China is undoubtedly one of the most popular travel destinations in Asia. Compared to many other countries, the overall cost of traveling here is relatively affordable. If you are considering an independent trip, I will provide an estimated budget based on local prices to help you plan and prepare accordingly.
Estimated Travel Costs for Visiting China
Without further ado, here is the conclusion: If you plan to travel to China, please choose a budget plan that suits your individual needs. It is important to note that hiring a tour guide in China often comes at a significantly higher cost.
From my understanding, outbound travel agencies in China generally charge steep fees and offer uneven service quality; aside from a few large reputable companies, overall service standards are average. In comparison, relying on online information about attractions and traveling independently tends to be more economical and better suited for most travelers.
| Budget Type | Accommodation (per night) | Food (per day) | Transportation (total) | Attractions | Total Cost for 7–10 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (Backpacker) | ¥80–150 ($11–20) | ¥50–100 ($7–14) | ¥500–1,000 ($70–140) | Free or low-cost attractions | ¥3,000–5,000 ($400–700) |
| Mid-range (Comfort) | ¥300–500 ($40–70) | ¥150–300 ($20–40) | ¥1,500–3,000 ($200–400) | Famous attractions + some paid tickets | ¥8,000–15,000 ($1,100–2,100) |
| High-end (Luxury) | ¥800–2,000 ($110–280) | ¥500+ ($70+) | ¥3,000–5,000 ($400–700) | VIP tours, private guides | ¥20,000+ ($2,800+) |
After reviewing the price list, we will then discuss how to choose the appropriate places to spend money based on the situations mentioned above.
If Traveling to China Alone on a Limited Budget
When flying from your country to China, airfare varies depending on the region; please consider this cost as part of your pre-departure expenses. During your stay in China, you can refer to the above table for estimated expenses. Assuming you plan to travel independently to a destination within China, the costs will begin to incur from the moment you disembark the plane.
Taxi Fare & Hotel Accommodation
After getting off the plane, you will need to find a taxi to your booked hotel. Taxi starting fares vary across different regions in China, but they are generally not very expensive. If you are familiar with using the Chinese ride-hailing app Didi, the fares are usually even more affordable. Accommodation near the airport typically costs no more than a few dozen RMB per night. It is advisable to research in advance—such as the distance from the airport to your hotel—and use apps to estimate the taxi fare accordingly.
Table: Base Fares for Taxis in Major Chinese Cities (as of 2024, for reference only – subject to local policy adjustments)
| City | Base Fare (CNY) | Base Distance (km) | Additional Distance Rate (CNY/km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 13 | 3 | 2.3 |
| Shanghai | 14 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Guangzhou | 12 | 3 | 2.6 |
| Shenzhen | 10 | 2 | 2.4 |
| Chongqing | 10 | 3 | 2.1 |
| Chengdu | 10 | 2 | 1.9 |
| Hangzhou | 11 | 3 | 2.5 |
| Nanjing | 11 | 3 | 2.4 |
| Wuhan | 10 | 3 | 2.0 |
| Xi’an | 9 | 3 | 2.0 |
| Tianjin | 11 | 3 | 2.3 |
| Qingdao | 10 | 3 | 2.2 |
| Dalian | 10 | 3 | 2.2 |
| Shenyang | 8 | 3 | 2.0 |
| Harbin | 9 | 3 | 2.0 |
| Zhengzhou | 10 | 2.5 | 2.3 |
| Jinan | 9 | 3 | 2.0 |
| Ningbo | 11 | 3 | 2.4 |
| Fuzhou | 10 | 3 | 2.2 |
| Kunming | 8 | 3 | 1.8 |
| Nanning | 9 | 2 | 2.2 |
| Changsha | 9 | 2 | 2.2 |
| Hefei | 9 | 3 | 2.0 |
If you arrive in China during the daytime and want to save money, it is recommended to use public buses to reach your destination. The fare is usually just a few yuan.
Table: Bus Fares in Major Chinese Cities (as of 2024, for reference only)
| City | Regular Bus Fare (CNY) | Air-conditioned Bus Fare (CNY) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 2 | Same | Distance-based pricing: 2 CNY within 10 km, +1 CNY every 5 km beyond (discounts for transit cards) |
| Shanghai | 2 | Same | Some routes use section fares |
| Guangzhou | 2 | Same | Some routes use section fares |
| Shenzhen | 2 | Same | Some routes use distance-based pricing |
| Chongqing | 2 | Same | High passenger volume during peak hours |
| Chengdu | 2 | Same | Flat fare |
| Hangzhou | 2 | Same | Higher fares on suburban routes |
| Nanjing | 2 | Same | |
| Wuhan | 2 | Same | Some routes use section fares |
| Xi’an | 2 | Same | |
| Tianjin | 2 | Same | |
| Qingdao | 1 | 2 | Differentiated by air-conditioning |
| Dalian | 1 | 2 | Differentiated by air-conditioning |
| Shenyang | 1 | 2 | Differentiated by air-conditioning |
| Harbin | 1 | 2 | Differentiated by air-conditioning |
| Zhengzhou | 1 | 2 | Differentiated by air-conditioning |
| Jinan | 2 | Same | |
| Ningbo | 2 | Same | |
| Fuzhou | 1 | 2 | Differentiated by air-conditioning |
| Kunming | 1 | 2 | Differentiated by air-conditioning |
| Nanning | 1 | 2 | Differentiated by air-conditioning |
| Changsha | 2 | Same | |
| Hefei | 2 | Same |
Regarding accommodation, if you are a backpacker, I recommend looking for local youth hostels, which are often located near the airport and can be easily found using Google Maps. Although these hostels may not compare to hotels, they are comfortable enough for a pleasant stay.
Accommodations like the ones shown in the picture are usually very affordable for a single person, costing around 100 RMB. In reality, the environment might be a bit worse, but don’t be discouraged—it’s unlikely to be as bad as the example below.
Attractions and Ticket Prices
Most attractions in China are state-owned, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing. Prices for national-level sites are generally not very expensive. Privately operated attractions tend to be relatively more costly, usually priced in the range of several dozen yuan. However, many state-owned attractions offer free admission.
You can find information about attractions, including descriptions, ticket prices, and routes, by doing the following.
By pressing the button, the results will be displayed.
Then click “Read.” Through the article, you can get relevant information and directions.
This way, you can find directions to attractions and information about the surrounding area, as well as determine whether an entrance fee is required. If you prefer not to search for information and plan your trip yourself, you can also purchase our city travel guide for just a few dollars, which provides comprehensive coverage of all these details.
Food Recommendations
Most famous dishes don’t have to be eaten at specific restaurants. In fact, you can often find them in Chinese street food markets, where they are much cheaper than in restaurants.
Places like those shown in the picture, where food is sold on the street, are called “snack streets.” When you arrive at your destination, you can use a personal translator device to ask locals where to find these places. It’s best to ask relatively young people, as older people might not speak good English or know how to explain it. Younger people are usually more willing to help and may even take you there, though this isn’t guaranteed.
If someone does guide you, it’s polite to give a small tip—even if they don’t expect it—as a gesture of appreciation. Alternatively, you can buy some food and invite them to share it with you to say thank you.
Some Simple Tips
When you visit a street food market and find something you’d like to try, I suggest you don’t rush to ask the price or buy it immediately. Instead, take a moment to observe how many people are at the stall. If there are many customers, it usually means the food tastes good and you’re less likely to be overcharged.
It’s best if there are other Chinese people nearby when you make your purchase, because the vendor will be more cautious and worried about being exposed if they try to overcharge you just because you’re a foreigner.
I’m sorry to have to mention this, but honestly, there are some vendors in China who might take advantage of foreigners not understanding Chinese. Having Chinese people around is the simplest way to avoid such problems.
Transportation Recommendations
Hotels located close to tourist attractions are usually more expensive. If you choose accommodation farther away from the sights, public buses and the subway become excellent transportation options. First, you should learn how to use the subway and bus systems. This is an essential skill for saving money during your trip.
Shenzhen Bus Guide: Essential Tips & 2025 Update
Although the link above is specifically about buses in Shenzhen, the overall way of taking buses is generally the same across the country. What matters most is that you find the correct route and have a personal translator device with you.
You can also choose to take the subway. Although subway fares in China are generally not as cheap as bus fares, it is very convenient, and the way to use it is relatively simple.
Shenzhen Metro Guide: Fares, Routes, Transfers & Travel Tips
Although it specifically refers to Shenzhen, the general way of using public transportation is similar across the country.
My Perspective
When it comes to getting around, all you really need is a translation pen and Google Maps, which are usually enough to handle most situations. If you encounter any problems, you can always ask the people around you for help.
China is a country that values courtesy, and most people are very friendly and willing to assist foreign visitors. While the image of China you may see in the news isn’t always entirely positive—and as a Chinese person, I also believe there’s still room for improvement in terms of public behavior—please trust that in most cases, traveling in China with a translation pen will allow you to get around smoothly without any major issues.
Based on what was mentioned above, if you are willing to stay in youth hostels, use public transportation in China, and avoid expensive restaurants, your daily expenses will be roughly the same as the estimates shown in the table below, or even lower. The main reason is that you can save a significant amount on transportation costs.
Low expenses don’t mean that the food you enjoy on your trip won’t be delicious or that the attractions you visit won’t be beautiful. What you need is to know where to find great food and interesting places at your destination. With your translation pen and our website guidebook, you’ll be ready to travel independently.
If Your Budget Allows
Even if you have a sufficient budget, it is still recommended to arrive in China during the daytime. There are many inconveniences at night, especially if you haven’t booked a hotel before arrival, which can cause various problems. Of course, you can also book in advance through Booking.com and save the hotel address. After the plane lands, there will be clear signs indicating the taxi stands. Follow the signs, and you will see a row of taxis waiting.
Before you arrive, it’s recommended to use ChatGPT to translate your destination. After getting in the car, show the translation to the driver for confirmation. During the conversation, use a translation device to help understand what the driver is saying.
I remember the first time I traveled to Japan, I didn’t have money to pay for a tour guide, so I just braved it alone. At first, the Japanese driver politely asked me something for quite a while, but I couldn’t understand. Later, I decisively used a translation device to communicate, and that’s how we got through it. That’s what travel is about—these challenges are part of the valuable experience. Don’t be afraid; it’s no big deal. Confidence is also a form of freedom.
