Curious About the Price of Traveling in China? Here's the Scoop

Planning a trip to China and wondering about the costs? Whether you're concerned about transportation, accommodation, or daily expenses, this guide breaks down everything you need to know to budget your adventure. From affordable high-speed trains and budget-friendly metro systems to delicious local meals that won’t break the bank, China offers a range of options that can fit any traveler’s budget. We’ll walk you through the typical costs for visas, flights, and on-the-ground expenses, giving you a clear picture of what to expect. Get ready to explore China without worrying about overspending!

Basic Travel Costs

These depend on how far your country is from China.

Visa

Depending on your country and the agency you use, it typically costs less than 1,000 RMB. If you qualify for visa-free entry, you won’t need to spend anything.

🤙Check our visa guide for more details.

Flights

The cost will vary depending on the distance between your country and China. To make your trip more cost-effective, consider planning some activities during layovers in major cities like Hong Kong, Shanghai, or Tokyo, where there are frequent international flights.

Cost of Living in China

Transportation

Intercity Transportation: High-Speed Train

A second-class ticket from Beijing to Shanghai costs 550 RMB (77.94USD). The distance is three times that of Tokyo to Osaka, but the price is about 70% of that journey, making China's railway system possibly the most affordable in the world. If you're not concerned about comfort, you can try the "green trains," which are incredibly cheap.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Recommendation:

For trips under five hours by high-speed train, we highly recommend this option.

👉Check our high-speed rail guide for ticket booking and travel tips.

Urban Transportation:

Subway

Among the cheapest in the world. In China, subways are subsidized as a public service. A few years ago, Beijing's subway was just 2 RMB (0.28USD) for any distance. Prices have increased slightly, but within 6 kilometers, the fare usually starts at 2 RMB. If you use a travel card, you'll get a discount.

👀See our guide on using subways in China to find more details.

Bus

Like the subway, buses are also subsidized by the government, with most fares at 2 RMB. You can also use a travel card here.

Goods and Services

Food/Service	RMB	USD
Coca-Cola	3 RMB per bottle	0.34$
McDonald's meal	Around 25 RMB	3.54$
Starbucks coffee	30 RMB per cup	4.25$
Luckin Coffee latte	9.9 RMB	1.4$
Quick meal (e.g., Chongqing noodles)	7 RMB, 9 RMB with a fried egg	0.99$ or 1.28$
Watermelon	Less than 2 RMB per pound	0.28$ per pound
Whole chicken	Around 35 RMB	4.96$
Chongqing hotpot	About 100 RMB per person in tourist areas, 65 RMB in residential areas	14.17$ (tourist) 9.21$ (residential)
Foot massage and spa package	139 RMB per person	19.7$

Accommodation Prices

First-tier cities (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai): A 5-star Hilton hotel costs around 1,000 RMB.
Second-tier cities (e.g., Chongqing, Chengdu): A 5-star Hilton hotel costs around 500 RMB.
Budget hotels: In second-tier cities, prices are typically under 300 RMB.

💡

Tip: Always check reviews before booking, and try to choose branded hotels for a more reliable experience.For more tips on booking hotels, see our accommodation guide.

😉😉Embark on your journey to China, where incredible experiences await at surprisingly affordable prices—making it the perfect destination for an unforgettable yet budget-friendly adventure!🤘🤘🤘

Curious About the Price of Traveling in China? Here's the Scoop

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