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πŸ’° How Much Does It Cost to Travel in China Per Day? A City-by-City Guide

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China is one of the most diverse travel destinations in the world, and costs vary widely depending on where you go. To help you plan, here’s a breakdown of the average daily travel costs in China across its top cities and regions: Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yunnan, and Guangxi.

⚠️ Important Note: Prices in China can increase dramatically during national holidays such as Chinese New Year (Spring Festival), May Golden Week, and National Day in October. Accommodation, transport, and attraction tickets may rise 2–3 times higher than usual, so book well in advance or avoid these dates if possible.

πŸ“Š Quick Comparison: Average Daily Travel Costs in China

πŸ‘‰ On average, budget travelers in China spend $40–60/day, while mid-range travelers should expect $70–100/day.

DestinationAverage Daily Cost (per person)
Beijing$70–110
Shanghai$80–120
Hangzhou$60–90
Xi’an$55–85
Chengdu$55–85
Chongqing$50–80
Yunnan$45–75
Guangxi$50–80

πŸ™ Beijing – Average Daily Cost: $70–110

As the capital, Beijing is one of the more expensive Chinese cities to visit.

  • Accommodation: Hostels $20–35; mid-range hotels $60–90; luxury $120+.
  • Food: Street snacks $2; local restaurants $5–10; famous Peking Duck ~$20–30.
  • Transport: Metro $0.5 per ride; taxis $3–8; private tours $50+.
  • Attractions: Forbidden City $6; Temple of Heaven $4; Great Wall tours $30–50.

πŸ‘‰ Expect to spend $70–110 daily in Beijing.

A flock of pigeons gathers near the Meridian Gate, or Wumen, of the Forbidden City in Beijing, China.

πŸ™ Shanghai – Average Daily Cost: $80–120

Shanghai is China’s financial hub and one of the most expensive destinations.

  • Accommodation: Budget $25–40; mid-range $70–100; luxury $150+.
  • Food: Local meals $5–12; international dining $20–40; snacks $2.
  • Transport: Metro $0.5–1; taxis $4–10; Maglev airport train $7.
  • Attractions: Bund (free); Yu Garden $6; Shanghai Tower $25.

πŸ‘‰ Plan $80–120 per day in Shanghai.

Traditional red lanterns hanging in the alleys of Tianzifang, Shanghai

🌸 Hangzhou – Average Daily Cost: $60–90

Famous for West Lake and tea culture, Hangzhou is slightly cheaper than Beijing and Shanghai.

  • Accommodation: Guesthouses $20–30; mid-range hotels $50–80.
  • Food: Street food $2–4; restaurants $5–10; tea houses $10–20.
  • Transport: Metro $0.5; taxis $3–6; bikes $1–2.
  • Attractions: West Lake boat ride $10; Lingyin Temple $7.

πŸ‘‰ Expect $60–90 daily.

Shops in Hefang Street pedestrian mall-Hangzhou, China

πŸ› Xi’an – Average Daily Cost: $55–85

Xi’an is one of the best-value cities, offering history and affordable food.

  • Accommodation: Hostels $15–25; mid-range $40–70.
  • Food: Muslim Quarter snacks $2–5; restaurants $5–10.
  • Transport: Metro $0.5; taxis $3–6.
  • Attractions: Terracotta Army $18; City Wall $7.

πŸ‘‰ Daily costs: $55–85.

Road lined with red lanterns in front of ancient wall, Xi’an, China.

🐼 Chengdu – Average Daily Cost: $55–85

Home of pandas and Sichuan hotpot, Chengdu offers a moderate budget.

  • Accommodation: Hostels $15–25; mid-range $40–70.
  • Food: Hotpot $10–20; snacks $2–5; tea houses $5–10.
  • Transport: Metro $0.5; taxis $3–6.
  • Attractions: Panda Base $9; Sichuan Opera $15–25.

πŸ‘‰ Average: $55–85 daily.

Night scene of Jinli Street illuminated in Chengdu, China.

πŸŒ† Chongqing – Average Daily Cost: $50–80

Β Known for spicy hotpot and stunning night views, Chongqing is very affordable.

  • Accommodation: Hostels $15–25; mid-range $40–60.
  • Food: Hotpot $10–15; noodles $3–5; BBQ $5–10.
  • Transport: Metro $0.5; taxis $3–6; Yangtze cable car $2.
  • Attractions: Hongya Cave (free); Dazu Rock Carvings $12.

πŸ‘‰ Spend about $50–80 per day.

Night view of Hongya Cave, Chongqing, China.

πŸ” Yunnan – Average Daily Cost: $45–75

Yunnan offers Lijiang, Dali, Shangri-La, and snow mountains, all at great value.

  • Accommodation: Guesthouses $15–25; boutique hotels $35–60.
  • Food: Rice noodles $2–4; meals $5–10.
  • Transport: Buses $1–3; car hire $30–50.
  • Attractions: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain $30; Old Towns free.

πŸ‘‰ Average $45–75 daily.

mall boats docked by Erhai Lake on a sunny day near Shuanglang Town in Dali, Yunnan

🌿 Guangxi – Average Daily Cost: $50–80

With its karst peaks and Li River, Guangxi is both scenic and affordable.

  • Accommodation: Hostels $15–20; boutique hotels $35–50.
  • Food: Rice noodles $2–4; local restaurants $5–10.
  • Transport: Buses $1–2; bike rentals $2–5/day; bamboo raft $20–30.
  • Attractions: Reed Flute Cave $10; Longji Rice Terraces $12.

πŸ‘‰ Budget around $50–80 daily.

Xianggong Hill viewpoint panorama of beautiful green, lush and dense karst mountain landscape in Yangshuo, Guangxi Province, China, drone shot

✨ Final Travel Cost Tips for China

  • Budget travelers: $40–60 per day
  • Mid-range travelers: $70–100 per day
  • Luxury travelers: $150+ per day in top cities

⚠️ Holiday Warning: During Chinese New Year, May Golden Week, and National Day, costs for hotels, flights, and attractions can be 2–3 times higher. Always check dates before booking.

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