 3 to 5 more days. See our 2-Week Private Tour of Beijing, Xi'an, Lhasa, and Shanghai .

All our tours can be adjusted based on your interests, travel time, group size, and other needs. Just contact us .

Or get ideas from our:

• How to Spend 10 Days in China (5 Best Options & Costs)
• 2 Weeks in China: 3 Top Itinerary Ideas for Couples and Families
• How to Spend 3 Weeks in China (Best 3 Options & Costs)

China's cultural and historical attractions are good for a visit all year round. Things to do in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai are seldom affected by the seasons.

Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are generally the most comfortable and recommended times for a China tour. They are neither too hot nor too cold, but fall is generally drier and warmer than spring.

A more ideal travel time for you could be March and early April or September when there are smaller crowds, favorable prices, and still good weather.

China is a good summer holiday destination too. There are not many rainy days in summer. It rarely rains continuously for a whole day, with rain coming in less and less frequent downpours as the summer draws on.

It can get a little hot in summer, but air conditioning and expert arrangements would help you avoid the heat as much as possible.

You can find more detailed tips on Best Times to Travel to China .

Traveling in China is not very expensive. The biggest cost could be international airfares. The cost of airfares from the US or Europe to China varies a lot depending on when you fly and which airline you use, from around US$1,200 to US$3,000 for an economy round trip.

The peak tourist times in China fall on the first weeks of May and October (China's two golden weeks), the summer holidays, and the Christmas and New Year holidays.

The biggest price difference between the off and peak seasons is in the price of hotels and airfares. Prices in peak season can go up by 50 to 100%.

For a private tour, the average cost per day is about US$220–350 per person, including flights/trains within China, 4- or 5-star hotels, lunches, attractions, guides, and private transport.

If you travel in the peak season, book at least 2 or 3 months in advance. When booking with us, you'll receive a 100% refund of any payments made to China Highlights if you cancel up to three weeks before departure ( more details here⇒ ).

5. We Believe Private and Tailor-Made Is Best

A private tour is recommended for your first trip to China.

If you don't want to visit the Great Wall of China with a coach-load of 40 people and perhaps only have 20 minutes on the wall and so on, a private and tailor-made tour is definitely the better choice.

With our private tours, you would have much more personal choice in how your tour goes. You could have more hand-picked and interactive experiences, like walking on the "wild" untouched Great Wall or visiting a local family with your own local guide.

With private guiding and transport, we would maximize your time. You could focus on the sightseeing you want to do, skipping what's not of interest and the long queues in the most crowded attractions.

Just contact us if you would like a tailor-made private trip to China. We also offer economical, but still high-class and uncrowded, small group tours.

Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family 's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

Visitors from most countries need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) to visit China. We recommended that you apply for the visa one or two months before the intended travel date.

When booking with us, we would provide the invitation letter that you would need for a tourist visa application.

If you do not have a Chinese visa, you could use the 144-hour visa-free-transit policy to visit China.

From December 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2024, travelers from France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Malaysia can enjoy a 15-day visa-free entry to China for tourism, business, and visiting friends and relatives in China.

Whether you want to visit China via visa or visa-free, we can help you plan a trip including entry formalities. Feel free to contact us .

Flights from all countries to China have resumed, though maybe not yet at pre-pandemic frequency. At present, there are one or two direct flights a week from New York to Shanghai, Los Angeles to Beijing, Seattle to Shanghai, London to Guangzhou, etc.

There are also many flight options with stopovers that are more frequent and affordable.

Beijing and Shanghai are the top gateway cities for international flights. Most customers chose them.

Flights and high-speed trains are the best and fastest ways to travel intercity in most of China. Booking a private tour with us, we will arrange your transportation within China and provide worry-free and comfortable private transfers.

Popular China Tours for 2024/2025

Our private tours are designed to be the most convenient and fulfilling option for your trip to China. We would create an itinerary according to your flight times, interests, and any other requirements.

Just contact us and we'll create your ideal China trip . Our consultants will listen to and answer your inquiries carefully and promptly and prepare the best tour plan for you.

Here are some popular options that you could base your trip on:

• 8-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai Highlights Tour — the classic Golden Triangle trip
• 11-Day Beijing–Xi'an–Guilin–Shanghai — our top itinerary for families
• 2-Week Beijing – Xi'an – Chengdu – Yangtze Cruise – Shanghai Tour — the choice for panda fans and cruise fans

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• China Visa-Free Itineraries to Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou... 
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• 13-Day A Broad Taste of China
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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

China Travel Guide

Last Updated: April 29, 2024

China is a country filled with micro-cultures, languages, cuisines, and ethnicities. Rapid change has attracted curious people from around the globe and there is a thriving expat scene for anyone looking to teach overseas.

While I dislike the pollution of many of the big cities, the countryside, the food, people, and the history you’ll discover here will leave you in awe and forever changed. This is a country with layers where everything is filled with meaning and history.

This travel guide to China can help you plan your visit to this gigantic country (there’s over a billion people here covering 9.5 million square kilometers) with advice on things to do, how to get around, stay safe, save money, and much, much more!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money Saving Tips
• Where To Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on China

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in china.

1. Visit Hong Kong

Hong Kong is bustling metropolis that combines high rise buildings with traditional street markets and temples. You have a large expat population, good shopping, fantastic nightlife, and delicious food. It’s one of my favorite cities in the world and I never get tired of visiting!

2. Explore Shanghai

One of China’s largest, busiest, and most visited cities, Shanghai is like visiting the future — fast trains, lights everywhere, efficient organization, and a cosmopolitan vibe. I love Shanghai. To get a sense of historical China, head to the Old City and see the YuYuan Gardens. For some of the best shopping in China, head to Nanjing Road.

3. Wander Beijing

Visit Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, countless shopping malls, the Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and of course, the Great Wall. There’s nothing like Beijing in the world, and, though horribly polluted and with awful air quality, it’s still a city you have to visit in order to understand modern China and its dynamism.

4. The Great Wall of China

Stretching over 21,000 kilometers, the Great Wall offers both busy tourist sections as well as secluded ruins (you can even camp beside it in some areas). If you’re on a budget, you can take the public bus to the wall near Beijing. The bus is 12 CNY and admission to the wall is 40 CNY (45 CNY in the summer).

5. See Xi’An

Xi’an is one of the ancient capitals of China and home to the famed Terracotta Army (which is over 2,000 years old), city wall, and architecture of the Muslim quarters. Those three things are pretty much why everyone comes here but there’s also an incredible hike on Mount Hua if you’re looking for adventure.

Other Things to See and Do in China

1. tian’anmen square.

You’ve no doubt seen it in films and on TV, but it is hard to get an idea of the sheer size of this square until you’re standing square in the middle of it. There’s plenty to see here including the Tiananmen Tower, the Great Hall of the People, the People’s Heroes Monument, the National Museum and Mao Zedong’s mausoleum. While you are allowed to take photos in the square itself, you cannot use your camera in the mausoleum.

2. Gorge on food

China is a food lover’s paradise. Eating here will certainly put your take-out back home into perspective. In such a huge country, it’s no surprise that different areas have different culinary delights. It’s entirely possible to enjoy the four styles of Chinese cooking (Cantonese, Beijing, Shanghai, and Sichuan) while on your trip. For spicy food, head to Sichuan or Hunnan in Central China (be sure to try the hot pot while you’re there).

You’ll find more salty items like dried meats and pickled vegetables in the north (where fresh produce is less common) while in cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Shanghai you can pretty much find everything!

There are plenty of options for vegetarians in China as well, and even vegans can get by without too much difficulty.

3. Cruise the Li River

For a true sense of natural beauty, cruise down the Li River. The river is 272 miles long and has dozens of places to explore along the way. Some of the best photography spots can be found in Xiaolong, Laozhai Hill, and the karst mountains near Guilin. For tours, prices start at 500 CNY per person, depending on how long (or luxurious) of a cruise you want.

4. Visit the Forbidden City

This famous attraction in Beijing was the imperial palace from the time of the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty (1420-1912 CE). The “city” covers over 175 acres and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, welcoming over 16 million visitors each year. Today, the Palace Museum holds artifacts from both dynasties and is a great place to learn about China’s history. The buildings, which cover over 180 acres, have been heavily renovated over the years but it’s still an epic complex worth visiting.

5. Travel (part of) the Silk Road

Dating back over 2,000 years, this unofficial route is a must-see for visitors looking to get off the main tourist trail. There is no “official” road to follow, but you can trace your way along the traditional route as far and wide as you’d like (the Silk Road originally spanned from Chang’an to Romend, Italy). Its total length was over 3,800 kilometers (2,400 miles), half of which was within Chinese territory. Be sure to see the Mogao Caves in Dunhuang, the ancient city of Turpan, and the Rainbow Mountains near Zhangye.

6. Explore Tibet

Also known as “the Roof of the World”, this area is perfect for adventurous travelers that are looking for unique attraction. Explore the snowy mountains, exotic customs, and Buddhism. Tibet has had tumultuous past, so during your visit, it’s wise not to bring up the Dali Lama. The region was annexed by China in the 1950s, forcing the Dalai Lama and his government into exile. Some 400,000 Tibetans were killed directly or indirectly by the occupation, with other estimates placing that number over 1 million. Avoid talking about the history and politics of the region as is it understandably a very sensitive subject for both sides. You’ll need a special permit to visit the region as well.

7. Potala Palace

This Tibetan palace was home to the Dalai Lamas up until 1959, when he was forced to flee or be killed. Established as a holy site in the 7th century, the many halls, temples, and courtyards have been constructed from wood and stone. The current building, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dates to the 17th-century and has poured copper in its foundation to stabilize it against earthquakes.

8. Take in the Karst mountains

Illustrated on the back of the 20 yuan banknote, these mountains are a stunning sight to see in person. They’re huge! You can take a boat trip down the Li River, and enjoy the breathtaking views of the mountains. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the quieter backroads and take in the picturesque landscape. Prices begin around 20 CNY for a half day. Guilin is a great hopping-off place for this.

9. The Mogao Grottos of Dunhuang

Also known as the Thousand Buddha Caves, these grottos are home to the largest, best-preserved, and richest Buddhist art in the world—the first cave was carved here in 366 AD. There are almost 500 individual temples here and it’s one of the main stops on the Silk Road if you are tracing the footsteps of Marco Polo.

10. Take a free walking tour

All of the major cities in the country offer various types of walking tours, many of which are free and last a few hours. If you want to learn about the history of China’s major cities, this is a great way to start! Whenever I land in a new city, this is how I kick off my trip as it helps me get the lay of the land. Free walking tours are available in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Xi’an, and many other cities around the country. Just Google “free walking tour in X” to find the companies that are available during your visit. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end (that’s how they get paid!).

11. Let loose in Macau

Macau is considered the “Las Vegas of Asia” and is a fun destination for anyone looking to splash out. Macau started as a Portuguese colony and remained one for over 300 years so the city has an interesting mix of Chinese and Portuguese cultures. Like Hong Kong, Macau is a “Special Administrative Region” which means it has a lot of autonomy from the mainland government It is also home to the highest bungee jump in the world, boasting a plunge of a whopping 233 meters (764 ft)! I don’t love the city as much as I do Hong Kong but you’ll find a lot of good food and architecture here. If you’re not here to gamble, you only really need one night here!

12. Visit the Pandas in Chengdu

Pandas are an endangered species and rare to see in the wild. If you want to get your fix while in China, head to the Panda Research Base in Chengdu. If you get there early you can beat the crowds and watch the pandas relax, eat, and sleep (that’s all they really do — but it’s still worth seeing!). Admission is 55 CNY per person.

13. Take a class

Calligraphy classes, cooking classes, tea ceremonies — you can find all sorts of amazing, culturally-enriching classes and lessons in all of the major cities in China. Some last an hour, some last multiple days, but no matter what you’re interested in you can find a class to teach you something new! Expect to pay between 300-900 CNY for a calligraphy class while cooking classes start at around 300 CNY per person. You’ll find the most options in Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Viator.com is a great resource for finding classes near you. You can also use cookly.me to find cooking classes and prices all around the country as well.

China Travel Costs

Accommodation – Prices start at around 30 CNY for an 8-10 bed dorm in many of the smaller cities. Expect to pay closer to 85 CNY in Hong Kong and Beijing. For a private room, prices begin around 110 CNY though expect to pay almost double that in the larger cities. Hostels here are generally well equipped and have free Wi-Fi, drinking water, lockers, and even warm blankets in the winter! Hostels in cities will have western-style toilets, though in more remote parts of the country you may find squat toilets more common.

Budget hotels begin around 75 CNY per night for basic accommodations, with higher prices in Hong Kong. Budget hotels will usually include heat or AC, your own bathroom, a kettle, and TV (though you’ll only get Chinese stations). Keep in mind that any hotels offering free breakfast will likely be serving a Chinese breakfast (dumplings, rice congee, vegetables, etc.).

Airbnb is plentiful in China and can be found in all the major cities though it’s much less common in rural areas. Prices range from 175-750 CNY depending on the city and the type of apartment.

There are plenty of campgrounds around the country. Expect to pay around 20 CNY per night for a basic plot. Wild camping is a grey area; it’s both legal and illegal at the same time to allow local authorities the final say. I would avoid wild camping and stick to official campgrounds as to avoid any problems.

Food – Food in China is cheap. I mean, really cheap. A meal from a street vendor usually goes for around 7-14 CNY. For this, you might get noodles, rice, pork buns, or soup. A full meal in a sit-down restaurant will cost between 15-54 CNY plus the fee for a bowl of rice and clean bowls (yes, these cost extra!), which is often around 4 CNY. If you stick to the local food, you’ll find it hard to go broke. You could spend less than 70 CNY for an entire day’s worth of food.

In western China, southwestern China, and the interior, food is much cheaper than in the big cities and you can eat for under 35 CNY per day — about half the costs of the big cities as long as you stick to street food/local restaurants.

For Western food, you can expect to pay much higher prices for food that will be a disappointment compared to home — especially if you’re outside of the more Westernized cities like Hong Kong. A western-style sandwich or fast food meal can run about 40 CNY and a cup of coffee can be similarly-priced to back home — sometimes more!

Vegetarians and even vegans will be able to get by relatively easily in the cities with a little planning as China’s history with Buddhism has made the country quite veg-friendly.

Since food is so cheap, there’s no need to self-cater or cook your own meals. You are better off eating the street food and at the restaurants. Moreover, many hostels don’t have kitchen facilities for you to use even if you did go grocery shopping. Therefore, self-catering is not something I recommend. The food is cheap and plentiful, so enjoy it! If you will be buying your own groceries, expect to spend between 250-400 CNY depending on your diet.

Activities – In general, sights are affordable in China — even popular attractions such as the Great Wall or the Forbidden City are under 68 CNY. While the Great Wall never kept out invaders, it’s beautiful and is only 45 CNY, the Forbidden City is 60 CNY (40 CNY if you visit between November and March). Smaller temples, activities, and sights are much more reasonably priced and cost under 20 CNY.

While attractions and temples are less than 70 CNY, prices for hikes and outdoor activities tend to be more expensive, often costing around 200 CNY. For example, a trip to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain costs around 200 CNY, a visit to the Jiuzhai Valley is also 200 CNY (as much as 2,000 CNY if you want to go as part of a tour) and a three-day pass to the Wuyi Mountains in Fujian province is 140 CNY while admission to the Yellow Mountains in Anhui province is 190 CNY. You’ll still need to pay for transportation to these places as well.

Backpacking China Suggested Budgets

How much does it cost to visit China? Here are some suggested budgets you can use to help you plan, based on your individual style of traveling. Keep in mind that if you’re staying in cities like Hong Kong, Beijing, or Shanghai you should expect to spend at least 20% more.

On a backpacker’s budget, you should plan to spend between 215-285 ($30-50 USD) per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, eating fast food occasionally but mainly cooking your own meals, using public transportation, and participating in basic activities like visiting museums.

On a mid-range budget of 645-1,000 CNY ($90-140 USD) per day, you can stay in budget hotels, take buses between destinations, eat fast food, and do more excursions.

For a luxury budget of 1,500 CNY ($210 USD) per day, you can afford to stay in nice hotels, take the high-speed train, do some guided tours, and eat out for every meal.

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

China Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Given the size of China as well as its general affordability thanks to cheap food and accommodation, there are plenty of ways to save money when you visit here. Here are some of the best ways to save money during your next trip:

• Use sleeper trains – Use sleeper trains (doorless compartments with bunks) to travel overnight since distances between cities can be quite large. Spending a night on the train will save you paying an extra night of accommodation. Lower bunks are less expensive, so purchase a few days in advance to take advantage of these savings. Some stations have ticket offices for foreigners if you need help navigating your options.
• Ask for Xiao Pan – If eating alone, ask for “xiao pan”. These are small portions and work out at 70% of the size and price of a normal dish.
• Hard Seats – Travel on the “hard seats” on trains or buses. These are the cheapest and most basic seats but are not “hard” as the name would lead you to believe (they’re just regular seats).
• Take a walking tour – Free walking tours are available in most Chinese cities. They generally last a couple of hours and are a great way to get the lay of the land and learn some of the local history.
• Avoid Golden Week – Golden Week is the busiest holiday of the year and is a time when the entire country is off. Held at the start of October, prices will rise, transportation is booked out weeks in advance, and the large cities are essentially gridlocked. Avoid visiting during this time. (Or, at the very least, avoid the big cities!)
• Stick to public transportation – You can get pretty much anywhere in all the major cities by bus or subway — and it’s super affordable. Do as the locals do if you want to save money.
• Buy water jugs – Instead of buying bottled water every day (as the tap water is not potable), bring a reusable water bottle and buy the biggest jugs you can find. They are only around 15 CNY and will last weeks. If you’re not staying that long, get your fellow travelers to chip in. You’ll save money and prevent more single-use plastic from ending up in a landfill. Conversely, bring a LifeStraw or SteriPen to purify your own water.

Where To Stay in China

Hostels are common all across China. Here are my recommended places to stay in the country:

• Hong Kong Hostel (Hong Kong)
• Kelly’s Courtyard (Beijing)

How to Get Around China

While most cities in China are great to discover on foot, the pollution can be quite hard on the body for extended periods. Be sure to check the air quality every morning before heading out.

Bus – Buses are generally cheaper than trains when it comes to intercity travel so they are your best bet for short distances (anything under 8-10 hours). For example, the 9-hour ride from Beijing to Anshan is around 220 CNY while the train is between going to be at least 350 CNY (and the train only saves you 90 minutes). The two-hour bus ride from Beijing to Tianjin is around 80 CNY while the trip from Shanghai to Hangzhou is 3 hours and costs around 120 CY.

To find bus routes and prices, use BusBud .

Train – For long-distance travel around the country, trains are an affordable and often unique choice. On a high-speed train, the ticket from Beijing to Shanghai is around 555 CNY for 2nd class, around 935 CNY for 1st class, and around 1,800 CNY for a VIP seat. The journey takes around 4.5 hours.

For the full-day train that takes between 14-22 hours, a soft sleeper ticket is 525 CNY while a superior sleeper is 880 CNY. You can also get a regular hard sleeper seat for just 180 CNY but 22 hours in a seat is asking a lot!

The 5-6 journey ride from Beijing to Xi’an will cost 515 CNY for a second-class seat, 825 CNY for a first-class seat, and 1,630 CNY for a VIP ticket.

For overnight trains, keep in mind that the lower bunk is usually cheaper as it is closer to the noise. Top bunks will be more expensive, though they occasionally have very little space to offer (even though you pay more); it is not uncommon to be unable to sit all the way up. But you do get more privacy, which is worth it in my opinion!

Flying – There are plenty of regional carriers in China when it comes to flights. In fact, there are over 30 domestic airlines in the country! Some of the larger ones are Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, and Southwest Airlines. Just keep in mind that many flights rarely leave on time, so be mindful of your connections when booking!

Round-trip flights from Beijing to Shanghai can cost as little as 1,150 CNY for the two-hour journey.

From Beijing to Hong Kong will cost at least 900 CNY and take just under four hours. Xi’an to Shanghai will cost at least 950 CNY and take just over two hours. Beijing to Taipei will cost around 1,600 CNY and take just over three hours.

Car Rental – China does not recognize the International Driving Permit, making it virtually impossible to rent a car here unless you apply for a Chinese license. I don’t advise renting a car here.

When to Go to China

Since China is such a large country, climate and temperature change drastically from region to region. Sub-tropical Hong Kong is going to have much different weather than the steppes of Inner Mongolia or the mountain ranges of Tibet and Western China.

Summers in China (June-August) is the peak time to visit, though it also the hottest time. Temperatures will soar into the 30s (87-92 F) and can get quite humid. The pollution and air quality can also be ongoing concerns during this time. Expect inflated prices and larger crowds during these months.

September-October is a great time to visit China, as long as you can dodge the hectic Golden Week holiday in early October. The weather will cool to just under 20C (68 F), which is much more pleasant for hiking and exploring.

Traveling to China in the winter is rare, unless you’re heading to Hong Kong where the weather is still pleasant at 20C (68 F). Places like the Great Wall are occasionally closed due to weather, and regions like Tibet can drop to -13 C (9F) overnight. That being said, China has a fun winter festival called the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival where you’ll find huge, record-breaking ice sculptures.

How to Stay Safe in China

China is quite safe for travelers owing to its heavy crack down on crime and the fact that it is a full-on surveillance state. However, there are still a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to stay safe during your visit.

For starters, watch what you eat. Sanitation standards are not exactly the most stringent here, so always use hand sanitizer before you eat and make sure you only go to restaurants that appear clean. Street food — while delicious — can also cause some upset so be prepared. You may need some time to adjust to the local cuisine upon arrival.

Petty theft is rare, though you should still take precautions. Don’t flash your valuables or leave them in unsecured pockets. Most petty thefts occur when travelers don’t pay attention to their things. Don’t be one of those travelers!

As a tourist, you’ll also likely get ripped off here and there. Expect to see inflated prices often, so be sure to ask your hostel/hotel staff for price estimates in advance if you need to go to a market. While commercial supermarkets and shops won’t be an issue, local markets and small stores might try to fleece you. Be firm and barter hard when you have to.

As for scams, they are unfortunately common here. The most common is when someone approaches you and asks to practice their English with you (they are usually a “student.” You’ll head to a café, have some tea and food, and then you’ll be stuck with the bill. As a general rule, if folks ask you to practice English with them just politely decline.

Traffic in China can also be a bit of challenge. Pedestrians don’t have the right of way, so always look both ways before crossing. When in doubt, stick to the locals and follow their lead. They know what to do!

China cracks down on drug use very hard, dishing out hard labor and death penalties to anyone caught with large amounts of drugs. You may also get extorted by the police for a bribe if you’re caught with drugs, so it’s generally a good idea to avoid all drugs while you’re here.

When you’re here, you’ll also want to avoid talking politics — especially when it comes to regions like Tibet and Hong Kong. Information about these regions is highly censored and political discussions are highly monitored online. Play it safe and avoid talking politics.

Lastly, try to avoid using illegal taxis. Marked taxis will use a meter and have set prices, so stick to them (or use the ride-sharing app DiDi). When looking for a cab you’ll likely get approached by illegal taxis. Avoid them if you can unless you’re comfortable negotiating a fare and taking an illegal ride (which I don’t recommend).

Worried about travel scams? Read about these 14 major travel scams to avoid .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

China Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

China Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on China travel and continue planning your trip:

The 23 Best Things to Do in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Itinerary: What to Do in 4 (or More) Days

My Favorite Restaurants in Hong Kong

What Hitchhiking Solo as a Female in China Taught Me

7 Lessons Learned from 3 Months in China

How to Travel the Trans-Siberian Railway

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• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

How to Travel China on the Cheap: The Ultimate Guide

T he Great Wall snaking out into the horizon. A monastery perched atop a mountain in Tibet. The neon splendour of the Bund in Shanghai.

China is all of this, and so much more.

But how can you discover the flavors, the history, the people and the sights of this vast, complex, baffling country without eating up your travel savings? While it's easy to blow a fortune on a tailor-made tour, if you’re feeling adventurous and are willing to break away from the tourist trail, a trip to ‘The Middle Kingdom’ can be even cheaper than daily life back at home!

I’ve lived in China for two years, first as a language student in Chengdu, and later a freelance writer in Shanghai. I’ve drunk with farmers in the countryside of Sichuan and gotten lost among the Hutongs of Beijing. I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and painstakingly discovered some useful ways to make your Renminbi go further.

Ready for an adventure? Here’s the ultimate guide to travelling China on the cheap!

• 1 How much does a trip to China cost?
• 2.1 You Need a Visa
• 2.2 You Need a VPN
• 3 Transport
• 4.1 Cheap Eats
• 4.2 Like Spice?
• 4.3 Tip: Never Drink Tap Water
• 5.1 Ctrip Is Your Friend Again
• 5.2 Youth Hostels
• 6.1 Beware Chinese Holidays
• 6.2 Get Off the Tourist Route
• 6.3 Cheap Activity Ideas
• 6.4 Visit the Park
• 6.5 Go to the Food Market

How much does a trip to China cost?

The answer to this question really is “as much as you want!’ Want to sip martinis, tear up the clubs in Shanghai, and stumble home to a luxury hotel? You’re looking at prices comparable to New York, London, or Paris.

But if you’re willing to endure a bit of discomfort, travel with the locals, take a risk, and spend some time outside of Beijing, Shanghai and the tourist hubs, then China can be as cheap as budget hotspots like Thailand or Morocco.

Factoring in accommodation, food, transport, entrance fees and a few delicious Tsingtao beers, then it’s very possible to conquer China for around $50USD per day, per person .

Before You Go

You need a visa.

You’re going to need to figure out a visa before you go. It’s a bit of a pain, but not that difficult. Most major cities in the world have Chinese Visa Centres  (or embassies in the U.S. ) which work as a gateway to the local consulate. You can fill out the form, make an appointment online, and deliver your passport via post or in person.

Prices vary depending on where you’re from, at the moment a single-entry tourist visa for a citizen of the USA costs $140 USD.

Alternatively, you can apply online with an agency like VisaHQ . Although it’s a bit more expensive, this is a much simpler process, allowing you to simply upload all your documents online, then quickly receive your visa in the mail within days.

What About Hong Kong?

The exceptions to the visa rule are Hong Kong and Macau – the situation is complicated and fascinating for both, but let’s just use the government phrase of ‘one country, two systems’ to keep things simple. Most western travelers can come to both these territories visa-free.

While it’s best to get your visa for mainland China before you go, it is also possible to pick up a Chinese visa from Hong Kong by visiting one of the numerous agencies – I’ve done it twice without issue, though I know of others who have been rejected. The cost may be significantly cheaper than obtaining at home. For step-by-step instructions on obtaining a Chinese visa in Hong Kong, check our guide here .

You Need a VPN

You probably know that Facebook and Google are blocked in China, along with a host of other services from the New York Times (at the moment) to Snapchat! If you want to Instagram selfies from the Great Wall or check your Gmail while you’re away, you’re going to need what’s known as a VPN.

A VPN or ‘Virtual Private Network’ basically routes your internet traffic via another country. You’ll be standing on the Great Wall, but it will be as if you’re browsing the internet from New York. You can set up a VPN easily as an app on your phone or laptop. There are a bunch of options out there and prices vary – I personally use ExpressVPN , which has apps for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows that make connecting to the VPN simple, and a 30-day money back guarantee in case you have any issues.

Take note: you’re best to install ExpressVPN before you go as VPN websites are, cleverly, often blocked in China!

Alright, visa application submitted and VPN installed? Let’s get into the nitty gritty. China is enormous and going in detail into each destination would expand this article into about 46 novels, so instead I’m going to focus on general ‘rules of the road’ to help you make your RMB go further. To get you up and running, let’s begin with transport .

The first thing you need to know about getting around China is that the country is really, really big! Lhasa and Shanghai, for example, are 4,200 kilometres apart – that’s a 60 odd hour drive! The second thing you need to know is that the locals are capable of phenomenal feats of endurance, such as standing for 72 hours in a cramped carriage to get home from the city to their family village during Chinese New Year.

Fortunately, high speed trains and budget airlines make China quite easy to get around as a tourist, even if you’re on a budget.

Book With China Highlights

China Highlights is one of the simplest ways to book train travel in China. The website is in English, and offers schedules, maps, and other information on the train stations and routes in China. When booking tickets, you can either have them delivered, or simply pick them up at the train station. They have solid 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor, attentive customer service, and even a mobile app.

For everything else, we recommend Ctrip . You can use it to easily book flights, hotels, and train tickets with your credit card at rates that are usually better than American booking sites. It’s all in English and it’s super user friendly.

Budget Airlines

There are dozens of airlines in China and pretty much every city of significance has its own airport. Flying tends to be a cheap and efficient way of getting between cities, even if you’re booking at the last minute. The Ctrip app or website as mentioned above is the way to do it. Spring Airlines is probably China’s most prolific budget airline.

Pricing: If you’re flexible with timing, you’ll be able to find domestic flights for as little as $40-50USD between some destinations .

Train Travel

Ah, a Chinese train station. Jostling queues and, these days, endless KFCs sizzling off into the horizon. You can book train tickets on China Highlights or Ctrip , but you’ll need to show up to the station to collect yours in person. Bring your passport because you’ll need it to get tickets and sometimes even to board domestic trains. Always give yourself extra time to get to your train . Chinese train stations are massive , and security/bag checks are routinely done which can add delays.

Chinese trains can be impressively fast; the high speed train from Beijing to Shanghai train cuts through the 1,300 kilometres in under 5 hours. The general rule is, the faster you go, the more you pay.

Comfort-wise, second class on a fast train is often comparable to train travel in Europe, whereas third class on a slow, local train is like a prison movie. I’ve spent 10 hours sitting on my suitcase inhaling secondhand smoke from Beijing to Zhengzhou – not fun, but if money is more important than time or comfort, then worth a thought!

Pricing: trains are moderately cheaper than flights, ranging from $30-$50 USD depending on the distance.

For a complete guide to train travel in China, check out our article Train Travel in China: A How-to Guide .

Buses in China can be preposterously slow, uncomfortable, and shockingly aggressive (“every man for himself” is the rule of the roads here). And yet, buses are cheap and will get you pretty much anywhere. You’ll most likely have to get your tickets in person from the station – as always, bring your passport!

Pricing: Generally cheaper than trains – for example, a bus from Chengdu to the scenic reserve, Jiuzhaigou, will cost you $20 USD

Taxis in China are easy to find and extremely cheap compared to North America / Western Europe. In most cities they’re a great, reliable way to get around. Just make sure you always have your destination written down in Chinese characters (ask hotel or hostel staff to help with this or use Google Translate), and be sure to only use the official taxi stand at train stations or airports. If people approach you in the building offering you taxis ignore them because they will be scammers . Use official taxis only .

Unfortunately, while we usually recommend Uber as an alternative to taxis, it is no longer available to foreigners as of late 2016. Uber China must be downloaded from the Chinese app store, and payment must come from a Chinese bank account.

Pricing: Most taxi fares start at around $1 USD, you’ll struggle to pay more than $10 USD for local taxi fares unless you’re going to or from the airport.

Most Chinese cities have their own underground system. These tend to be clean, cheap and efficient, although they can be monstrously crowded at rush hour. If possible, avoid the metros at all costs between 8am and 10am and 4pm and 6pm.

You can easily figure out transit directions using Google Maps, but since it’s blocked in China, you’ll need a VPN to use it. Alternatively, if you’re using a Mac or iPhone, the Maps app has transit directions built-in, no VPN required.

Pricing: Metro tickets in most cities less than $0.6 USD .

Food is one of the big reasons to travel to China. Every province is known for its own flavors and delicacies, from the spices of Sichuan to the sweet syrups of Shanghai. The best thing about eating in China is that, in my opinion, the best food is the cheapest .

If you stick to the fancy restaurants with English menus then you run the risk of eating a bland meal with a high price. From my time in China, I firmly believe the best meals come when you sit shoulder to shoulder with the locals. Hole-in-the-wall noodle houses and local eateries are everywhere , cooking up classics like ‘beef noodles,’ ‘fish smelling eggplant,’ ‘pork dumplings’ and  ‘Kung pao chicken’ greedily guzzled down by locals and the occasional (ok, very occasional) intrepid traveler. These places don’t normally have English menus, and if you don’t speak Chinese they can be intimidating at first. When I first came to the country I’d just point at random to a few spots on the menu, and eat what I was given. This is fun but risky. To be safer, a couple of simple Chinese characters will stand you in good steed:

面 － Mian. Noodles. If you learn no other Chinese, at least learn to recognize this character. You will see it everywhere!

米饭 － Mifan. Rice. Also hard to miss.

牛肉 –  Niurou. Beef.

鸡肉 – Jirou. Chicken

羊肉 –  Yangrou. Lamb.

猪肉 – Zhurou. Pork.

孩子- Jiaozi. Dumpling

Like Spice?

Particularly in places like Chongqing and Sichuan, Chinese food can be extremely spicey. If you’re buying food of a street vendor, they’ll often ask you 辣不辣？“la bu la” – spicy or not spicy? If you like spice, just say ‘la.’ If you don’t want spice, saying ‘bu la’ with sufficient emphasis should do the trick.

Tip: Never Drink Tap Water

I made this mistake on my first trip to China and feel obliged to warn you of this now: never drink tap water, ever. Bottled water is easy to find all over the country, ask for 一瓶水 ‘yi ping shui.’. Always double check that the seal is intact. For more tips on avoiding food and waterborne illness, check our travel tips here .

If you’re prepared to brave the local eateries, it’s perfectly reasonable to expect a filling, satisfying meal for as little as 10 RMB or $1.50 USD!

Accommodation

Ctrip Is Your Friend Again

As with transport, Ctrip can help you find good hotel deals across China at prices that are usually lower than American booking sites.

International brands like Holiday Inn and Ibis often offer astoundingly cheap last minute deals. Chinese chains like Jinjiang Inn and Motel 168 aren’t flash but are generally cheap, safe, and cozy enough. Just beware that standards in Chinese hotels aren’t always up to what you’d expect in the West!

Youth Hostels

The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) has a strong presence in China. Big cities and tourist hubs like Xi’an and Guilin have fantastic, clean, fun and vibrant hostels ideal for the solo traveler. When traveling as two people, I’ve often found that the private rooms in hostels can be a better deal than AirBNB or budget hotels. Use HostelWorld.com to book, just be sure to check the map – Chinese cities are huge, and if you’re not careful, you’ll wind up on the outskirts.

AirBNB is very much a thing in China, but if you don’t speak Chinese it may not be a great option for you outside of Beijing or Shanghai. Generally, I’ve found that budget hotels and hostels are still a better option in mainland China, but AirBNB is 100% the way to go in Hong Kong, or if you’re travelling in a group of 2 or more. Hotels in Hong Kong are ludicrously expensive, but I’ve scored some great AirBNB deals for longer trips.

A bed in a budget hotel outside of Beijing or Shanghai can set you back around $25USD. In a youth hostel it can be as little as $8 USD for a dorm bed. AirBNB is generally a pricey option but can beat the competition in Hong Kong.

Beware Chinese Holidays

With hundreds of millions of rural workers having moved to the cities to become urban consumers, holidays in China are a dramatic affair. Each year witnesses the ‘greatest human migration yet’ as city folk head back to the country towns of their birth. Dates vary slightly year on year, but be sure to avoid Spring Festival / Chinese New Year, which tends to fall around February, and National Day Golden Week, which normally begins at the start of October.

Get Off the Tourist Route

Budget travel in China requires an attitude of adventure. It’s about figuring out your own way to see the sites, which will normally cost you 1/10th of the conventional tourist approach. Spend some time online ( Tripadvisor and Lonely Planet forums can be great) and chat to other travelers to see if you can discover an alternative route to the most famous local site.

For example, a visit to the most famous part of the Great Wall just outside of Beijing can cost you about $100 USD including transport, but catch a bus to the outskirts and grab a cheap minicab to an unrestored part of the wall, and you can get in for literally just a few cents! When I went first in 2012 I paid about 3 RMB (44 cents) to a woman sitting under an umbrella in the middle of a field, and went on the have a view of the Great Wall all to myself from horizon to horizon.

There are a few clearly defined activities, such as the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, for which the entrance fee is non negotiable. For the most part, however, with a bit of planning and a taste for adventure, you can get the most out of China’s favorite sites for very little.

Interested in seeing the Great Wall? Check out our complete guide, How To See The Great Wall of China Crowd-Free from Beijing .

Cheap Activity Ideas

One of my favorite things about this country is that practically everything is an activity! You can barely step outside of your hotel without discovering at least seven things worth regaling your friends about for years to come.

Visit the Park

Beyond the major sites, a cool way to find a free activity in most Chinese cities is to go to the park! A visit to the park in China isn’t like at home. You’ll likely to see performances (quality varies), and, if you go on the weekend, to witness the marriage market . Grandparents line up in droves to market their unmarried progeny. It’s like Qing Dynasty era tinder, and as of 2016 is still going strong.

Park in Chinese is 公园 ‘gong yuan’ and the best ones tend to have pleasingly communist names like ‘People’s Park’ in Shanghai and Chengdu, and ‘Revolution Park’ in Xi’an.

Go to the Food Market

Another great activity is to search for local food markets. Ask someone to point you in the right direction, and you’re in for an affronting treat: raw meat hanging from metal pegs, eels squirming in bowls of water, roosters clucking, dentists performing tooth extractions in the middle of crowded pathway – Chinese food markets are a feast for the senses, and they are all over the place.

Entrance fees for major attractions like the Terracotta Army in Xi’an is normally around $30 USD. Seeing the main sites can be expensive, but the best activities in China are often free.

The Thrifty Gist

• A trip to China can be as cheap or expensive as you want it to be – travelling more “locally” lowers costs, while cleaner and faster drives up the price
• Arm yourself with a VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN ) and get your visa before leaving home
• Use China Highlights to book train tickets and Ctrip to book cheap domestic flights and hotels. The cost of train travel goes up with speed and comfort. Use the metro and taxis to get around locally
• Eat at hole-in-the-wall noodle restaurants with locals to get real Chinese food for less. Look out for the ubiquitous sign for ‘mian,’ noodles: 面
• Stay in youth hostels and Chinese hotel chains, and use AirBNB if in Hong Kong or when travelling in a group of 2 or more
• All of China is an activity. Find creative ways to see big sites without the crowds or entrance fees. Visit parks and markets for a real experience that won’t cost you a dime.

This is outstanding. Highly valuable in deciding if & when to go, how to get around, how to survive and perhaps thrive. Very encouraging. I will save this for review. What about getting there? Air options, and what about freighter passenger service? Plz put me on your mailing list.

Very useful for me thank you so much.

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How Much Would a Trip to China Cost?

If you’ve dreamed about walking along the Great Wall, getting lost in backstreets of Beijing or gorging on the world’s best dumplings in Shanghai, chances are you’ve wondered, “ How much would a trip to China cost ?”

The good news is that travelling in China can be very affordable. The average traveller spends about RMB 2,500 ($360) for a one-week trip, or RMB 9,000 ($1,300) for a month long trip. If you’re a backpacker, a daily budget of RMB 175 ($25) would be enough to see world-famous sights, eat delicious food and sleep in comfortable budget accommodation.

The prices used below are in Chinese Renminbi (RMB) and United States Dollar (USD).

Table of Contents

How expensive is China?

While China isn’t the cheapest destination in Asia, it’s A LOT cheaper than its East Asian neighbours. Transport, accommodation and food in China tend to be cheaper than you’d find in Korea and Japan, but still a bit more expensive than Southeast Asia.

Travel costs in China vary dramatically based on which destinations you visit. In Shanghai and Beijing, prices are on par or close to what you’d find in the West. Outside of major cities, costs drop off precipitously. And traveling in rural China can be dirt cheap, although it’s a challenge without Mandarin skills.

When you’re in a city, there’s usually a good range of options for transport, accommodation and food to suit any budget. Food is especially cheap in China. You can enjoy street food meals for less than $3 and fancy restaurant dinners for the cost of fast food back home. Overall, China is a great value for travellers of all budgets.

The exception to this is Hong Kong; travellers should be aware that the former British colony is very different from mainland China! Hong Kongers speak Cantonese instead of Mandarin, use a different writing system and have their own currency. In addition to this, costs are astronomical compared to the rest of China. (Hostels beds can cost around $50 at peak times!)

This guide will cover average travel prices for mainland China . Make sure you budget extra if your trip to China includes a stop in Hong Kong.

How much money do you need per day in China?

As with most destinations, your daily costs in China can fall within a wide range depending on your location and travel style. One of the biggest factors is destination: Beijing and Shanghai, (and to a lesser extent Tier 2 cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hangzhou) are much more expensive than small cities or rural destinations.

Here’s a breakdown of average daily costs by travel style:

Budget/Backpacker: RMB 150–240 ($20–35)

While you can probably get away with spending less than 150 RMB in many places, this range will cover hostels, local food, metro rides and attractions just about anywhere in China, with some leftover room for incidentals and optional stuff (like sunblock, beer, flea market shopping, etc.)

Mid-range: RMB 250–450 ($36–65)

With this budget, you can enjoy private hotel rooms, specialty restaurant meals, shopping and the occasional taxi ride. This budget will cover a few cocktails (China has some phenomenal, ultra-modern modern cocktail bars) or other entertainment and nightlife options.

Luxury : RMB 600–1200 ($87–173)

While there’s never really an upper limit to how much you can spend travelling, this range will be more than enough to see China in comfort and style. Think spacious hotel rooms, banquet dinners and top-tier entertainment. While China’s luxury travel amenities aren’t as well developed as in other countries, they’re relatively affordable. If you decide to splash out on a nice hotel room or fancy dinner, your money will go pretty far in China.

In addition to these daily budgets, you’ll have some general expenses in China.

Prepaid travel SIM card: RMB 300 ($50) for 30 days of basic talk and text + 10 GB data

China Tourist Visa: RMB 200–960 ($30–140) depending on nationality (although you can avoid this by visiting a visa-free zone)

Bottled water: RMB 10–30 ($1.5–4.5) per day. You can’t drink tap water in China without boiling it, but any sort of accommodation will have an electric kettle. Bring your own water bottle and refill with boiled water to save a few bucks.

How much would a trip to China cost, per week or per month?

So how much money should you bring to China for one week? How much would a month of backpacking cost? Factoring in visas, SIM cards and the budgets above, here’s what you can expect to pay.

Backpacking in China for one month: RMB 5,300–8,200 ($770–1,190) One-week Trip (Mid Range): RMB 2,370 – 3,770 ($345–550) One-week Trip (Luxury): RMB 4850–9,050 ($705 -1,316) Two-week Trip (Mid Range): RMB 4010–6920 ($585–1,005)

Cheapest time to travel China

The months of July and August are high tourist season in China. You’ll find better prices (and weather) in spring and fall. Winter is usually the cheapest season to visit China but be sure to avoid Chinese public holidays!

Lunar New Year especially (usually sometime in late January to early February) can be a nightmare for travellers. Prices skyrocket and attractions are jam-packed. There’s also a week-long national holiday in October that’s best avoided. View the public holiday calendar here .

Cost of food in China

Food in China is a phenomenal experience at every price range. From watching street chefs whip up $3 bowls of hand-pulled noodles to decadent multi-course hot pot feasts, Chinese food will satisfy both your stomach and your wallet.

On the low end of the price range, a full meal (noodles or rice plus a main dish) can be had for less than RMB 20 ($3) at a street food stall or small restaurant. Mid-range meals may run RMB 40–100 ($6–15) per person, and meals at the nicest restaurants, including drinks, will usually cost more than RMB 100 ($15) per person. Keep in mind that most Chinese restaurants are set up for communal dining, so portions can be huge! You’ll be expected to order a few dishes to share.

Western-style food, however, is incredibly expensive and usually not great quality. Even fast food is more expensive than Chinese food; basic meals tend to be RMB 20-50 ($3–7). Stick to local meals for the best value.

Cost of hotels in China

Although Chinese hotels aren’t known for great atmosphere or amenities, they’re generally very affordable.

A basic double room in a mid-range hotel will usually cost RMB 100–200 ($15–30), which can sometimes be cheaper for group travellers than a hostel. Hostel beds generally cost RMB 30–60 ($4–8) depending on location (most hostels also have affordable private rooms). Airbnbs are another great option, especially in Beijing and Shanghai. In smaller cities, there are fewer listings and hotels are often cheaper. You can also consider homestays and Couchsurfing, although they’re not as popular in China yet.

A high-end hotel room will usually cost RMB 400 ($60) and up. If you’re going for luxury though, be aware ‘luxury’ in China might not always meet your expectations. Many hotels are a bit dated or designed with Chinese sensibilities in mind.

Cost of transport in China

You’ve got plenty of options for intercity transportation in China. The quickest way to get around is flying. There are airports in most major cities, but flights aren’t particularly cheap (and they’re often delayed). For example, a flight from Shanghai to Beijing will usually cost at least RMB 600 ($100).

The same trip by high-speed train will cost only about RMB 500 ($72) on average. The bullet trains in China are fantastic: clean, modern and always on time. They’re one of the best ways to get around the country.

There are also cheaper slow trains . A ‘hard seat’ on a slow train is generally about a quarter of the price of a high-speed ticket for the same route. You can also get a ‘hard sleeper’ (a plastic bunk bed) for about half the price of a bullet train ticket. The more spacious and private ‘soft sleepers’ cars are usually around the same price as high-speed trains, but they can save you the cost of a night of accommodation.

Costs of intercity buses vary wildly, but a 2-3 hour bus ride in East China is usually under RMB 100 ($15). Longer overnight buses are more expensive but typically won’t exceed RMB 300 ($30) or so. They’re cheap but the least comfortable and convenient option for foreigners.

Cost of attractions in China

Attractions in China are a mixed bag. Top historical sites and museums like the Forbidden City and Summer Palace are very reasonable, while entry to national parks and nature attractions like Huangshan or the Zhangjiajie National Park (Avatar Mountains) can be astronomically expensive.

The Forbidden City entrance fee is RMB 60 in the high season from April through October and RMB 40 in the low season from November through March. Visiting the Treasure Gallery and the Clock and Watch Gallery are an extra RMB 10 each. Make sure you bring your passport to the Forbidden City, you need it to buy tickets!

The Summer Palace entrance fee is RMB 30 in the high season and RMB 20 in the low season. There’s also an extra RMB 5 charge for a handful of specific buildings and areas.

There are dozens of places you can visit the Great Wall , but some of the popular ones around Beijing are Badaling, Mutianyu, Simatai and Jinshanling. They’re all between RMB 40–55 in the high season, and RMB 5–10 less in the low season. Extras like cable cars, chair lifts and slides down the mountain will usually cost over RMB 50 a piece. (You can save money by visiting an unrestored section of the wall)

Make sure you’ve got cash in Beijing! While some major tourist sites are beginning to take cards, most of the sites above ONLY TAKE CASH (no WeChat or AliPay either).

While most temples, small historic sites and museums won’t usually cost more than RMB 40 ($6), mountain parks and natural attractions can be crazy expensive. A ticket to the famous Yellow Mountain (Huangshan) costs RMB 190 ($14) and entrance to Zhangjiajie National Park costs RMB 225 ($32).

There are discounts for students and seniors, so bring ID if you qualify. Make sure you check out ticket prices before you visit to avoid sticker shock.

Cost of souvenirs in China

There are lots of cheap things to buy in China. Classic, traditional souvenirs like tea, silk, and ceramic tea set area great choice. You can spend a lot of money on these items, but there are good quality cheaper options too.

Chinese grocery stores carry nicely packaged tea sets (RMB 50–100), and silk and pottery can often be found in open-air markets. A silk scarf might be as cheap as RMB 20 and a handmade tea set around RMB 200. Make sure you bargain! Chop sticks are also a great dirt cheap souvenir.

If you’re looking for something more modern, there are lots of great options. Knock-off designer merchandise can be a lot of fun (and often surprisingly good quality). The sneaker and handbag selection in most markets is amazing!

Asian beauty products are also a good choice – they’re unique and usually come in great packaging. You can buy individual face masks for RMB 5–10 or different types of makeup for under RMB 40. (There’s also a wide selection of Korean and Japanese products available in China)

China is a great destination because there’s something to suit everyone’s budget and taste. Your question on “How much would a trip to China cost?” should be answered by now. Hop on over to an article about money-saving tips in China if you’re looking for ways to travel around China on a budget.

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The Ultimate China Travel Guide: Unlocking China’s Splendors

China, a country of immense beauty and captivating diversity, is a destination that promises to leave you with an indelible impression on every traveler. With its rich tapestry of ancient history, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and modern marvels, this vast nation offers something for every type of adventurer.

In this blog, I will share with you the ultimate China Travel Guide to assist you in uncovering the most unforgettable experiences that this extraordinary country has to offer.

Find the best time to visit China, plan your trip, explore top destinations, and budget for your adventure to make the most out of your trip to China!

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The Ultimate China Travel Guide: How to Plan a Trip to China

A trip to China can be an exciting adventure, as it offers you a rich tapestry of cultural experiences, breathtaking landscapes, and historical marvels. However, to make the most of your journey and avoid unnecessary hiccups, thorough planning is essential.

But why should you put so much effort on planning this trip? Thorough planning is essential for a successful trip to diverse China as it:

• It maximizes your overall experience.
• It eases communication with locals.
• Planning simplifies the visa application process.
• It helps in optimizing your budget for the trip.
• It also allows customization of your visit to match your interests.

Step-by-Step Guide on Trip Planning

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan your trip to China effectively:

Determine Your Travel Goals: Identify the regions and attractions you want to explore, whether it’s the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Army, or the bustling streets of Beijing.

Set a Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend on your trip and allocate funds for different expenses such as flights, accommodations, food, and activities accordingly.

Check Visa Requirements: Depending on your nationality, China’s visa requirements may vary. Research and apply for the appropriate visa well in advance.

Choose the Best Time to Visit: China experiences different climates in different regions. Consider the weather and your preferred travel dates when deciding the best time to visit.

Book Flights: Search for flights to China, compare prices, and book your tickets. Major international airports like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou are common entry points.

Accommodation: Research and book your accommodations, considering your budget and preferred location. Options range from luxury hotels to budget-friendly hostels.

Create an Itinerary: Plan your daily activities and sightseeing. Include popular attractions, local experiences, and time for relaxation.

Learn About Local Culture: Familiarize yourself with Chinese customs and etiquette, which can enhance your travel experience.

Pack Smart: Pack suitable clothing and essential items for your trip, considering the weather and activities.

Stay Informed: Keep an eye on travel advisories and any specific travel restrictions or health-related guidelines related to China, especially if you’re traveling during unusual times.

By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared for your adventure in China and can focus on immersing yourself in the country’s wonders!

Tips on Visas, Flights, and Accommodations

• Visas: Check the Chinese embassy or consulate website for the most up-to-date visa requirements. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended departure date.
• Flights: Use flight comparison websites or apps to find the best deals on airfare. Be flexible with your travel dates to potentially score lower prices.
• Accommodations: Consider booking your accommodations through trusted platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com , or directly through hotels’ websites. Read reviews and select lodgings that cater to your preferences.

Best Time to Visit and Travel Restrictions

Here is a complete guide covering all the seasons:

Spring in China

Spring in China is a beautiful time to visit, with landscapes bursting into bloom. The weather is mild and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius. This makes it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and visiting temples and gardens!

Some of the best places to visit in China during the spring include:

• Beijing : The Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and the Temple of Heaven are all must-see attractions in Beijing. During the spring, the city’s parks and gardens are also in full bloom.
• Shanghai : Shanghai is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors. In the spring, you can enjoy the city’s many parks and gardens, visit the Bund waterfront, or take a boat trip on the Huangpu River.
• Xi’an : Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most amazing archaeological discoveries of all time. In the spring, you can also visit the city’s many temples and mosques, or take a day trip to Mount Huashan, a sacred mountain known for its challenging hiking trails.
• Guilin : Guilin is known for its stunning scenery, including limestone karsts, rivers, and lakes. In the spring, you can take a boat cruise on the Li River to see the karsts up close, or visit the nearby town of Yangshuo for its laid-back atmosphere and scenic bike trails.

Summer in China

Summer in China can be hot and humid, especially in the south. Average temperatures range from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius, with high humidity levels. However, there are still many things to see and do in China during the summer, such as visiting beaches, hiking in the mountains, and attending festivals!

Some of the best places to visit in China during the summer include:

• Sanya : Sanya is a popular beach resort town in southern China. In the summer, you can enjoy the city’s many beaches, go swimming, snorkeling, or diving.
• Lijiang : Lijiang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ancient town. In the summer, you can enjoy the town’s many canals and bridges, or take a day trip to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
• Harbin : Harbin is the capital of Heilongjiang province in northeastern China. It is known for its cold winters and its annual International Ice and Snow Festival.

Autumn in China

Autumn is another beautiful time to visit China. The weather is mild and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The leaves on the trees turn red and yellow, creating stunning scenery throughout the country.

Some of the best places to visit in China during the autumn include:

• Beijing : The Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven are especially beautiful in the autumn, when the leaves on the trees turn red and yellow.
• Jiuzhaigou National Park : Jiuzhaigou National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning lakes, waterfalls, and forests. In the autumn, the park’s leaves turn red and yellow, creating a magical landscape.
• Huangshan Mountain : Huangshan Mountain is a sacred mountain in Anhui province. It is known for its towering granite peaks, pine trees, and clouds. In the autumn, the mountain’s leaves turn red and yellow, creating a breathtaking sight.

Winter in China

Winter in China can be very cold, especially in the north. Average temperatures range from -10 to 5 degrees Celsius, with snowfall common in many parts of the country. However, there are still many things to see and do in China during the winter, such as skiing, visiting hot springs, and attending festivals!

Some of the best places to visit in China during the winter include:

• Harbin : Harbin is known for its cold winters and its annual International Ice and Snow Festival. During the festival, you can see giant ice sculptures, snow castles, and ice slides.
• Yabuli Ski Resort : Yabuli Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in China. It is located in Heilongjiang province and offers a variety of ski trails for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.
• Guilin : Guilin is also a popular winter destination, as the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists than in the summer.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit China, you are sure to have a memorable experience!

Top 10 Tourist Attractions in China

1. the great wall of china.

First on this list is The Great Wall of China , an architectural marvel that is etched into history. It beckons you to embark on an awe-inspiring journey through time. Located in northern China, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance.

You must visit here to experience the majestic allure of China’s rich history and resilience. Visiting this iconic structure allows you to walk in the footsteps of emperors and soldiers, offering a profound connection to the nation’s past.

The main attractions you must visit along the Great Wall include popular sections like Badaling, Mutianyu, and Jinshanling, each with its unique features and scenic vistas. You can hike along the wall, explore watchtowers, and capture breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape!

Best Time To Visit The Great Wall of China: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the landscapes burst with color. To avoid the crowds, consider weekdays and early mornings for a more serene experience.

2. The Terracotta Army

Next is the Terracotta Army , an archaeological wonder nestled in Xi’an that invites you to delve into the fascinating world of ancient history and artistic mastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the power and legacy of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang!

You must visit here to view this testament to human ingenuity and artistry. It’s an ancient marvel that showcases the craftsmanship of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, created over two millennia ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin. A visit offers you a rare glimpse into the depths of China’s rich imperial history!

The main attractions you should visit within the site include the three massive pits containing the Terracotta Army, each revealing different aspects of the ancient soldiers’ roles and weaponry.

Best Time To Visit The Terracotta Army: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the site is less crowded. Arrive early in the morning to make the most of your visit and avoid the midday rush.

3. The Forbidden City

Another amazing place to visit in China is The Forbidden City , a UNESCO World Heritage site that beckons you to embark on a journey through the heart of imperial China. Located in the heart of Beijing, this historic palace complex is a must-visit destination if you seek a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese history.

You must visit Forbidden City because it is an unparalleled repository of Chinese culture and heritage. As the former imperial palace for over five centuries, it offers you a unique opportunity to witness the grandeur and opulence of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

The main attractions within the Forbidden City you must visit include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Imperial Garden. Don’t miss the Palace Museum, which houses countless treasures, or the awe-inspiring Meridian Gate!

Best Time To Visit The Forbidden City: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is mild, and the gardens are in full bloom. Avoid the peak summer and winter months to enjoy a more comfortable experience.

4. The Li River Scenic Area

The next best place to visit in China is The Li River Scenic Area . Here, You get to explore an enchanting natural landscape that has inspired poets and artists for centuries. Located in the Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China, this destination beckons you to experience the sublime beauty of the region.

You must visit here to experience the otherworldly karst landscape, where picturesque limestone peaks rise dramatically from the water’s edge. As you drift along the river on a leisurely cruise, you’ll be surrounded by breathtaking scenery straight out of a traditional Chinese painting.

The main attractions you must not miss within the Li River Scenic Area include the unique karst formations such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Nine Horses Mountain, and the Yellow Cloth Shoal. The charming town of Yangshuo, with its vibrant street markets, is another highlight you must explore.

Best Time To Visit The Li River Scenic Area: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant, and the landscape is at its most picturesque. The lush greenery of spring and the golden hues of autumn enhance the region’s natural beauty.

5. The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Next place on this list is Zhangjiajie National Forest Park which is a natural wonder that invites you to step into a realm of surreal landscapes and captivating beauty.  Located in Hunan Province, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers!

If you love nature, you must visit here to explore its towering sandstone pillars and lush greenery, which served as inspiration for the breathtaking landscapes in the movie “Avatar.” It offers an otherworldly experience that feels like a journey through a fantasy world!

The main attractions within the park you can explore include the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the mesmerizing Tianzi Mountain, and the awe-inspiring Golden Whip Stream. The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world’s highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge, is also a thrilling addition to your visit.

Best Time To Visit The Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is comfortable, and the landscape is at its most vibrant. To avoid crowds, aim for weekdays and early mornings.

6. Potala Palace

The Potala Palace , a UNESCO World Heritage site in Lhasa, Tibet, invites you to embark on a spiritual and architectural journey like no other. Perched on the Red Hill, this iconic palace is a testament to Tibetan culture, history, and the enduring legacy of Buddhism.

You must visit here to explore this symbol of Tibetan Buddhism and a reflection of Tibet’s rich heritage. It’s not only an architectural masterpiece but also a pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. Visiting here is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the spiritual and cultural heart of Tibet!

The main attractions within the Potala Palace include the White Palace, the Red Palace, and the sacred chapels and shrines. The murals, sculptures, and ancient artifacts provide you a glimpse into Tibetan history and artistry.

Best Time To Visit The Potala Palace: The best time to visit is during the spring or early autumn when the weather is relatively mild, and the skies are clear. Be aware that the palace has limited daily visitor slots, so it’s advisable to book your tickets well in advance.

7. Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum

The next amazing place to visit in China is the Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum . Located in Xi’an, China, it is an archaeological wonder that invites you to journey back in time to the ancient Chinese empire. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a testament to the First Emperor’s grandeur and the rich history of the Qin Dynasty.

You must visit here as this museum is home to the renowned Terracotta Army, an army of life-sized clay soldiers and horses that were buried alongside the First Emperor to protect him in the afterlife. It’s also a remarkable display of ancient craftsmanship and an extraordinary historical artifact.

The main attraction within the museum is, of course, the Terracotta Army, but it also includes various other artifacts and exhibits that provide you insights into the life and times of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The Bronze Chariots and Horses Exhibition Hall is a must-see addition.

Best Time To Visit Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is comfortable, and the crowds are less overwhelming. Be sure to arrive early to avoid the peak visitor hours.

8. The Bund

The Bund , a historic waterfront promenade in Shanghai, is another gorgeous place for you to experience the city’s rich past and vibrant present. This iconic destination is a testament to Shanghai’s evolution from a trading port to a modern metropolis.

You must visit here to experience this captivating juxtaposition of old and new. On one side, you’ll find a collection of colonial-era buildings showcasing European architecture, while on the other, you’ll be greeted by the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong.

The main attractions along The Bund you can visit  include the Peace Hotel, Customs House, and the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, which takes you beneath the river to Pudong. The area comes to life at night when the buildings are illuminated, creating a breathtaking urban spectacle!

Best Time To Visit The Bund: The best time to visit is in the evening, as the Bund truly comes alive with its dazzling lights and stunning skyline views. The months of spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring this iconic waterfront.

9. Leshan Giant Buddha

The Leshan Giant Buddha is another perfect place to visit in China. Located near Leshan City in Sichuan, It is a monumental masterpiece of ancient art and engineering that calls you to explore its serene majesty. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a captivating symbol of Buddhism’s enduring influence and a testament to human ingenuity.

You must visit here to see the largest stone Buddha statue in the world, standing at a towering 71 meters (233 feet) in height. Carved into the cliffside during the Tang Dynasty, it’s not just a testament to religious devotion but also an incredible engineering marvel. Visiting here offers a profound sense of reverence and appreciation for both history and culture!

The main attraction is, of course, the Giant Buddha itself, which you can explore from various vantage points, including a boat ride on the river. The surrounding area also includes temples, shrines, and stunning natural scenery, providing a well-rounded experience.

Best Time To Visit Leshan Giant Buddha: The best time to visit is during the spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are relatively smaller. Plan your visit in the morning to avoid the midday rush.

10. Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

The last, but certainly not the least, best place to visit in China is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding , nestled in the heart of Sichuan. It offers you a unique opportunity for panda enthusiasts and nature lovers to witness the world’s most beloved endangered species up close. This renowned research facility is a sanctuary for giant pandas and is dedicated to their conservation and breeding.

You must visit here and get a rare chance to observe giant pandas in a semi-wild environment. As the leading center for panda research and breeding, it plays a crucial role in preserving these iconic creatures. Your visit not only supports their conservation but also offers a remarkable educational experience!

Of course, The main attraction is the giant pandas themselves. You can watch them roam, play, and even eat bamboo, which is their favorite food. The base is also home to other wildlife species, including red pandas, which adds to the experience.

Best Time To Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: The best time to visit is during the morning when the pandas are most active and before the crowds arrive. Spring and autumn are ideal seasons, as the weather is comfortable, and the pandas are often more active.

The Best Part of China to Visit

China, a diverse and culturally rich country, offers a range of regions for you to discover, tailored to your preferences as a traveler.

• Coastal Cities:
• Shanghai : A modern hub where you can enjoy shopping and vibrant nightlife.
• Beijing : Immerse yourself in history at the Forbidden City and Great Wall.
• Hong Kong : Experience a unique blend of eastern and western influences in this bustling city.
• Scenic Natural Landscapes:
• Guilin : Delight in picturesque karst landscapes and explore ancient villages.
• Zhangjiajie : Hike among the breathtaking “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain.”
• Jiuzhaigou Valley: Find serenity in crystal-clear lakes and cascading waterfalls.
• Historical and Cultural Sites:
• Xi’an : Discover the Terracotta Army and walk along the ancient city wall.
• Chengdu : Experience history, culture, and savor delicious Sichuan cuisine.
• Pingyao : Step back in time in a well-preserved walled city from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
• Ethnic Minority Regions:
• Yunnan : Immerse yourself in unique cultural experiences and explore ethnic diversity.
• Tibet : Embark on a spiritual and adventurous journey to discover Tibetan culture and high-altitude landscapes.

In conclusion, the best part of China for you to explore depends on your specific interests as a traveler.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit China

The cost of visiting China can vary widely depending on your travel style, preferences, and the cities you plan to explore. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses for a trip to China:

• Accommodation: Accommodation costs vary from budget to luxury options. In major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, a mid-range hotel might cost $80 to $100 per night, while luxury hotels can exceed $200. Budget travelers can find hostels or guesthouses for $30 to $50 per night.
• Food: Chinese cuisine is diverse and budget-friendly. Street food and local restaurants offer affordable meals for as little as $5, while dining in upscale restaurants can cost $20 or more. A daily food budget can range from $15 to $40, depending on your preferences.
• Transportation: Transportation in China is efficient and budget-friendly. Subway and bus rides are usually under $1, while long-distance bullet train tickets range from $50 to $200. Domestic flights cost $100 to $300, but consider economical high-speed trains for city-to-city travel when budgeting.
• Activities: Entrance fees to popular tourist sites vary, with some costing $10 to $30, and others being free. Cultural activities, shows, and guided tours may add to your expenses. Budget an extra $10 to $30 per day for activities.

Budgeting tips:

• Opt for local street food and eateries to save on food costs.
• Consider using public transportation and walking to explore cities.
• Plan your trip during the shoulder seasons to find better deals on accommodation and flights.
• Purchase a local SIM card or use Wi-Fi to avoid international data roaming charges.

China offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets, from affordable backpacking to luxurious travel. Careful planning and research can help you make the most of your budget and have a memorable experience in this diverse and culturally rich country.

China offers everyone a wide array of attractions, each steeped in history and culture. Planning a trip to China involves thoughtful consideration of expenses and preferences. From choosing accommodations to savoring the diverse culinary scene and utilizing efficient transportation, you can personalize their experiences to match their budgets and interests.

With all the incredible wonders and experiences China has to offer, doesn’t the charm of this country call out to you?

If you enjoyed reading about ways to make the most of your China trip, do check out our other travel inspiration blogs. If you have your own adventurous stories to share, we would love to hear from you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What are five fun things to do in china.

Five fun things to do in China include exploring the Great Wall, visiting the Terracotta Army, enjoying traditional tea ceremonies, experiencing vibrant street markets, and trying authentic Chinese cuisine.

Is China cheap or expensive?

China’s cost can vary, but it’s generally considered an affordable travel destination, offering both budget and luxury options.

What is China unique for?

China is unique for its rich history, diverse cultures, stunning natural landscapes, and the Great Wall, one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.

Is China tourist friendly?

China is generally tourist-friendly, with many English-speaking services and a growing tourism infrastructure.

Who visited China the most?

China’s most visited by tourists from within Asia, with countries like South Korea, Japan, and the United States also contributing significant numbers.

What is a popular activity in China?

A popular activity in China is practicing Tai Chi in parks, a traditional martial art that promotes health and relaxation.

What is China’s favorite food?

Popular Chinese foods include dishes like Peking duck, dumplings, and various regional cuisines, with rice and noodles being staples.

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How Much Would a Trip to China Cost?

The table below is a taxi fare list of 32 major cites at daytime in 2024 (excludes fuel surcharge):   

Find cheap flights to China from $474

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from the united states to china departing on 5/8. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to china.

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Best China Flight Deals

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to know

Faqs - booking china flights, what are the common layover options for the u.s. to china flights.

Most airlines offering flights from the U.S. to China usually have at least a single stop en route. The stopover options for these flights vary depending on your airline, origin city, and destination airport. Most flights from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), or Washington (IAD) to PEK usually have one or two stops in Abu Dhabi (AUH), Frankfurt (FRA), Munich (MUC), or Dublin (DUB). Passengers flying from Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) will have at least two stops, the first in the U.S. and the others in FRA or AUH.

How can I get to the city center from Beijing Capital International Airport?

The distance from Beijing Airport to the city center is about 20 miles. One of the most convenient options is to use the Airport Express Train that links the airport to Beijing city center. It runs from Terminal 3 and takes less than six minutes to get to Dongzhimen Terminus, where you can transfer to Line 2, which runs up to the city center. The train departs Terminal 3 every 12 minutes and operates from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. You can also use the shuttle bus No. 3 that takes you to Beijing Railway Station, where you can connect to the city center on Line 2.

Does Hong Kong International Airport offer accessible services?

Yes. The airport is fully accessible as it offers amenities that ensure special needs passengers travel through smoothly. ALLWAYS provides wheelchair assistance services for passengers who are arriving, departing, transferring, or in transit. To get a free wheelchair, contact your airline before your travel. The airport also offers wheelchair-accessible restrooms throughout the terminals. For ground transportation, taxis that are accessible are available outside the arrivals of both terminals.

Can I sleep at Beijing Capital International Airport?

If you're a passenger in transit, you can sleep at the airport. The airport offers hourly hotels where you can relax upon arriving in Beijing. The hotels have standard rooms with private bathrooms. In Terminal 1, the hourly rooms can be found near Gate 8 Airside of 3F while rooms in Terminal 2 are around the international arrivals area. Other rooms are on the west side of the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 3.

Is a visa necessary to travel to China?

Yes, a visa is necessary for all US citizens and permanent residents on flights from the US to China. Although one may not be necessary if you hold a passport from an Asian-Pacific country, you should check to be certain. A tourist visa for China is valid for 10 years, allows for multiple entries and you can stay up to 60 days per visit.

Which airport is closest to the Great Wall of China?

The Great Wall of China stretches across several provinces and is accessible from several airports, but the Mutianyu section of the wall is about 43 mi to the north of the city of Beijing and the Badaling section of the wall lies about 50 mi northwest of Beijing. Flying into Beijing Airport is the easiest way to visit the iconic structure.

Where in China can I purchase Yuan?

The official Chinese currency is the renminbi, most often referred to by its more commonly used name, 'yuan'. Passengers on flights from the US to China can purchase yuan at any currency exchange counter or automated teller machine located in the international arrivals section of any of the airports listed as destinations.

If I wish to visit Urumqi which airport should I use?

Urumqi is the capital of Xinjiang, which is an autonomous region in the northwest of the People’s Republic of China. Visitors looking to visit this historic city and the surrounding region should first take a flight into Chengdu Airport and from there, a connecting flight to Urumqi Diwopu International Airport (URC).

How long is the flight to China?

An average nonstop flight from the United States to China takes 19h 28m, covering a distance of 6885 miles. The most popular route is New York - Shanghai with an average flight time of 15h 00m.

What is the cheapest flight to China?

The cheapest ticket to China from the United States found in the last 72 hours was $372 one-way, and $802 round-trip. The most popular route is New York John F Kennedy Intl to Shanghai Hongqiao Intl and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $1,156.

Which airlines fly to China?

Air China, China Southern & China Eastern fly the most frequently from the United States to China.

What are the most popular destinations in China?

Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Shanghai (46% of total searches to China). The next most popular destinations are Beijing (23%) and Guangzhou (6%). Searches for flights to Fuzhou (5%), to Shenyang (2%) and to Xiamen (2%) are also popular.

How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

Top tips for finding cheap flights to China

• Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest China flight deals.
• If you’re flying from the U.S. to Hong Kong, your flight will arrive at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The airport receives multiple airlines flying from Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Washington (IAD), and San Francisco (SFO), among other cities.
• Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) receives the most flights from the U.S. to China. It is a big, modern, and busy airport with Terminals 1, 2, and 3 being connected by a shuttle bus. Booking a flight to this airport gives you more options to choose from.
• If you’re flying to Shanghai, consider booking your flight to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). The airport handles most of the flights to Shanghai from the U.S. and also enjoys great transportation links with the city center.
• HKG Airport consists of two massive terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, as well as the Midfield and North Satellite Concourse. A driverless train connects the terminals and concourses, and also moving sidewalks are provided to reduce the number of walking passengers.
• If your final destination is around Southern China, book your flight to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN). This is the major airport that serves flights from the U.S. to Guangdong, Southern Province.
• The Chinese capital city of Beijing is served by two international airports but only one of them, Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Airport, is used for flights originating from the US. Beijing Airport along with Shenyang Airport (SHE) in Liaoning province open the northeast corridor that includes Inner Mongolia to the north and Tianjin to the south.
• Alternatively, if your flight from the US to China is destined for the second city, Shanghai, you will land at either Shanghai Pu Dong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA). The municipality of Shanghai lies between the provinces of Zhejiang to the south and Jiangsu to the north and is the gateway to the East China Sea.
• Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) is the primary airport serving Sichuan province, which is bordered by Tibet to the west, Qinghai province to the north, Yunnan province to the south and the municipality of Chongqing in the east. It is considered the main hub that unlocks the area known as Western China.
• If your destination is Shanghai, Nanjing or Beijing from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), you can choose between China Southern and Hainan Airlines, which provide the shortest flights from the West Coast to these major Chinese cities. Sichuan Airlines has cheaper fares than both, however, with two layovers on your outbound flight, it will take you much longer to get there.
• Hunan province is a great starting point to travel to the southern provinces of Guangxi and Guangdong as well as to visit the popular Macau Peninsula and the group of islands that include Hainan to the west, bordering the South China Sea. If this region is your destination, then Changsha Huanghua Airport (CSX) is where your flight should terminate.

Top 5 airlines flying to China

The flight crews were extremely professional, helpful, and courteous. Departure and arrival times were accurate. No delay. I will use K airline again. Thanks

On time and flight crew are always so happy to help and always smiling unlike other airlines.

Great crew, decent food Charging plugs were broken on both seats next to me. Only the USB port was available, and that charges, very, very slowly. Seat was also broken, it would not lock into position when reclining.

Korean Air had great service and the Bibimbap dish was the best airplane food I’ve ever had. It was a long flight so in between the two meals they served customers could get Shin ramen. The flight attendants let my children use a pair of nice headphones for the flight and had earbuds and slippers for all the adults. The flight was long but the time passed by relatively quickly because they have many great shows in their entertainment TV. I watched the BTS Love Yourself and Speak Yourself concerts 💜

not too bad but not too great either. Service on all airlines declined ever since covid. Your Delta Stewardess are not that friendly at all. :-(

I like your stewardess, they are nice. However, your food could have been better and wheres your dessert? You do not offer beer or scotch. I do not drink alcohol biut my husband can have one or two, he has to ask if he can have one. during dinner or lunch, it should be offerred. Also, you do not have the most famous drinks ginger ale

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

My flight was diverted to Atlanta and I was not given enough time. I paid my travel on April 23, 2023. It was originally Delta from Norfolk to NY, then Korean Air from NY all the way Philippines which is my final stop. Instead from Atlanta to Korea I flew Delta which is okay. Then Korea to Philippines, I flew Asiana Airlines. What I did not like, Ieagle did not sent me an email that my flight was change and so when I went to check in Wednesday the 10th, at 4:30 a.m they told me my flight was delayed at 6;00 p.m and diverted in Atlanta and I am flying Asiana from Korea to Philippines. I do not appreciate that Kayak or Ieagle chenge our flights 5 times and then last minute change again during my day of flight. I hope that you will not make any changes of my flight o Feb 15th because it has to be the same flight with my husband. That is the reason why we made the arrangements early on.

Wonderful cabin crew!!!!! Food was poor, in flight entertainment was just ok. They need to serve more water on a 15 hour flight--we were dehydrated and kept asking for water.

Going through security a third time to get on the next flight was again utterly ridiculous and unnecessary. We were in a International secure area once again and as far as I'm concerned should not have been put through the gears for absolutely no reason. The United States can get all the information they need from the travel itinerary, there was no need to be forced out of a secure area to personally interview everyone on a connecting flight to find out their US immigration status.

Fast and efficient boarding. Flight was on time. Service was very good for our long flight. First time flying with this airline and I would highly recommend.

Eva Air's Business Class is pretty decent. With the given price, I think that the food can be better.

Pleasant, comfortable, and entertaining. All told, ZERO issues with it. And sadly, so far the flight was WAY more comfortable than the hellhole that is "Lambug Beach Resort" at Badian Beach!

It was a pleasant fly with Eva Air from NYC to Taipei. The crew were friendly and the food was exceeded my expectation.

Eva air is a good airline. The seats on the way to Taipei could have certainly been more comfortable, but all in all it was a pretty good experience.

Overall the flight was what might be expected for a long haul flight to Asia in economy class. The cabin crew was attentive and the food was good. Boarding was fairly fast and easy. The one thing I found frustrating was the EVA app. It is terrible. Trying to do anything on it was almost impossible.

EVA would not help with ticket issue since they were purchased through a travel agency. Even though it was EVA ticket stock. Travel agency Budget Air didn't reissue ticket after airline change which I didn’t learn until trying to checkin on Christmas Day and there was no contact number for the agency to help. I will never use Budget Air to purchase flight again and disappointed in EVA’s refusal to help. Thankfully just under 12 hrs before departure someone from the agency was available to reissue tickets. I was starting to think we would not be flying and the stress trying to resolve was completely unacceptable.

seamless check in/ friendly staff, food is good, always love flying Eva Air

Very uncomfortable and crowded seats in economy. Flight attendant refused request to move to nearby unused seat with more legroom because “It was more money for that seat”. It was also near impossible to reach airline directly by phone. Waits upwards of an hour and not very helpful customer service representatives after long wait. Cannot recommend this airline.

My experience with Eva sir was good except the long walk in LA Lex, that was inconvenient for my age,

Cathay Pacific seems to be an airline in trouble and on its way out. Lots of broken or poorly functioning things like entertainment screens, seats, and enough well trained staff to handle a full flight. Sad...

The flight crew was exceptionally good. Personal needs were well met. The food choices were very nice.

Excellent. Planes are a little older and could get some refurbishment, but besides that everything was excellent.

I cancelled the flights in good time but could only get a partial refund. I was not warned of this.

While I was in great pain, the seat was sufficiently comfortable to allow me to rest and not be in so much pain.

we were upgraded which was a blessing and tender mercy for us. I fell the day before and was in extreme pain from knee to shoulder. Sitting in a more comfortable seat during the flight was an unexpected blessing and experience.

Very poor check-in experience, and flight meal service was very disappointing with no drinks service or hot meal.

Not impressed with check in desk staff at Vancouver airport. Not a professional mind service and not cared or tried to help. Don’t think I would fly with them again

Seats were very comfortable. Crew were excellent. Food very good.

Flight crew was especially thoughtful and attentive, made sure our seats were comfortable so we could rest on the long flight

We bought the business class tickets. The check-in staff and onboard crew were excellent, providing commendable service throughout. However, it was disappointing to find that China Southern Airlines does not have a lounge at SFO. Instead, passengers were provided with a $35 per person food voucher, which fell short of expectations. Furthermore, the quality of the onboard food left much to be desired, marking a significant decline compared to our previous flight experience in 2019, prior to the pandemic.

Wuhan - Dubai. Old plane: 1. Only USB charger. No power outlet to plug in.. 2. Super narrow seat layout 3. Toilet cover consistently fell down and hit my back when sitting on it.. :( 4. Entertainment system touch screen not sensitive, and need to press hard or use finger tips to hit. Crew were very nice and accommodating though.

No red vine, no whiskey, no vodka. No that I wanted all of them at once but still...

During flight, some passengers perform stomping leg exercises which disturb the comfort (I.e. sleep) of other passengers.

No good but was short flight. Both of our China Southern flights were on time. No surprises.

The flight was okay it was the kayak customer service that was poor, I have been trying to change my name on my flight ticket 3 days before my flight and nothing got done about it even tho I messaged so many times and phoned, all I got in return was that is was being processed and still to this day nothing has been done about it, I think it’s disgusting and un needed stress to the trip.

The food was perfect. The boarding process is a bit long. Given the late boarding time, I felt very tired by the time I was seated.

Quality flight from start to finish. Customer service is evidently very important to this company. The staff really exceeded expectations.

Traveling with the Chinese airlines , their service superior to the US Airlines , they are much more friendly and the seats are comfortable , In the past I flew with United , now ,United Airline will become history for me .

The flight was delayed for almost 5 hours, but I understand that it was not up to the company, however how they could handle the situation better, they never apologized for that delay, moreover despite passengers being there for 7 hours only thing they did was to give a bowl of instant noodles, afterwards on the plane tiny snacks, people were there starting from lunch time and we’ve arrived to destination at almost midnight

Flight was delayed for 2 hours for no reason, then we spent almost an hour after boarding because of the weather conditions. If we left on time we could avoid that 😾

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China Tour Packages & Top China Vacations for 2024/2025

China is so big, so diverse and so fast-changing. No matter it’s your first time to visit China or your tenth, you’ll be amazed by the time-honored history, profound culture, stupendous natural scenery, and friendly Han people and ethnic minorities...

To take you out of the guidebooks and into the real world of China, we are here to offer you the private China vacations with best travel experience possible. From our TOP 10 China vacation tour packages and the most classic China vacations, you’re bound to find something that’s just right for you. From our China vacation tours from the popular gateway cities, you’re on the way to link your country and China in convenient way and enjoy unbeatable value for money.

Our PRIVATE CHINA VACATION Features:

• Flexibility: departure date depends on your plan;
• Budget: all arrangements are according to your budget;
• Private: No join-in groups; private guides, drivers, cars;
• Comfort: travel at your pace; highest quality travel service at the best prices;
• Peace of mind: our travel consultants will ensure that your trip to China and in China is totally worry free.

We are one of the few China travel agencies who have kept active and received lots of feedbacks and reviews during pandemic years

Best China Tour Packages - Perfect for the First-timers

We have made things easier for you. Here are the best 5 China tour itineraries which have been chosen by 85% fist-visitors, and have covered classic Beijing, Xian, Shanghai as well as beautiful Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Yangtze, Tibet, etc. Enjoy exclusive private tour package covering accommodation, flight/bullet train transfer, private car, own tour guide, meals, fun activities…

8 Days Best of China Tour

10 Days Classic China Tour

13 Days China Landscape Tour

15 Days Panoramic Impression of China

17 Days China Paradise Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Find China Tours by Interests

Looking for unique China experiences? Want to get under the skin of every destination you visit? China and our team can always satisfy you. Culture exploration, nature fun, hiking, family holiday, honeymoon… no matter what travel style you want, you can always find an ideal tour with us.

• Classic China Beijing, Xian, Shanghai…
• Natural China Zhangjiajie,Guilin…
• Cultural China Xian, Silk Road…
• Family-friendly Chengdu, Shanghai…
• Adventure & Hiking Tibet, Xinjiang…
• Holidays & Resorts Club Med, Sanya...

Beijing / Xian / Shanghai

trip details »

Beijing / Xian

Hong Kong / Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Shanghai

Shanghai / Yichang / Yangtze Cruise / Chongqing / Xian / Beijing

Hong Kong / Guilin / Chengdu / Yangtze Cruise / Zhangjiajie / Shanghai / Xian / Beijing

Shanghai / Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin / Chengdu / Lhasa / Xian / Beijing

Beijing / Xian / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi

Luoyang / Shaolin Temple / Luoyang

Chengdu / Leshan Giant Buddha / Jiayang Steam Train / Chengdu

Chengdu / Siguniangshan / Jinchuan / Danba / Tagong / Xinduqiao / Leshan / Chengdu

Kunming / Stone Forest / Luoping / Kunming

Huangshan / Wuyuan

Guilin / Yangshuo / Longsheng

Xiamen / Nanjing Tulou / Yongding Tulou / Xiamen / Wuyishan

Jingdezhen / Wuyuan

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La

Chengdu / Wolong / Mount Siguniang / Danba / Tagong / Xinduqiao / Kangding / Chengdu

Yellow Mountain - Hongcun - Jiusha - Yangchan - Huangshan

Urumqi - Wu'erhe - Kanas - Burqin - Urumqi - Turpan - Urumqi

Kunming / Dali / Lijiang

Harbin / China Snow Town / Harbin

Chengdu / Xiling Snow Mountain / Chengdu

• Zhangjiajie

Changbai Mountain

Harbin / Yabuli Ski Resort / Harbin

Tunxi - Huangshan - Hot Spring - Hongcun

Jilin / Beidahu Ski Resort / Jilin

Xining - Zhangye - Badain Jaran Desert

Shanghai / Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan

Lanzhou / Zhangye / Jiayuguan / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar

Hailar (Hulunbuir) - Erguna - Shiwei- Manzhouli - Arxan - Hailar (Hulunbuir)

Chengdu / Leshan / Emei / Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou

Kunming / Stone Forest / Yuanyang / Jianshui / Kunming / Dali / Lijiang / Shangri-La

Guilin / Longsheng / Yangshuo / Zhaoxing / Kaili / Fanjingshan

Lhasa / Gyangtse / Shigatse / Mt.Everest / Namtso Lake

Shanghai / Guilin / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Zhangjiajie / Beijing

Shanghai / Xian / Beijing

Chengdu / Leshan / Emeishan / Xian / Beijing

Xian / Dunhuang / Turpan / Urumqi / Kashgar

Beijing / Xian / Lhasa / Chengdu / Shanghai

Shanghai / Hangzhou / Putuoshan / Xiapu / Xiamen / HK

Beijing / Pingyao / Xian / Luoyang / Shanghai

Beijing / Datong / Pingyao / Xian / Luoyang / Dengfeng / Zhengzhou

Beijing / Xian / Luoyang / Dengfeng / Zhengzhou / Shanghai

Beijing / Xian / Lhasa / Chengdu / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Shanghai

Beijing / Luoyang / Xian / Guilin / Shanghai

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangtze River / Shanghai

Beijing / Xian / Chengdu / Shanghai

Beijing / Chengdu / Yangtze Cruise / Shanghai

Beijing / Luoyang / Xian / Chengdu / Guilin / Shanghai

Shangri-La / Meili Snow Mountain / Yubeng / Shangri-La

Chengdu / Mount Siguniang / Danba / Tagong / Xinduqiao / Leshan / Emei / Chengdu

Kashgar / Karakul Lake / Hotan / Ala'er / Kucha / Urumqi

Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse / Everest

Shanghai / Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri la / Xian / Beijing

Lanzhou - Norden Camp - Lanzhou

Guilin / Yangshuo / Guilin

Lijiang / Shangri-La

China Tours Starting From Gateway Cities

For your convenience, we have created many valuable China tours which start from the most popular China gateway cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Chengdu, Guangzhou, etc. Here are the most recommended tour packages:

Find China Tours By Month

There is always a tour for you no matter when you come to China. To help find your idea China trip, we have selected some recommended tours for each month.

6 Days In-depth Luxury Sanya Tour with Two Free Days

Price from Request

10 Days Most Classic China Tour

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Yangshuo / Shanghai

Price from $1,999

17 Days China Paradise Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Price from $3,499

6 Days Kunming, Dali & Lijiang Essence Tour

Price from $972

6 Days Harbin Tour with China Snow Town & Yabuli Skiing

Harbin / China Snow Town / Yabuli Ski Resort / Harbin

14 Days Wild China Tours from Shanghai to Yunnan on Expresses

Shanghai / Zhangjiajie / Kaili / Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-la / Kunming

Price from $2,758

9 Days Pandas Terracotta Warriors Plus Great Wall Tour

Price from $1,529

10 Days Classic Beijing Xian Lhasa Tour

Beijing / Xian / Lhasa

Price from $1524

11 Days Amazing Yunnan Tour

Price from $1859

6 Days Classic Beijing Xian Tour

Price from $850

6 Days Harbin, China Snow Town & Changbai Mountain Tour

Harbin / China Snow Town / Changbai Mountain

13 Days Best China Vacation

Price from $2,478

13 Days China Superb Landscape Tour including Zhangjiajie

Beijing / Xian / Zhangjiajie / Guilin / Shanghai

Price from $2,695

12 Days Wonders of China Tour (Flights + Comfortable Hotels)

Beijing / Xian / Guilin / Zhangjiajie / Shanghai

Price from $2375

9 Days East China & Huangshan Mountain Tour

Price from $1,572

8 Days Classic Yunnan Tour

Price from $1,318

9 Days Guilin Guizhou Minority Culture and Landscape Exploration by High Speed Train

Guangzhou / Guilin / Yangshuo / Longji / Zhaoxing / Rongjiang / Kaili

Price from $1531

7 Days Scenic Tibet Private Tour

Lhasa / Nyingchi

9 Days Ancient Treasures of China Tour

Beijing / Datong / Pingyao / Xian

Price from $1,388

10 Days Classic Silk Road Tour

Price from $2,566

6 Days Inner Mongolia Bests Discovery Tour

Hohhot / Ulanqab / Huitengxile Grassland / Hohhot / Baotou / Yemingsha of Kubuqi Desert / Ordos

Price from $975

10 Days Classic Sichuan & Yunnan Highlights Tour

Chengdu / Leshan / Mount Emei / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming

Price from $1757

12 Days Shanghai Yangtze Cruise Xian Beijing China Tour

Price from $2,132

8 Days Zhangye Danxia and Badain Jaran Desert Tour

Price from $1657

6 Days Hulunbuir & Greater Khingan Highlights Tour

Hailar / Hulunbuir Grassland / Erguna / Greater Khingan Range/ Shiwei / Heishantou / Hailar

14 Days Best China Zhangjiajie Landscape Tour with Yangtze Cruise

Price from $2439

8 Days Classic Mount Everest Tour from Lhasa

Lhasa / Gyantse / Shigatse/ Everest

Price from $1,589

6 Days Diverse Guizhou Tour (Guiyang / Kaili / Fanjingshan)

Guiyang / Anshun / Kaili / Fanjingshan

10 Days Yunnan & Guizhou Amazing Minorities Tour

Kunming / Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming / Fanjingshan / Kaili / Zhaoxing / Congjiang

Price from $1667

11 Days Essence of China Culture Tour by Bullet Trains

Price from $1,984

9 Days Kanas Lake Fairyland Tour from Urumqi

6 Days Best of Yunnan Tour

Lijiang / Shangri-La / Kunming

Price from $1,035

6 Days Zhangye Jiayuguan Dunhuang Tour

Lanzhou - Zhangye - Jiayuguan - Dunhuang

Price from $946

7 Days Shangri-La Tour with Meili Snow Mountain & Yubeng Village Hiking

Price from $1033

7 Days Best of Guizhou Tour with Nature & Culture

Guiyang / Anshun / Libo / Kaili / Congjiang / Zhaoxing

6 Days Western Sichuan Autumn Sightseeing Tour

Price from $1038

8 Days Best of China Tour (Flight/Bullet Train Covered)

Price from $1,432

3 Days Classic Harbin Winter Tour

Frequent question asked by our clients.

Here we list out the most frequently asked questions that our former customers about tour planning, travel documents, itinerary, hotel, booking, dinning. You are also welcomed to submit your question to us, our travel experts are always ready to help. Read more tips »

All our tours are private tour packages except for some programs operated by our partners, such as Yangtze Cruise, Tibet Group Tour, etc. Private tour package means high standard of tour services and more flexibility. Travel with our tour package, you will have your own tour guide and vehicle who only serve for you. Besides, itinerary, hotels, meals and tour activities can all be customized according to your personal need. And for sure, all above services are covered in your tour price, which means you don’t have to worry about extra payment or hidden costs. While providing you the best tour service, we also ensure our tours are valuable and affordable for you.

Where to go? For the first-timer China tour, you can go to classic destinations, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Yangtze River, Tibet, etc. To add some different experience, you can travel classic destinations with some other unique destinations. For Nature Enjoyment : Yunnan, Tibet, Sichuan, Gansu, Guizhou, Huangshan, Inner Mongolia, Yangtze River; For Culture Exploration : Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Tibet, Xinjiang, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Pingyao, Luoyang, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xiamen, etc. For Family with Kids : Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc. For Adventure : Sichuan, Gansu, Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, etc.

When to go? Since China is so large and diverse, you can always find suitable destinations to visit in each season, or each month. In the big metropolis, such as Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Chengdu, the season doesn't matter as much as visiting natural destinations, because their best highlights are all conveniently located in or near the city downtown, and it is always very easy to book flights, trains and hotels. But some destinations are only recommended to be visited in specific seasons. Generally speaking, autumn is the best season to travel China when the weather is pleasant and scenery is finest. To avoid the crowds, you can avoid traveling during the festivals, such as National Holiday, Middle Autumn Festival, etc.

Unless you are qualified for Visa-free policies, such as long-term residential visa, transit visa free, or you are from specific countries, you are required to have a Tourist Visa (L Visa) for your China tour. You can apply for Chinese visa in Chinese embassies or consulates in your country. To successfully obtain a Chinese Visa, applicants need to prepare some materials to prove his/her legal identity and purpose of visiting. The most important requirements are basic documents, including your passport and a completed visa application form. And supporting documents relate to your itinerary like flight ticket and hotel booking record and visiting schedule and Invitation Letter, etc. are also very helpful.

Making a booking with us is quite simple: 1) Send an Inquiry; 2) Get a tour package with quotation from us; 3) Amend the tour according to your requirement; 4) You confirm the tour and pay a deposit; 5) Pay the balance; 6) Enjoy your tour.

You can make payment either by Wechat Pay, Alipay, or Bank Transfer, PayPal, even cash. Your travel consultant will instruct you to complete the payment.

If you must cancel your trip, please submit your cancellation in written form by email or fax with your signature as early as possible. The final refund amount depends on when we receive your cancellation notice or letter, and actual expense, such as hotel booking, tickets reservation, etc. Your travel consultant will help you with the detailed process.

It depends on your group size and budget. We have sedan car, SUV, business van (MPV), different types of buses available. No matter where you are going to visit, your vehicle is licensed, air conditioned, clean, and expertly maintained. To maximize your comfort, we use vehicles with extra space for you and your luggage.

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How Much Does a 10 Day Trip to China Cost?

If you’ve followed my affordable travel finance blog for a while, you know that sharing how much I spend on trips around the world is one of my favorite things to do. If this is your first time visiting my blog, welcome! You probably stumbled on this article while searching for how much to budget for a trip to China or maybe you’re curious to see how much things generally cost. Before we dive in, I wanted to put it out there that my China trip was extremely affordable. I snagged a phenomenal 10-day trip to China for $299 USD per person (including airfare, hotels, daily breakfast, etc). While your trip to China will look drastically different than mine, use my budget as a spending guide for planning your own trip.

Press play and listen to this podcast episode where Kyle and I share additional tips for planning a trip to China.

How Much Does a Trip to China Cost?

Table of Contents

Our China Vacation Budget For 2 People

Our $299 usd china trip with uto vacation included:, total chinese visa cost: $280 usd, transportation to/from nyc chinese consulate, transportation to nyc airport:, day 2 meals: $18.17 usd or 128 cny, day 3 meals: $ 21.49 usd or 151 cny, day 4 meals: $17.25 usd or 122 cny, day 6 meals: $8.51 usd or 60 cny, day 7 meals: $13 usd or 92 cny, day 9 meals: $2.27 usd or 16 cny, day 10 meals: $7.16 usd or 50 cny, total activities cost for 2 people: $490 usd, total souvenir cost: $536 usd, final thoughts.

10-Day Tour Cost: $960 USD for two people (or $480 USD per person)

I first saw this vacation package to China on TravelZoo’s Top 20 Deals in early December 2018.

My partner and I spent $299 USD per person on this 10 day vacation package with UTO Vacation including round-trip airfare from New York City to Beijing (return from Shanghai), breakfast, some lunch, transportation, activities and accommodation. Along with the 10 day tour, we also had to pay mandatory gratuity of $180 USD per person.

• One-way economy flights from New York City to Beijing
• One-way economy flights from Shanghai to New York City
• One-way economy flights from Beijing to Shanghai
• Professional English speaking tour guide
• Ground transportation
• 4-Star hotel accommodations in 5 cities (Beijing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou and Shanghai)
• Daily breakfast buffet at each hotel
• Admission to the Great Wall of China
• Visit the Jade Store in Beijing
• Visit Chinese Herbal Institute in Beijing
• Suzhou Master of the Nets Garden (classical Chinese garden)
• Silk Spinning Factory
• Dragon Well Tea tasting at the Longjing Green Tea village

Our Chinese tourist visas cost $280 USD total ($140 USD per 10-year visa).

There are only six Chinese consulates in the United States. In addition to an Embassy in Washington D.C., there are consulate offices in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Houston. Each state is assigned to one of these consulates. If you don’t live near an embassy, here are additional tips for getting a Chinese visa .

The Chinese Consulate only accepts Visa and MasterCard. No cash.

Total Transportation Cost: $92.54 USD

Taxi to NYC Chinese Consulate: $20.76 USD

Taxi from NYC Chinese Consulate: $18.36 USD

Taxi to NYC Chinese Consulate (Second Attempt): $20.16 USD

Taxi from NYC Chinese Consulate (Second Attempt): $17.76 USD

As you may have guessed, I got turned away the first time I tried to pick up our visas because I was missing the receipt. I successfully picked up our visas during the second attempt.

(2) AirTran fares to JFK Airport: $15.50 USD ($7.75 USD each)

Total China Food Costs for 2 People: $300 USD

How much do meals cost in China?

I recommend conservatively budgeting $30 USD or 211 CNY per day for meals in China. However, I think you’ll end up spending a lot less than that, especially if breakfast is complimentary at your hotel. To give you a sense of how much I spent on meals in China, here are some of my specifics.

Dinner for two at NYC JFK Airport: $24.07 USD ($12.03 USD per person)

Dinner for two at Beijing Chunhui Garden: $18.17 USD or 128 CNY

• (2) Singapore-style Noodles: $14 USD or 99 CNY (48 CNY per person)
• Beer: $3 USD or 20 CNY

(2) Hot chocolate at the Great Wall of China: $9.94 USD or 70 CNY

Lunch for two: $11.55 USD or 81 CNY

• 20 pieces of pork and cabbage dumplings: $4 USD or 28 CNY
• 20 pieces of shrimp dumplings: $6.55 USD or 46 CNY
• Beer: $1 USD or 7 CNY

KFC: $3.90 USD or 28 CNY

• Popcorn chicken: $1.77 USD or 12.50 CNY
• French fries: $2.13 USD or 15 CNY

Starbucks at Beijing airport: $13.35 USD or 94 CNY

• Medium latte: $4.97 USD or 35 CNY
• Black coffee: $2.55 USD or 18 CNY
• 2 sweet treats: $5.11 USD or 36 CNY

Beer: $3.97 USD or 28 CNY

Starbucks hot chocolate: $4.54 USD or 32 CNY

McDonalds for two people: $13 USD or 92 CNY

• 5 piece chicken: $1.63 USD or 11.50 CNY
• Cheese burger meal (includes drink and large french fries): $5.25 USD or 37 CNY
• Fish fillet meal (includes drink and large french fries): $6.17 USD or 43.50 CNY

Danish apple pie in Shanghai: $2.27 USD or 16 CNY

Starbucks at Shanghai airport: $7.16 USD or 50 CNY

• Medium latte: $4.58 USD or 32 CNY
• Sweet treat: $2.58 USD or 18 CNY

1-hour couples massage: $80 USD

Optional half-day Beijing tour with UTO Vacation: $150 USD ($75 USD per person)

• Tiananmen Square
• Forbidden City Admission
• Man-powered pedicab ride of Hutong
• Homemade Chinese lunch

Climb the Great Wall of China: $0 USD included in UTO tour

Traditional rickshaw around historic hutong in Beijing: $3 USD or 20 CNY tip

Foot massage at Herbal Institute: $3 USD or 20 CNY tip

Boat ride on Grand Canal in Suzhou: $60 USD total ($30 USD per person)

Dragon Well Tea tasting at the Longjing Green Tea village: $0 USD included in UTO tour

Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise: $90 USD ($45 USD per person)

• Shanghai night cruise upgrade (beer and cookies): $14 USD or 100 CNY

Optional half-day Shanghai tour with UTO Vacation: $90 USD ($45 USD per person)

• Shanghai Maglev train (~ $11 USD or 80 CNY)
• Shanghai China Town
• Shanghai Knock Off Market

View this post on Instagram This video of the night show in Shanghai doesn’t even do it justice ?. Shanghai makes New York City (Las Vegas etc) feel small in comparison and that’s coming from a New Yorker! A post shared by Danielle Desir (@thethoughtcard) on Dec 27, 2019 at 5:27am PST

Listen to this podcast episode where we share our experience climbing the Great Wall of China!

Group photo at the Great Wall of China: $15 USD

Jade bracelet from Jade Factory in Beijing: $130.57 USD (hers) and $235 USD (his)

(2) Pearl bracelets: $90 USD ($45 USD each)

Dragon Well Tea: $40 USD

Other souvenirs: $25 USD

How much did our trip to China cost?

In summary, we spent approximately $3,000 USD (~ $1,500 USD per person) for our 10 day trip to China. That’s approximately $150 USD per person/day. This included tour costs, airfare, accommodation, food, souvenirs and plenty of activities. To be honest, we did not skimp out on much during this trip.

We shopped and ate really delicious food without batting an eye. Shopping and food are really affordable in China so take advantage. While we could have bought less gifts and opted out of the half-day tours offered by our tour company, we don’t regret our financial decisions at all. We enjoyed the conveniences and paid extra for certain luxuries. That’s the great thing about traveling to more affordable travel destinations. You can spend without regrets.

Out of the 27 countries I have visited so far, China is one of the most affordable. To compare, I spent approximately $1,300 USD during a four day trip to Iceland . Again, while a lot of costs were already accounted for in my tour like breakfast, ground transportation and 4-star hotels, I still recommend China as an affordable travel destination for financially savvy travelers .

Would I visit China again? Yes, absolutely! China is so large, incredibly diverse and there’s still so much we haven’t seen yet! We hope to return one day.

Want to find the best airfare deals around? Get email alerts for international flight deals with Thrifty Traveler Premium !

Also, read my book Affording Travel for my top money-saving strategies for making travel a financial priority in your life. This is an easy read, less than 10,000 words!

Check out some of my other trip cost breakdowns:

How Much Does a Trip to Lisbon Cost?

How Much Does a Trip Cost to Dublin?

My heart goes out to all those affected by the corona virus in China.

Please follow the recommendations of the CDC before booking a trip.

Danielle Desir Corbett paid off $63,000 of student loan debt in 4 years, bought a house at 27, and has traveled to 27 countries, including her favorites, Iceland, China, and Bermuda. Go here to learn Danielle’s incredible story, from struggling financially and in debt to finding creative ways to earn more and live on her terms. Listen to The Thought Card Podcast , where Danielle shares how you can creatively travel more and build wealth regardless of your current financial situation. Reach out to Danielle by contacting: thethoughtcard (at) gmail (dot) com.

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This is soooo helpful for me.. I am looking to go to China in September. Thank you. Great blog.

Considering how much airfare from New York to China usually costs, I think that trip was a steal!

I have to agree!

Great post! I’m always fascinated by how much a trip actually costs. Thanks for sharing. :)

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Stuff your suitcase, schedule your China flights, and prepare for an excursion unlike any you've ever had before. Whether you're looking for an relaxing getaway or an adventurous journey, you'll find countless ways to plan your trip precisely to your liking. Immerse yourself in the culture, from tasting the local cuisine to experiencing the nightlife in China. While enjoying your trip, pay a visit to the iconic landmarks and back in the views of the most attractive areas.

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Here at Expedia, we’re committed to helping you find cheap flights to China that won’t break the bank. We know you want to put more of your hard-earned cash toward exploring the sites and less on the price of your airfare. That’s why we provide you with a vast selection of affordable plane tickets, including roundtrip and one-way reservations, to ensure your Asia travel plans remain within your budget. Take advantage of our lowest rates on airfare and have leftover money to spare on your travel adventures.

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• United Airlines - 17 flights to or near China each month, including 17 flights to Pudong Intl. Airport (PVG) per month.
• Delta Air Lines - 17 flights to or near China each month, including 17 flights to Pudong Intl. Airport (PVG) per month.
• American Airlines - 13 flights to or near China each month, including 13 flights to Pudong Intl. Airport (PVG) per month.
• Pudong Intl. Airport (PVG) - 60 flights per month.
• Baiyun Intl. Airport (CAN) - 4 flights per month.

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What To Know Before Traveling To China

C hina is one of the places on Earth that millions of people travel to each year, many for the first and only time in their lives. Whether you've been looking forward to your trip for years or you're just curious and want to experience a vastly different part of the world, there are a handful of ways to prepare to visit China .

Aside from the language barriers (unless you speak one of the several Chinese languages) and cultural differences, traveling to China is bound to surprise you in more ways than one. For example, did you think to have little packets of tissue or toilet paper with you while you're traveling? Because you'll want to have that handy — particularly if you're traveling to lesser-touristed regions of the country that are less Westernized than major cities like Shanghai or Beijing. While you don't necessarily have to follow this list, these tips will make your trip significantly better.

Drop Your Assumptions At The Door

Above all else, leaving your assumptions behind is the best way to experience China. Despite what you know from popular culture or personal experience with Chinese culture, this incredible place cannot be contained by a single frame of reference. From the ancient sites to soaring skyscrapers and everything in between, the 23 provinces differ greatly from one another. Even Beijing, Shanghai, and X'ian can feel like worlds away from one another.

Some of the country's largest cities like Shanghai and Beijing have become much more Westernized in the last several decades. While you won't feel like you're wandering an American metropolis, you will experience some familiar occurrences -- like spotting familiar chains like KFC and Starbucks or having access to seated toilets. But whatever you do, walk into the trip with an open mind. You're sure to have a range of experiences here, which might involve seeing many of the stunning, ancient temples or seeing the view from the tallest skyscrapers. Either way, you may discover a love for new foods or activities you never imagined.

Apply For Your Visa Early

While there are a handful of exceptions, if you're traveling to China from the United States, you'll probably need a visa. Getting the visa is pretty straightforward, though you're better off applying as soon as you can instead of paying hefty processing fees to get it done faster.

Depending on where you live, waiting around at a consulate or visa service may be a lengthy process. Even in big cities like Chicago, you could show up and never be seen even after waiting several hours. Normally, the turnaround time for processing is just a few days, but do yourself a favor and apply at least a month in advance. Be warned, however, that tourist visas expire after three months. So don't apply too early and risk your visa expiring before you even leave.

Like your passport, it's also a good idea to take a photo and have a digital record of your visa on you during your travel. It will be affixed inside your passport, though it's still just a piece of paper that is easy to lose or damage in transit.

Bring Toilet Paper And Sanitizer With You

There will be some exceptions, but for the most part, you will need to bring some tissues or toilet paper with you when you are out in public in China. If the bathroom has toilet paper dispensers, they'll most likely be near the front of the bathroom, so don't forget to grab some on your way to the stall. It is highly unlikely that you will encounter the toilet paper holders that you're used to outside of perhaps a few popular locations, like a major international airport.

Also a very important note about toilet paper use – do not flush the toilet paper when you're finished. That's what the garbage bins are for. There will most likely be signs reminding you not to flush them when you're in public bathrooms in more tourist-heavy locations.

The same goes for washing up after you're done using the toilet. You can (and should) bring a hand sanitizer or soap sheets with you while traveling, just in case the bathroom isn't equipped with either. Most of them will not have soap or sanitizer, especially in less Westernized cities like Xi'an or Henan.

Understand Bathrooms Are Different

Chances are, if you're considering a trip to China, you're aware of squat toilets. You'll encounter these a lot, especially in public areas, so be prepared to use them. Seated toilets are pretty common in hotels, big restaurants, or other public places in major cities like Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai, though. So you may be in luck there.

It isn't terribly hard to keep yourself balanced over the floor toilet, though practicing the motion of squatting can help you learn to stabilize yourself ahead of time. It'll be more pleasant to practice and be confident in your balance than it is to press your hands against the stall walls to keep yourself balanced.

It's important to understand too that stall doors are still pretty new in China. The majority of public bathrooms have them, though not everyone will use them. Being aware that you may walk into a bathroom and see a row of open stall doors is half the battle. Just walk in, mind your business, do your business, and go back to whatever you were doing.

Be Aware Of Surveillance

It's no secret in the Western world that the Chinese government heavily surveils its citizens. You can safely assume that if you go to China you will also be under careful watch by the government. Seeing a lot of cameras in public places can be unnerving for Western tourists, though the majority of the surveillance is more hidden than that. Even if you don't think someone is watching or listening to you, it's better to be safe and just not talk about the government or other potentially problematic topics like issues of freedom or anything negative about the Chinese government.

When you check into a hotel, the accommodation does let the local authorities know that you're there. If you are staying with a friend or not in a hotel setting, it's your responsibility to report to the local precinct to tell them your travel plans. The government is very hyper-focused on what the people in the country, (citizens or not), are doing at all times. You're not disregarded just because you're a tourist.

Just be mindful of what you talk about anywhere, even in your hotel room or a cab. Chances are both are bugged and good luck figuring out where the bugs are. It's best to just leave them alone, instead just censor yourself to avoid being arrested. You do not want to get arrested in China.

Get A VPN Ahead Of Time

If you plan on using the internet at all when you're in China, download a trusted VPN before departure. The majority of social media sites, Google, and other internet-based programs and applications are banned and blocked by the Chinese government. Although VPNs can't be the cure-all for getting into your Gmail while you're abroad, they can certainly help.

Even if you don't plan on using Google or Google Drive products while you're in China, you might be surprised at what sites you can't access. You'll also lose access to Instagram, Facebook, and most social media sites as well as streaming sites like Netflix too.

ExpressVPN and NordVPN are two that should serve you very well anywhere in China. Your access will probably be slower than back home if you are able to connect through a VPN, so patience is definitely required. And, like speaking in China, also be aware of what you're searching for or doing online. You can bet they're monitoring that too, especially if you don't use a VPN.

Bring Some Cash And Download WeChat

You can pay with a credit card in some instances, but you should never assume that you can do so everywhere. A lot of Chinese retailers will alternatively accept WeChat Pay, a payment element of the social media application WeChat if you need something other than cash. All the same, you should usually have at least some cash when traveling abroad. This is particularly true for smaller retailers outside of tourist-dense areas.

Since so many social media apps and sites are banned in China, WeChat is king in China. It is the Chinese equivalent of Facebook meets Instagram meets Venmo and so many more sites in one place. Paying for things with the app is fairly common and you may need to use WeChat anyway to communicate with tour guides or folks you meet along the way. WeChat is also the most common texting app too, so knowing your way around the app is an excellent step to preparing for your journey to China.

If you'd rather just pay in cash and avoid WeChat altogether, that's fine too. Don't forget to get cash ahead of time or get a good transaction fee deal when you arrive. Just don't do your cash exchange at the airport, you're more likely to pay higher fees there.

Don't Drink The Tap Water

Unfortunately, although advancements have happened, you're better off not drinking tap water in China. This is largely due to the pollution that also plagues the air quality in the country so much so that the tap water quality gets worse and worse by the year. You won't necessarily get violently ill if you accidentally drink tap water, though it's best to just avoid it if you can.

Any place you stay will most likely either have water bottles on hand for you or large water coolers for you to refill from. Like the air in China, tap water has also suffered quality concerns due to pollution. So even if you don't notice any immediate effects from drinking it, who knows what you're actually consuming when drinking potentially contaminated water? Consider bringing water additives to make the water taste a little better, as it's important to stay hydrated, particularly in the hotter summer months.

Beware Of Pedicabs

Sure, the premise of riding in a pedicab seems romantic in springtime weather, but you should just avoid them altogether in China. Pedicabs can rip you off, aggressively solicit you to go with them, and generally just give bad vibes. There's a reason why they're considered one of the worst tourist scams in China.

Taxis are plentiful, especially around places like airports, so you don't really need to even think about using a pedicab or a rickshaw in China. Car services are also available for a higher fee, though the experience of riding in them might be worth the cost. You can also use DiDi, China's ride-share app to get a ride. Also a note for repeat visitors: You cannot use the American Uber app in China anymore.

The problem with pedicabs is that they can offer you a good deal before you hop aboard, but then demand an exorbitant amount of money when you arrive at your destination. There is also no oversight of pedicabs, which means that they could take you to an entirely different place and you have no way to report the incident. It's just safer to stick with cars.

Use A Translation App

Unless you're lucky enough to be traveling with someone fluent in one of the main Chinese languages, particularly Mandarin, having a translation app handy is a good idea for all travelers. These apps could help you overcome a language barrier with a shopkeeper, assist in ordering at a restaurant or get you where you need to go if you get lost. You can also use Yandex to translate signage into English since Google apps won't work in the country. 

Especially for thrifty travelers who want to bargain their way through the markets of China, you will need a translation app. While a lot of folks speak some English around the major cities, not everyone is going to, especially market vendors outside of the city center. A translation app will save you both a lot of headaches while trying to overcome your significant language barrier if neither one of you speak the other's language. Just try to remember to say "xiexie" ("thank you") when you're done.

Personal Space Doesn't Exist

Westerners and Americans love personal space. If you are a big personal bubble kind of person, China is going to push your buttons. That's even more true if you have never experienced being "othered" by strangers. You will more than likely have someone touch your hair or skin in public, especially if you have tattoos. Is it uncomfortable? You bet.

For white Americans in particular, the lack of personal space and touching may be a new phenomenon. If you have never had the awful feeling of being "othered," that may very well change in China. As Black Americans have endured unwanted touching of their hair by white folks through the ages, a similar kind of phenomenon happens for foreigners in China. The power dynamic and inherent racism is obviously not the same to compare these two situations, though, which needs to be noted.

Especially in visiting less Westernized cities where foreigners are a less frequent occurrence, visitors will likely notice a lot of staring. The more unique you are perceived to be -- whether with body modifications, hair colors, style, or even body shape -- the more likely you are to be stared at or touched by strangers. Someone might randomly grab your arm to inspect your tattoos and poke them or laugh because you have a cartoon character on your arm, for instance. Once you're aware of it, you can more easily navigate crowds or people to try and avoid unwanted touching.

Download An Air Quality App

This is something you may not have thought of, even if you're familiar with China's pollution problems. Face covers have been commonplace in China, especially for foreigners or air-sensitive folks, for a long time. Having an air quality app like the China Air Quality Index app will protect you from spending too much time outside when the pollution is especially bad and will signal if you need to bring face coverage with you.

You may think because you can't always see smog in Beijing or elsewhere in China that everything is fine. In fact, air pollution is such a systemic problem in the country that seeing it isn't an indication that it is or isn't there. Some days may be so bad that the air quality apps suggest you stay inside or only go out if you need to, so long as you cover your mouth and nose. Other days may be drastically different, you just never know day-to-day how the air quality will be.

If you're prone to allergies in new environments or have any kind of breathing problems, be sure to pack your allergy medication and/or inhalers. To be safe, you may want to get in the habit of taking an allergy pill each day while you're in China anyway to keep any unwanted sniffles or sneezes at bay. That way, you can continue your adventure uninterrupted.

There Are Some Noticeable Behavioral Differences

China in general is starting to crack down on some of the public behaviors, like spitting or hocking a loogie in public, but that doesn't mean it isn't still commonplace. There are plenty of behavioral differences that Westerners may not expect when visiting China like the spitting phenomenon or public urination. Some of these behaviors even made the opening of Shanghai Disney harder than the company anticipated because cultural behaviors are so deep-seated.

None of these behaviors exhibited are meant to offend. Things like belching or spitting might bother you, but it's just part of the culture. So too is the "Beijing Bikini," which is when men fold their shirts under their chest, showing their bellies. Part of the fun of traveling around the world is experiencing how other folks live, so these kinds of intrinsic behavioral differences are just part of that equation. If these behaviors bother you, try to just avert your gaze or attention.

If, however, you have a sensitive gag reflex or otherwise unconscious bodily response to these kinds of things, have a coping mechanism in place for when they do happen. Maybe bring some lavender oil along to sniff if public urination makes you gag or soundproof headphones for open public spaces to not hear the belching. Whatever you do, just be kind.

You Can Often Bargain

You can't bargain everywhere in China, though you usually can in market settings. Be particularly aware if a shopkeeper tries to tell you that they're giving you a really good deal, though. Because let's be honest, it's probably not that good of a deal.

The best way to be a successful bargainer (other than having a fluent language speaker along) is to keep an eye on set prices in other shops. If someone at a market is trying to sell you a foldable fan for $15, the best way to get the price down is to know what you've seen it priced at in other places.

For the most part independent shopkeepers in places like the Pearl Market (Hongqiao Market) or other big open markets are willing to bargain, even if they're selling mass-produced souvenirs. Do be aware, however, that somewhere like the Pearl Market is known to be full of tourists. Chances are the shopkeepers will be less likely to cut you an actually good deal, though they may be more willing to reduce the price to at least what you'd pay in a souvenir shop.

Read this next: 17 Countries Where The U.S. Dollar Is Strong

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At the moment, the Travel Cost Calculator covers the following countries/regions:

• China (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan)
• the Philippines

I’m starting my trip from a country that isn’t covered by the Travel Cost Calculator (ie. the US, UK, etc). Does the calculation include the trip to Asia?

No. At the moment, the Travel Cost Calculator doesn’t take into account the international flight to reach your city of departure in Asia.

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Absolutely not. In order to offer such a “guarantee” we would have to take into account every single travel provider, and we aren’t able to.

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Backpacking | Budget Travel | Living Abroad

China Cost of Travel – What is a typical Backpacker Budget?

This post will see us take a look at the estimated cost of travel in China. We have two daily travel budgets – one for shoestring travellers and one for those on a slightly more comfortable backpacking budget. Further down, you will find more details on the local currency and typical prices for travel in China.

China Cost of Travel in 2023

Shoestring backpacker budget.

• US$40/day | 275 Chinese Yuan

For anyone backpacking around China on a low budget, expect to spend roughly 275 Yuan per day. This shoestring budget aims to cover all your daily travel expenses including the cost of accommodation (hostel dorm bed), transport and meals. However there is a great deal of regional variation with a big city like Shanghai considerably more expensive than the more rural West of the country.

China may have risen to the status of a global super power over the past 15 years thanks to enormous economic growth but the country is still on the whole pretty good value. In truth, prices haven’t risen as much as you might think. Even the big cities are still really quite affordable if you steer clear of the bars, shops and restaurants that are clearly geared towards the growing wealthy elites.

One thing that makes that tricky is that local restaurants, while great value, will rarely have English menus and often don’t have English speaking staff and the language/alphabet is not easy to translate. Chinese street stalls and BBQ’s offer a good alternative and are found all over the country. It’s much easier to know what you are getting with them and you can often stack up on tasty snacks that won’t set you back much cash. Nights out can also be good value and if you know where to go, you can find some really cheap bars and clubs. Sometimes they even have ‘all you can drink’ deals.

The cost of travelling between destinations can add up though if you are looking to see large areas of the country in a relatively short space of time. In that case, $40/day might be an unrealistic budget but if you are spending a lot of time in cheaper areas of China, you can certainly get by on that sort of amount and do a large amount of travelling around.

More Comfortable China Backpacking Budget

• US$60/day | 410 Chinese Yuan

Our shoestring China backpacking budget of $40/day isn’t impossible by any means on a day-to-day basis in most regions of the country. However, you may want to consider allowing a bit more if you are sticking to the Eastern route between Shanghai and Beijing with perhaps a couple of other stops. Even that would be dependent on you not taking any internal flights and settling for the slower but cheaper trains rather than the fancy high-speed ones.

By upping your budget to $60/day you won’t need to stress out as much about costs. You might then be able to afford the odd high speed train or internal flight. It should also be enough to cover your daily expenses in any city in mainland China or probably even in Hong Kong, which is a bit more expensive.

For a longer stay, consider teaching English in China which can be a good way to build up some travel funds. Living in China, it’s a lot easier to get by on less than the figures quoted above, particularly if you base yourself in one of the cheapest cities to live in China which would be an experience if nothing else!

Also note that the budgets above do not cover extra pre-trip costs such as booking flights to/from China or the cost of travel insurance. Check out our recommended travel insurance options for backpackers for an idea of prices.

China Travel Costs

China is overall pretty good value. Relative to other Asian countries, it’s certainly cheaper than the cost of travel in Japan but a fair bit more expensive when compared to the cost of travel in Nepal .

Money – Chinese Yuan

£1 = 8.50 CNY

€1 = 7.47 CNY

US$1 =  6.87 CNY

These exchange rates are correct as of March 2023. Mobile payments are hugely popular in China , although the system may be a little complicated for foreigners as Western services like Google and Apple Pay may not work.

This China backpacking budget was last updated in March 2023.

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• Travel Planning Guide

Travel Budget for Shanghai Visit Shanghai on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Shanghai Costs

• Is Shanghai Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Shanghai cost?
• Is Shanghai Worth Visiting?
• China Costs
• Northern China
• Southeastern China
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• How much does it cost to travel to Shanghai? (Average Daily Cost)
• Shanghai trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

Is Shanghai expensive to visit?

• How much do I need for a trip to Shanghai?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Shanghai?

You should plan to spend around $115 (¥831) per day on your vacation in Shanghai. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $21 (¥155) on meals
• $3.87 (¥28) on local transportation
• $162 (¥1,172) on hotels

A one week trip to Shanghai for two people costs, on average, $1,606 (¥11,636) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 115 ¥ 831
• One Week Per person $ 803 ¥ 5,818
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 1,606 ¥ 11,636
• One Month Per person $ 3,441 ¥ 24,934
• One Week For a couple $ 1,606 ¥ 11,636
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 3,212 ¥ 23,272
• One Month For a couple $ 6,882 ¥ 49,868

Are You an Experienced Traveler?

Help other travelers! Answer a quick question about your past travels. Click here: let's do it!

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Shanghai cost?

A one week trip to Shanghai usually costs around $803 (¥5,818) for one person and $1,606 (¥11,636) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Shanghai on average costs around $1,606 (¥11,636) for one person and $3,212 (¥23,272) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Shanghai will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Shanghai on average costs around $3,441 (¥24,934) for one person and $6,882 (¥49,868) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently to Shanghai has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Prices in Shanghai are reasonable and comparable to your average travel destination. Hotels, food, and sightseeing are generally within normal price ranges.

Within Asia, Shanghai is a somewhat more expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. While some cities in the region are more expensive, Shanghai is generally more expensive than most.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Shanghai Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Shanghai?

The average Shanghai trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Shanghai travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Shanghai

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Shanghai is $81 (¥586). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Shanghai is $162 (¥1,172). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 81 ¥ 586
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 162 ¥ 1,172

Hotel Prices in Shanghai

Looking for a hotel in Shanghai? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Dayin International Youth Hostel HostelWorld View Price
• WeFlow Hostel(Shanghai People's Square) HostelWorld View Price

Transportation Budget in Shanghai

The cost of a taxi ride in Shanghai is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $3.87 (¥28) per person, per day, on local transportation in Shanghai.

• Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 3.87 ¥ 28

Recommended Services

• Shanghai Acrobatic Show Ticket with Private Transfer Viator $ 66
• Pudong airport one way transfer to or from hotel in shanghai downtown Viator $ 46

Flights to Shanghai

Rental cars in shanghai, what did other people spend on transportation in shanghai.

Typical prices for Transportation in Shanghai are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Shanghai, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Taxi Ride ¥ 26
• Two Subway Tickets ¥ 6.00

Food Budget in Shanghai

While meal prices in Shanghai can vary, the average cost of food in Shanghai is $21 (¥155) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Shanghai should cost around $8.56 (¥62) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Shanghai is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 21 ¥ 155

Recommended

• Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai Viator $ 67
• Evening Thai Dinner and Huangpu River Cruise in Shanghai Viator $ 165

What did other people spend on Food in Shanghai?

Typical prices for Food in Shanghai are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Shanghai, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Dumpling Breakfast ¥ 10
• Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory ¥ 146
• Ajisen Lunch for Two ¥ 52
• Cantelope ¥ 12
• Dumplings and Soup ¥ 15
• Duck Dinner ¥ 30
• Pastries ¥ 21
• Barbeque Dinner ¥ 64

Entertainment Budget in Shanghai

Entertainment and activities in Shanghai typically cost an average of $8.42 (¥61) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 8.42 ¥ 61

Recommended Activities

• Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai Viator $ 99
• Shanghai Breakfast Walking Tour of Former French Concession Viator $ 77

What did other people spend on Entertainment in Shanghai?

Typical prices for Entertainment in Shanghai are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the prices in Shanghai, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• 30 Minute River Cruise for Two ¥ 200
• Zoo for Two ¥ 100

Tips and Handouts Budget in Shanghai

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Shanghai is $5.80 (¥42) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Shanghai is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 5.80 ¥ 42

Alcohol Budget in Shanghai

The average person spends about $7.35 (¥53) on alcoholic beverages in Shanghai per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 7.35 ¥ 53
• Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel Viator $ 255
• Shanghai Pub Crawl - Bar-hopping/Night life tour Get Your Guide $ 20

Water Budget in Shanghai

On average, people spend $0.96 (¥6.93) on bottled water in Shanghai per day. The public water in Shanghai is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 0.96 ¥ 6.93

Related Articles

Shanghai on a budget.

Neighborhoods

Food and dining, transportation, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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Russia's Putin says he plans to visit China in May

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Putin announces plans to visit China in May

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a cabinet meeting via videoconference at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, April 17, 2024. Putin said he plans to visit China in May, in what could become the first foreign trip for the Russian leader after he extended his rule by six more years in an election that offered voters little real choice. Putin’s inauguration is scheduled for May 7. (Gavriil Grigorov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday he plans to visit China in May, in what could become the first foreign trip for the Russian leader after he extended his rule by six more years in an election that offered voters little real choice.

Putin announced the plans for the visit at a congress of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in Moscow. He didn’t say when exactly it would take place and didn’t offer any other details.

Putin’s inauguration is scheduled for May 7, Russian lawmakers said earlier this week. Last month, the 71-year-old Russian leader secured his fifth term in office in a vote with no real opposition, extending his 24-year rule.

Russia’s growing economic and diplomatic isolation because of its war against Ukraine has made it increasingly reliant on China, its former rival for leadership of the Communist bloc during the Cold War.

According to a recent U.S. assessment , China has surged sales to Russia of machine tools, microelectronics and other technology that Moscow in turn is using to produce missiles, tanks, aircraft and other weaponry for use in the conflict.

China has repeatedly said it isn’t providing Russia with arms or military assistance, although it has maintained robust economic connections with Moscow.

Beijing has not provided direct lethal military support for Russia and has sought to project itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict. It has refused to condemn Moscow’s actions and declared in 2022 that it had a “no-limits” friendship with Russia. The country has denounced Western sanctions against Moscow, and accused NATO and the United States of provoking Putin’s invasion.

China has also proposed a peace plan that was largely dismissed by Ukraine’s allies, who insisted that Moscow must withdraw its forces from the neighboring country as a condition for peace.

Follow AP’s coverage of the war in Ukraine: https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine