Last updated: March 2026. Prices fluctuate by season and region—verify current rates before booking.
China has a reputation for being cheap. That's half true. Street food and local transport cost a fraction of what you'd pay at home. International hotels, Western restaurants, and major tourist attractions are priced closer to global norms. Your daily budget depends almost entirely on how you choose to travel — and this guide gives you real numbers for each style.
At a Glance
- Budget: ¥250–400/day ($35–55) — hostel dorms, street food, metro and buses
- Mid-range: ¥500–900/day ($70–125) — 3-star hotels, local restaurants plus occasional Western food, Didi and high-speed rail
- Luxury: ¥2,000+/day ($280+) — 5-star hotels, fine dining, private guides
Daily Budgets: Three Travel Styles
Budget (¥250–400/day)
Accommodation: ¥60–120/night
- Hostel dorm bed: ¥60–80
- Budget hotel (twin share): ¥100–150 (¥50–75 per person)
Food: ¥60–100/day
- Breakfast: ¥8–15 (jianbing, soy milk, convenience store)
- Lunch: ¥15–30 (Lanzhou noodles, rice plates)
- Dinner: ¥25–40 (local eateries)
- Snacks/drinks: ¥10–20
Transport: ¥30–80/day
- Metro: ¥3–8 per ride
- Bus: ¥1–2 per ride
- Occasional taxi: ¥20–40
Attractions: ¥50–100/day
- Many parks are free
- Temple entry: ¥10–30
- Major sites: ¥40–150 (averaged per day)
Who this suits: Backpackers, students, travelers wanting authentic local life.
Mid-Range (¥500–900/day)
Accommodation: ¥250–500/night
- 3-star hotel: ¥200–400 (¥100–200 per person)
- Boutique guesthouse: ¥300–500
- Includes breakfast, private bathroom, good location
Food: ¥150–250/day
- Breakfast: ¥20–40 (hotel or café)
- Lunch: ¥40–70 (decent restaurant)
- Dinner: ¥60–100 (good restaurant, occasional splurge)
- Drinks/snacks: ¥20–40
Transport: ¥80–200/day
- Metro/bus: ¥30–50
- Didi ride-hailing: ¥50–100
- Intercity high-speed rail: ¥200–600 per journey (separate)
Attractions: ¥100–200/day
- All major attractions
- Occasional guides
- Shows and experiences
Who this suits: Most international visitors, families, travelers balancing comfort and cost.
Luxury (ÂĄ2,000+/day)
Accommodation: ¥1,000–3,000+/night
- International 5-star: ¥1,500–5,000/night
- Boutique luxury: ¥800–1,500/night
Food: ¥400–800/day
- Breakfast: Hotel included or ¥50–80 café
- Lunch: ¥80–150 (good restaurants)
- Dinner: ¥150–250 (fine dining, signature dishes)
- Wine/drinks: ¥50–100
Transport: ¥200–500/day
- Taxis freely: ¥100–200
- Occasional private car: ¥200–400
- First/business class trains
Attractions: ¥300–800/day
- All attractions plus extras
- Private guides
- Special experiences (cooking classes, private tours)
Who this suits: Those prioritizing comfort, special occasions (honeymoon, anniversary).
Major Expense Breakdowns
Accommodation: City Variations
| Type | Beijing/Shanghai | Chengdu/Xi'an | Smaller Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | ¥80–130 | ¥60–100 | ¥40–80 |
| Budget hotel | ¥220–380 | ¥160–300 | ¥120–220 |
| 4-star hotel | ¥500–800 | ¥350–600 | ¥250–450 |
| 5-star hotel | ¥1,200–3,000 | ¥900–2,000 | ¥600–1,500 |
Money-saving tip: Book on Trip.com (Ctrip's international version) for better prices—it's the local platform.
Food: From ÂĄ5 to ÂĄ500
- Street food/snacks: ¥5–15 (jianbing, baozi, skewers)
- Local restaurants: ¥20–40 (noodles, rice plates)
- Mall chains: ¥40–80 (Haidilao, etc.)
- Upscale restaurants: ¥150–300 (Peking duck, hot pot)
- Michelin/high-end: ÂĄ500+
Where budgets break: Western restaurants and cafés. A Starbucks coffee costs ¥30–40; a Western breakfast ¥80–120. Eat Western food when you get home—eat Chinese food in China.
Transport: Cheap Within Cities, Distance-Dependent Between
City transport:
- Metro: ¥3–8 per ride
- Bus: ¥1–2 per ride
- Didi: Base fare ¥8–12, ¥2–3 per km
Intercity high-speed rail (second class):
- Beijing–Shanghai: ¥553 (4.5 hours)
- Beijing–Xi'an: ¥515 (4.5 hours)
- Shanghai–Hangzhou: ¥73 (45 minutes)
- Chengdu–Chongqing: ¥150 (1.5 hours)
Attraction Tickets: Famous Ones Aren't Cheap
| Attraction | Price |
|---|---|
| Forbidden City | ÂĄ60 |
| Great Wall (Mutianyu) | ÂĄ45 + cable car ÂĄ120 |
| Terracotta Warriors | ÂĄ150 |
| Shanghai Tower | ÂĄ180 |
| Zhangjiajie glass bridge | ÂĄ138 |
| Potala Palace | ÂĄ200 |
Budget tip: Reserve ¥300–500 per major city for attraction tickets.
Where Budgets Break
- Taxis/Didi: Seem cheap, but several rides a day easily hits ÂĄ100+. Use metro when possible.
- In-attraction extras: Cable cars, shuttle buses, photo services—often cost more than entry tickets.
- Western food: Western restaurants in China are luxury items, 3–5x local food prices.
- Hotel minibars: ÂĄ30 for a Coke that costs ÂĄ3 at the convenience store outside.
- Shopping: Tea, silk, porcelain range from ¥50 to ¥5,000—easy to overpay without local knowledge.
Real Money-Saving Tips
Accommodation:
- Book in advance, especially Golden Week and Chinese New Year
- Consider the location vs. price trade-off
- Use Chinese platforms (Trip.com) for better deals
Food:
- Breakfast where locals eat (cheap and authentic)
- Lunch sets cheaper than dinner
- University areas have cheap, good food
Transport:
- Book train tickets early
- Overnight trains save a hotel night
- Metro day passes (where available)
Attractions:
- Online tickets sometimes discounted
- Student discounts with ISIC card
- Many parks and temples are free
FAQ
Q: How much cheaper is China than the West?
A: Accommodation and food are significantly cheaper. Hostel bed ÂĄ60 vs. ÂĄ200+ in the West; decent local meal ÂĄ30 vs. ÂĄ150+. But international 5-star hotels cost about the same as elsewhere.
Q: How much cash should I bring?
A: Not much. Most places accept mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay). Cash is mainly for small vendors and remote areas. Carry ¥500–1,000 for emergencies.
Q: Are Golden Week and Chinese New Year really that much more expensive?
A: Yes. Hotel prices can jump 50–200%, train tickets sell out. If you must travel then, book 2–3 months ahead.
Q: Tipping culture?
A: No tipping culture. Restaurants, hotels, taxis—none expect tips. For private tours, ¥50–200/day for guides is appreciated but not required.
Q: What hidden costs should I budget for?
A: Visa fees (varies by country), travel insurance (¥200–500), international roaming or local SIM card (¥200–300).
China offers huge spending flexibility—you can travel very cheaply or very luxuriously. For most travelers, ¥500–900/day mid-range budget gets you comfortable accommodation, good food, and full experiences without constant penny-pinching. Remember: the best way to save money in China is to live like a local.
Related Guides:
- Hotels in China — Booking strategies
- How to Pay in China — Mobile payment setup
- How Long to Spend in China — Trip length planning
Disclaimer
Prices are indicative and vary by season, location, and exchange rates. Verify current prices before booking. Major holidays (Golden Week, Chinese New Year) see significant price increases.