Written by Veronica |
An important part of planning a China tour is considering your budget. Depending on your travel time and style, the cost to go to China can vary a lot. This article is a comprehensive guide for your China travel cost in 2026. You will read about the average cost for different travel styles, for specific cities, as well as budgeting tips.
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- Is China Expensive to Visit? – Average Cost for Different Travel Styles in 2026
- Cost for Visa
- Cost for International Airfare to China
- Costs for Specific Cities in China – Which China Cities Are More Expensive?
- Cost for Accommodations in China
- Costs for Dining in China
- Transportation Costs When Traveling in China
- Attraction Tickets & Activity Costs in China
- Other Costs for Traveling in China
- Basic Daily Cost Breakdown
- How Much Does It Cost to Travel to China for 7 Days?
- China Group Tour vs Private Tour 2026
- Tips to Save Money on Your China Trip
- How to Pay in China?
- FAQs about China Trip Cost 2026
- Travel to China with China Xian Tour
Is China Expensive to Visit? – Average Cost for Different Travel Styles in 2026
China is in general an inexpensive country to travel to. You can definitely have a great experience with relatively low expenses. Here are the average costs for different travel styles in China. The prices listed below are for one adult per day in US dollar.
Daily Cost for Budget Travelers or Backpackers:
The average daily cost for budget travelers or backpackers is about $70-100. Cheap China trips mean you will likely stay at a budget hotel or hostel, use mostly public transportation, and eat at affordable eateries or street foods.
Related reading: Guide to Traveling China on a Budget: Tips for Affordable Travel
Daily Cost for Mid-Range Travelers:
A trip to China costs on average about $100-250 per day for a mid-ranged travel budget. You will be able to stay at comfortable and convenient accommodations, visit the essential attractions, and get a taste of Chinese culinary culture.
Daily Cost for Luxury Travelers – High-End Travel:
A luxury China tour starts from $300 per day. You will have a lot more options and flexibility in your China itinerary. You can stay at high-end scenic resorts, make excursions to off-the-beaten-path destinations with private transfers, and treat yourself to delicate cuisines of well-reputed restaurants.
Cost for Visa
Since China has launched the 240-hour visa-free policy, and its application scope covers 55 countries, tourists should check if they are eligible to this policy first. If yes, you are very lucky. You save the money for the visa application. If not, then you need to apply for a tourist visa or an arrival visa. The cost for a tourist visa varies in different countries, it is better to consult the Chinese embassy in your country. Basically, the fee usually includes the visa fee and service fee. And the fee for an arrival visa is usually higher than a tourist visa. The cost listed below is for reference only and the service fee is not included.
- Canadian citizens: about CAD $ 75
- American citizens: about USD $ 140
- Citizens from the majority of other countries: Single Entry: CAD $ 40; Double Entry: CAD $ 60; Multiple Entries within 6 months: CAD $ 75; Multiple entries within one year: CAD $ 110
Cost for International Airfare to China
Depending on where you’re flying from and the season, the cost of your flight can be very different. Usually, summer and the winter holiday season are the most expensive times for flights to China. Other travel expenses like accommodation also tend to be higher, so it’s best to avoid traveling to China during those times.
From Southeast Asia, like Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Vietnam, flights to China are the cheapest, starting from only $60 one way. The typical price range is $100-300 for one way. You may even fly directly into Chinese cities other than the major gateway cities like Chengdu, Kunming, and Guilin.
From the Middle East, flights to China are also frequent and convenient. They generally range from $300-600 one-way.
From Europe, flights will be a bit more expensive. It’s most likely that you will only be able to fly into major gateway cities in China including Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. The usually one-way price range is between $400 and $800.
From North America, flights to China tend to be the most expensive. Major airports usually have direct flights. One-way flights usually cost $500-1000.
Costs for Specific Cities in China – Which China Cities Are More Expensive?
Depending on which city in China you travel to, the cost can vary quite a bit. Here’s a ranking of the popular destinations from the most to least expensive.
Most Expensive: Hong Kong, Macau, & Hainan
Hong Kong and Macau are both international economic centers with high living standards. The cost of living and traveling is high. You will spend more on accommodations, dining, and all kinds of services in these two cities.
Hainan is the most popular spot for vacations in China. Domestic travelers flock to the island for holiday. Resorts, dining, activities will be especially expensive during the peak tourist season.
High Expenses: Beijing & Shanghai
As the two most famous cities in China, Beijing and Shanghai welcome lots of travelers. They are the political and economic centers of the country. The cost of visiting these two cities will be higher than most others because they are very developed with a wide range of things to do. Accommodations will be nice and comfortable. You will have lots of dining options. And there’ll be many iconic attractions to visit.
Relatively Costly: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, & Hangzhou
Cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou fall into the third tier. These cities are relatively costly, just a tier below Shanghai and Beijing. Your travel experiences will be awesome in these cities with modern amenities in most places and well-maintained attraction sites.
Possible Exceptions: Remote Destinations (Like Some in Yunnan, Xinjiang, & Tibet)
Although, overall, most cities apart from the ones listed above will be relatively affordable, there might be some exceptions. If you travel to remote, rural, or mountainous areas independently, you may need to hire a guide for navigation and arrange private transportation which will add to your expenses.
Cost for Accommodations in China
Accommodation will account for a large part of your trip to China cost. How much you spend will be different based on your preferred standard, destination, and travel season. Here’s a table of average accommodation cost in popular tourist cities in US$. The prices listed are for one night in a standard room.
Accommodation
Style |
HK,
Macau |
Beijing,
Shanghai |
Guangzhou,
Hangzhou, etc. |
Xi’an,
Guilin, etc. |
Hostels |
$20-35 |
$10-20 |
$8-20 |
$5-15 |
Budget Hotels |
$60-100 |
$30-60 |
$25-55 |
$20-45 |
Mid-Ranged Hotels |
$130-250 |
$80-150 |
$60-130 |
$50-100 |
Luxury Hotels/Resorts |
From $280 |
From $200 |
From $140 |
From $120 |
Costs for Dining in China
Another big part of your trip to China cost will be dining. You will have a wide range of options when it comes to food in China, including
- Street Food is an important part of Chinese food culture these days. Dishes like skewers, dumplings, malatang are delicious and quick to grab on the go. Individual prices usually range from less than $1 to $3.
- Casual Meals are popular for breakfast and lunch among locals. They carry strong regional characteristics. Usually, there are all kinds of noodles, dumplings, and rice meals priced around $3-5. They are the perfect choice for affordable China tours.
- Local Restaurants and Eateries are where you can experience the lifestyle of locals. They serve traditional regional dishes with authentic flavors like hotpot and stir-fry. They’re the best for families or groups of travelers so you can share the dishes at an affordable price. It’ll likely be about $15-25 per person.
- High-End and Western-Styled Restaurants usually have excellent atmosphere and environment. They are particular about ingredients, cooking methods, and the overall dining experience. You can find high-ranking or award-winning restaurants starting from $50 per person.
Related reading: How Much to Spend on Food in China
Transportation Costs When Traveling in China
Costs for Transportation between Cities in China – Flights, High-Speed Trains
If you’re traveling for a long distance, like between Beijing and Chengdu, Shanghai and Yunnan, or Xi’an and Guilin, you should book a domestic flight to save your time. Flights are frequent and quite affordable if you book in advance, typically from $50-150 one-way.
For nearby destinations like Shanghai and Hangzhou, Beijing and Xi’an, or Shanghai and Huangshan, you should definitely use the rail system. High speed trains are comfortable, fast, and a lot more convenient and flights. Depending on the distance, a bullet train journey can cost as little as $5 or as much as $100.
Public Transportation Costs within Cities – Metro, Taxi, Bus
To get around with major cities, you should use the metro system that is cheap and easy to navigate. It will take you to most busy areas in the city, connecting popular attractions and districts. A ticket will only cost you $0.3-2.
However, apart from the major cities, most places do not have a metro system. Taxis will likely be your best option. They are readily available, convenient to use, and pretty affordable as well. A 10-minute journey will only cost you about $2 (of course, still depending on the city and traffic condition).
Lastly, most places also have a public bus system. It will be a little difficult for foreign travelers to use if you don’t know Chinese or the area. It is the cheapest option for solo budget travelers and backpackers at only $0.3 per ride.
Attraction Tickets & Activity Costs in China
Most attractions in China are not expensive to visit. A lot of historical sites and museums are free; others range from $5-40. You might need to pay extra for guided tours or shuttle buses at certain scenic areas.
For cultural or outdoor activities like taking a bamboo raft, cable cars, taking part in Chinese cooking or calligraphy classes, you can expect to pay around $10-70 depending on the experience.
Other Costs for Traveling in China
Apart from the essential expenses listed above, here’s a list of other items to consider for your China travel cost.
- Visa fee (if you need a Chinese visa): depending on your home country
- Travel insurance (optional): $100-200
- Mobile data: $4-10 per day
- Personal purchases: including snacks, souvenirs, or other items
- Private transfers: recommended for family trips to China or group traveling, especially in rural or mountainous areas where public transportation options are limited
Basic Daily Cost Breakdown
Category |
Budget Travelers |
Mid-range Travelers |
Notes |
Accommodation |
$20–40 |
$80–150 |
Hostels, budget hotels vs. 3–4-star hotels or boutique stays |
Food & Drinks |
$10–20 |
$25–45 |
Street food or small local restaurants vs. nice eateries or cafes |
Transportation |
$5–10 |
$15–30 |
Public transport vs. taxis, ride-hailing, or high-speed trains |
Attractions & Activities |
$10–25 |
$30–70 |
Entrance tickets, guided tours, or cultural activities |
Miscellaneous |
$5–10 |
$10–20 |
SIM card, small shopping, or tips |
How Much Does It Cost to Travel to China for 7 Days?
For example, 1-week China trip costs in 2026 start from
- $500 for budget travelers and backpackers
- $800-1600 for solo travelers to China
- $800-1800 per person for couples or families
If it’s your first trip to China, here’s a classic itinerary that we recommend to the most iconic cities, Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai:
China Golden-Triangle Tour:
Day 1: Beijing arrival, Beijing Hutongs
Day 2: Great Wall hiking tour, Ming Tombs, the Summer Palace, Wangfujing Snack Street
Day 3: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, bullet train or flight to Xi’an
Day 4: Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower, Muslim Quarter
Day 5: Shaanxi History Museum, flight to Shanghai, Huangpu River Night Cruise
Day 6: Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar, Xintiandi, the Bund
Day 7: Zhujiajiao Water Town, Shanghai departure
Related reading: How Long to Stay in China?
China Group Tour vs Private Tour 2026
As you plan your China trip, you can consider booking a tour to make your trip a lot easier. You will have professional experts to answer your questions, local guides to take you through the attractions, and a lot less to worry about concerning the logistics. Generally, there are two types of China tours to choose from.
China group tours tend to cost less in comparison. You will be traveling in a group with arranged transportation and an itinerary of your choice. The costs usually vary based on your group size, destinations, travel time and included activities. For your reference, below are costs for some 7-day China group tours:
- 7 Days Scenic Northern Xinjiang Tour: start from USD 985 per person
- 7 Days Zhangjiajie and Guilin Landscape Tour: start from USD 740 per person
- 7 Days Kunming – Dali – Shangri-La – Lijiang Small Group Tour: from USD 900 per person
- 7 Days Chengdu Jiuzhaigou Tour by High-speed Train: from USD 780 per person
China private tours are better for families and those who would like to customize their own itineraries. These tours can be tailored to your desired travel style, and you will enjoy your personal guide and transportation.
Tips to Save Money on Your China Trip
- Make your bookings ahead of time: including flights, trains, hotels, and tours
- Use apps in China: almost all payments are done electronically in China; using local apps can save you a lot of money and trouble
- Use public transportation: they are very cheap and convenient in China
- Travel during off-season/shoulder season: flights and accommodations are a lot cheaper during off-season; avoid summers or China public holidays
How to Pay in China?
Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are the most common in China, which can be used in almost all places. The most important is that both apps support to bind international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) and have prepared special versions that are just designed for foreign travelers.
Then, you may wonder whether you can use the credit card directly. Well, it depends. Cause in most cases, only places like large hotels and luxury shops can accept foreign cards. And for daily use, this payment method is unlikely to work well. So, mobile payment would be much easier to pay for everything.
Cash is the ultimate payment method, because it is accepted all over China. And in street stalls and remote places, it will be very useful. So prepare a small amount of cash in advance.
FAQs about China Trip Cost 2026
How much does a trip to China cost in total?
A typical 7-day trip to China in 2026 costs:
- Around $600–900 for budget travelers
- Around $1,200–2,000 for mid-range travelers
- Around $2,500+ for luxury tours
Can I use my foreign credit or debit card easily in China?
Well, it depends. Cause in most cases, only places like large hotels and luxury shops can accpet foreign cards (Visa, Mastercard). And for daily use, this payment method is unlikely to work well. Indeed, mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are far more common in China. And these apps have now prepared special versions that just designed for foreign travelers. You can link international cards to these apps, so that it would much easier to pay for everything.
What is the typical cost of an international flight to China from North America/Europe/Australia?
- North America → China: $500–1,000 (one-way)
- Europe → China: $400–800
- Australia → China: $350–700
Flights are cheapest in spring and autumn and some days in winter. But summer holidays and Chinese New Year have always seen the most expensive prices.
How much does a night in a mid-range hotel cost in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai?
A standard mid-range hotel room in Beijing or Shanghai would cost around $100–160 per night. While in smaller cities such as Xi’an or Guilin, the price will then become like $60–100 per night.
Does traveling during the shoulder season or off-season significantly reduce costs?
Yes. Traveling during March–May or September–November can greatly lower your overall expenses by even 20–30% compared to that in peak seasons.
Travel to China with China Xian Tour
To make the best of your money and time, it’s recommended that you book your China tour with a reliable local operator. China Xian Tour can ensure you a smooth and memorable journey with our affordable tour packages. Below are some of our most popular itineraries. What’s more, we are also able to customize a trip based on your needs. Just tell our consultant the cities you prefer and your demands for hotel, food, and guide, we will make every effort to meet them. So do not hesitate to contact us.
