China is one of the best value destinations in Asia. A week costs $600 budget, $1,500 mid-range, $4,000+ luxury (excluding flights).
China trip cost: daily budget at a glance
Short answer: budget on roughly $110–220 per person per day mid-range (excluding international flights).
| Travel style | Per day (per person) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $50–85 | Hostels/guesthouses, street food, public transport |
| Mid-range | $110–220 | 3-star hotels, restaurants, the odd tour or taxi |
| Luxury | $400+ | 4–5★ hotels, fine dining, private guides & transfers |
Quick Cost Snapshot for China
Currency: Chinese yuan (¥/RMB) (~7 CNY = $1 USD)
Budget traveler: $40-70/day
Mid-range traveler: $150-220/day
Luxury traveler: $400+/day
Cost Breakdown by Category
Flights from USA
$700-1,200 round trip. Cheapest months: November + February.
Hotels per night
Budget: $20-40 (hostel). Mid: $70-130 (4-star). Luxury: $250-1,000+ (5-star/boutique).
Food per day
Budget: $10-15 (street food + noodles). Mid: $30-50 (mid-range restaurant). Luxury: $100+ (Peking duck/fine dining).
Transport
Subway in Beijing/Shanghai: $0.50-1 per ride. Taxis: $5-15 per ride. Didi (Chinese Uber) cheap.
Activities per day
Forbidden City: $9. Great Wall (Mutianyu): $5 entry + $15-30 transport. Most temples + parks: $5-15.
Domestic high-speed trains
Beijing to Shanghai: $80-130 (4.5 hours). Beijing to Xi'an: $80 (4.5 hours). Book in advance.
Sample Budgets
Budget (backpacker style): Hostels + street food + public transport + free attractions. Plan $40-70/day.
Mid-range (most travelers): 3-star hotels + casual restaurants + some paid activities + occasional taxis. Plan $150-220/day.
Luxury: 4-5 star hotels + fine dining + private transport + premium experiences. Plan $400+/day.
Money-Saving Tips
Eat local: Skip tourist-zone restaurants - walk 2-3 blocks for 50% cheaper, more authentic meals.
Use public transport: Buy day or week passes for unlimited rides.
Visit shoulder season: 30-40% off peak prices for similar weather.
Book in advance: Flights cheapest 8-12 weeks out. Hotels 2-3 months out.
Cash for markets: Most markets and small vendors don't take cards.
The Costs Most China Budgets Forget
The daily figures above are honest, but three line items quietly wreck first-time budgets. The first is the visa. A US passport holder pays around $140 for the L tourist visa direct at a Chinese consulate (a reduced rate held through the end of 2026; the standard fee is $185), and routing the application through a CVASC service center pushes the all-in closer to $250 with handling fees. Budget that as a flat upfront cost before you count a single night's bed.
The second is intercity rail, which people picture as cheap metro fares. A second-class seat on the Beijing-Shanghai bullet train runs roughly 550 to 670 yuan (about $80), and some trains on that line saw fares lifted around 20 percent from late May 2026. Two or three long legs add up fast.
The third is the payment tax. Linking a foreign Visa or Mastercard to Alipay is free for purchases under 200 yuan, but a 3 percent fee kicks in above that, so big hotel or tour charges skim a few extra dollars each.
- Install your VPN before you land, on an annual plan (around $2 to $3 a month) instead of a panic monthly one near $12 in-country, where the download sites are blocked.
- Swap one mid-range hotel night (about $60 to $120) for a hostel private room near $30 in pricey cities like Shanghai, saving roughly $50 a night.
FAQ
How much does a trip to China cost?
For a typical week-long trip: budget $40/day, mid-range $150/day, luxury $400/day. Multiply by trip length + add flight cost.
What's the currency in China?
The currency is Chinese yuan (¥/RMB). Current exchange: ~7 CNY = $1 USD. Most cards accepted in cities; carry cash for markets and rural areas.
Is China cheaper than Europe?
Depends on destination - Asian and African destinations are generally 30-50% cheaper. Western Europe + UK can be similar to or more expensive than the US.
How can I save money in China?
Eat where locals eat (not on tourist squares). Use public transport over taxis. Visit shoulder season (lower prices). Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead. Use free museums + attractions where available.
Should I carry cash or use cards in China?
Both. Cards work in cities, hotels, and major restaurants. Cash needed for markets, taxis, tips, and small towns. Always have $50-100 in local currency.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a trip to China cost?
A budget trip runs $30-60 per day including accommodation, food, and local transport. Mid-range travelers spend $80-150 per day, while luxury travel starts at $200+ daily.
Is China expensive for tourists?
Cost depends on your travel style. China can be affordable with budget accommodation and local food, or expensive if you opt for luxury hotels and fine dining.
How can I save money in China?
Stay in locally-owned guesthouses, eat at local restaurants instead of tourist spots, use public transport, travel in shoulder season, and book flights early for the best deals.
What currency is used in China?
Check the local currency before you go. ATMs are widely available in most destinations, and credit cards are accepted at larger establishments. Always carry some local cash for markets and small vendors.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.