How much would it cost to travel to China?

What is the average daily cost for a trip to China?

The average daily cost for a trip to China is about $95 (¥673), but let's be realistic, your actual expenses will depend heavily on your travel style. Several key factors influence your budget, including:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Food
• Sightseeing activities
• Number of cities visited

Food costs, for example, are 20-30% higher in major cities than in rural regions.

For a weekend trip (3 days), a budget traveler might spend around $150 total, while a luxury traveler could spend $900 or more. To better manage expenses, consider traveling during the shoulder or low season. The local currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY). To plan a budget that works for you, it’s helpful to understand key cost variables and compare the expense of group tours versus independent travel.

What is a daily budget for a backpacker?

A backpacker in China can expect to spend between $50 and $100 per person each day. To stick to this budget, choose hostels, which typically cost $10–$25 per night. For meals, sticking to street food and small local eateries keeps daily food costs around $8–$15. From my experience, this is also where you'll find some of the most authentic and delicious food.

By using public transit, you can keep transportation expenses low, with daily metro and local bus fares usually amounting to just $5–$10. To stay within a tight budget, backpackers often mix in free attractions and look for other ways to save money.

What is a daily budget for a mid-range traveler?

A mid-range traveler’s daily budget in China falls between $100 and $200 per person. With this budget, you can stay in comfortable 3-4 star hotels or private rentals, costing $40–$90 per night. Daily food expenses of $15–$35 will cover meals at many different mid-range restaurants.

This budget also supports more frequent use of taxis and high-speed rail. Local travel might cost $8–$20 daily, while inter-city trains cost anywhere from $30–$80. This budget also covers paid attractions, sightseeing activities, and occasional guided tours.

What is a daily budget for a luxury traveler?

A luxury traveler in China should plan for a daily budget over $200 per person. This travel style is all about comfort and high-end experiences. The budget covers premium accommodation in 5-star hotels, where rooms cost $150–$350 or more per night. Daily food expenses range from $40 to $100, including fine dining and private meals.

A daily transportation budget of $20-$60 easily covers expenses like:

• Private transfers
• Frequent taxis
• Business-class travel

This budget also leaves plenty of room for exclusive activities, shopping, and personalized services without having to watch your spending.

How much do international flights to China cost?

Don't be surprised if your international flight is the single biggest expense for a trip to China. Airfare varies widely based on your departure city, the time of year, and how far in advance you book.

For travelers from the US or Europe, round-trip tickets generally range from $800 to $1,300. Booking 2-3 months in advance can secure better flight deals, often resulting in savings of 20-30%. Here's a little pro-tip: setting up flight alerts for your route can make a huge difference.

The day you fly also affects your travel costs. Flying mid-week on a Tuesday is often cheaper than flying on a weekend day like Saturday. Morning departures can be significantly cheaper than evening flights. Your choice of travel class will also make a big difference in the final price, with economy tickets starting from $420 and premium seats pushing the cost to $1,275 or more.

What are the visa costs and requirements for China?

Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter China, making it a required pre-travel expense. The consular fee for a single-entry tourist visa for U.S. citizens is around $140, but this cost varies by nationality and visa type. Using a visa agency simplifies the application process, though it adds a service fee of $20 to $50. Standard processing takes about 8 business days, but you can get an expedited service for a higher fee.

Some nationalities qualify for visa-free travel for up to 30 days under specific bilateral agreements, so it's essential to check your home country's latest visa policy with China before traveling. China also has a transit visa exemption policy. This allows travelers from 53 countries to stay in 23 cities for up to 144 hours without a visa if they hold a confirmed onward ticket to a third country.

You'll generally need a valid passport (with at least six months of validity), a completed application form, a recent photo, and proof of your travel plans like flight and hotel bookings.

What are the accommodation costs in China?

Accommodation costs in China differ greatly based on your travel style, lodging type, and location. Prices are much higher in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai compared to smaller cities. China offers a wide range of accommodation, including budget-friendly hostels, mid-range private rentals, and luxurious 5-star properties. To manage your expenses, book your accommodation well in advance, especially when traveling during peak season.

What are the transportation costs within China?

Transportation within China is both efficient and affordable, with extensive networks for local and long-distance journeys. For getting around cities, public transport is the most economical option. Metro trips cost between $0.30 and $1.50, and bus fares are even lower. A regular bus ride is about $0.15, while air-conditioned buses cost around $0.50.

For long-distance travel, the high-speed rail network is often cheaper and more convenient than domestic flights. I've found it to be one of the best ways to see the country while traveling between cities. Second-class bullet train tickets for shorter routes typically cost $15–$85, with some longer trips ranging from ¥200 to ¥1,000 ($28 to $140). Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi offer convenience at a higher price, with base fares starting around $1.50–$2.50.

What are the average food and drink costs in China?

You'll find that food and drink costs in China are very affordable, letting you enjoy diverse cuisine without overspending. The most affordable choices are street food, available for $1–$5 per meal, and local restaurants, where meals cost between $5 and $15. You can manage travel costs by exploring regional specialties like Peking Duck or hot pot from local markets and eateries. Drinks, including soft drinks and local beer, are also inexpensive, and typically cost between $1 and $5.

What are the costs for sightseeing and activities?

Don't forget to budget for sightseeing and activities, as these costs can add up. Entrance fees for major tourist destinations and cultural heritage sites are generally moderate. For example, a ticket to the Great Wall costs between ¥40 and ¥80, while the Forbidden City is ¥40–¥60. The Terracotta Army in Xi'an has an entrance fee of ¥120–¥150. Modern attractions like the Shanghai Tower can be more expensive at around ¥180–¥220.

While many attractions might cost about $30 per person, you can lower daily expenses by visiting free public parks or exploring smaller cities. Unique experiences like a traditional tea ceremony or a calligraphy class will increase your budget, but they can be well worth it.

How much does travel insurance for China cost?

While not mandatory for entry, travel insurance is a sensible part of planning that protects you if things go wrong. The cost is typically 5-7% of your total trip expenses. Factors like your trip's duration, your age, and the level of coverage you select will influence the cost.

For example, basic coverage for a one-week trip usually costs between $50 and $100. A plan with more coverage for a 15–30 day stay might range from $100 to $200, while annual multi-trip insurance can cost $200–$500. Policies generally cover medical expenses, trip cancellation, lost baggage, and emergency evacuations.

How can you stay connected in China with an eSIM?

An eSIM is a convenient technology for staying connected in China, providing mobile data for navigation, communication, and payment apps like Alipay. One of the best things about a travel eSIM is its ability to bypass the Great Firewall, granting direct internet access without a separate VPN. To ensure reliable connectivity from the moment you land, a specialized eSIM for China can be activated immediately. This approach avoids the hassle of registering a physical local SIM card.

The cost is comparable to local options. A typical two-week data plan costs between $10 and $30, which is similar to the price of a local SIM card with a generous data allowance.

How do you pay for things in China?

China operates largely as a cashless society where most people use mobile apps as their primary payment method. People use digital payment apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay for nearly everything, from daily expenses to large purchases, all via a simple QR code scan. This system means most vendors don't accept foreign credit cards, and their use is often limited to major international hotels. To ensure a smooth trip, it's a good idea to set up one of these mobile payment systems.

Although the country is mostly digital, it's a good idea to carry a small amount of the local currency, the Chinese Yuan (CNY). Trust me on this one, having $200–$500 in cash serves as a backup for emergencies or for small vendors who might not accept digital payments. You can find ATMs in most cities for withdrawing CNY if needed, but be aware that these transactions often incur fees from both your bank and the ATM provider.

Sources

• https://us.china-embassy.gov.cn/eng/lsfw/zj/qz2021/202412/t20241227_11519914.htm
• https://en.nia.gov.cn/n147418/n147463/c156094/content.html
• https://www.nerdwallet.com/travel/learn/how-much-is-travel-insurance