Glittering night view from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, China

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in China Per Day?

Luochen Dong Updated on October 27, 2025September 19, 2025

A City-by-City Guide to China Travel Costs & Expenses

Understanding China Travel Costs

China is one of the most diverse and exciting destinations in the world — but China travel costs vary widely depending on where you go. Whether you’re backpacking or joining a guided group tour, it’s important to plan your China travel expenses city by city.

During major holidays such as Chinese New Year, May Golden Week, and National Day (October 1–7), accommodation and transportation prices can rise 2–3 times higher. Booking early or traveling off-season helps you save a lot.

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📊 Quick Comparison of Average Daily China Travel Costs

Destination	Average 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

👉 Budget travelers in China spend around $40–60/day, while mid-range travelers average $70–100/day.

City-by-City Guide to China Travel Costs

Below is a breakdown of average daily travel costs in China by city, including accommodation, food, transport, and attractions.

🏙 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.

👉 Expect to spend $70–110 daily in Beijing.

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🏙 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.

👉 Plan $80–120 per day in Shanghai.

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🌸 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.

👉 Expect $60–90 daily.

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🏛 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.

👉 Daily costs: $55–85.

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🐼 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.

👉 Average: $55–85 daily.

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🌆 Chongqing – Average Daily Cost: $50–80

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.

👉 Spend about $50–80 per day.

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🏔 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.

👉 Average $45–75 daily.

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🌿 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.

👉 Budget around $50–80 daily.

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✨ Final Tips for Managing Your China Travel Expenses

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

⚠️ During Chinese New Year, May Golden Week, and National Day, expect prices to double or triple — especially for hotels and transport.

How Much Does It Cost to Travel in China Per Day?

Understanding China Travel Costs

📊 Quick Comparison of Average Daily China Travel Costs