Take China Group Tours in 2025 to enjoy 30% discount compared to a private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price!
Is China Expensive to Visit?
China can range from moderate to expensive, but smart planning makes it accessible.
- For budget backpackers, expect to spend around $100 USD per person per day (pppd) using public transportation, enjoying street food, visiting free attractions and museums, and staying in guesthouses or hostels.
- For mid-range travelers, expect to spend $100–250 USD pppd, including private transfers, sit-down meals, top attractions, and comfortable hotels. You can also opt for a China tour package with Asia Odyssey Travel to streamline your trip.
- For luxury travelers, expect to spend $300+ USD pppd, enjoying VIP transfers, gourmet cuisine, exclusive activities, and luxury resorts.
China is home to diverse landscapes, incredible food, and rich cultural heritage, with over 5,000 years of recorded history. Exploring it is truly fascinating—be adventurous with the food and generous with sightseeing time.
To make the most of historic sites, an English-speaking local guide is highly recommended for deeper insights into China's history and culture. Affordable tour packages are a great choice for budget travelers.
Contact us, we’ll share some of the most popular China itineraries to help you plan your trip.
International Airfare to China
How much does it cost to fly to china?
Flight prices to mainland China vary widely, ranging from $100 to $1,500 one-way—yes, you read that right! Some flights can be as low as $100 or even less, depending on your departure city, flight duration, and airline choice.
- From Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea: If you're already traveling in these regions, getting to China is easy and affordable, with plenty of direct flights to popular destinations. Ticket prices typically range from $100 to $300, and some budget flights go as low as $60—just be sure to book in advance and plan your itinerary.
- From the Middle East (Qatar, Dubai, Riyadh, etc.): Flights to China are also convenient and widely available, with fares around $300 to $600.
- From Europe: One-way direct flights usually cost $400 to $800. With China’s 240-hour visa-free policy, more flights are being added, making travel easier and cheaper.
- From North America: Expect fares to range from $500 to $1,000 one-way. Flights often land in Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong, which are also the most popular entry points for travelers exploring China.
Planning ahead and being flexible with travel dates can help you find the best deals!
Accommodation Cost in China
China offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses at $10 per night to luxury hotels costing over $1,000. However, for most travelers, the sweet spot is $50 to $100 per night for a comfortable and clean hotel.
Room Types:
Hotels typically offer double rooms (one large bed) or twin rooms (two beds), which means if you’re traveling with a companion, you can split the cost—bringing it down to $25 to $50 per person per night.
City Price Differences:
- Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.) are slightly more expensive, averaging $100 to $200 per night, but still cheaper than Tokyo, Singapore, or Hong Kong.
- Smaller cities like Xi'an, Chengdu, and Hangzhou are more affordable, ranging from $60 to $120 per night.
- Scenic destinations such as Zhangjiajie and Guilin have prices similar to Xi'an and Chengdu.
Seasonal Price Changes:
- Prices listed above reflect peak season rates (May–October).
- During off-season, expect a 20% discount on average.
- During China’s three major holidays—Labor Day (early May), National Day (early October), and Chinese New Year (late January–mid-February)—prices can increase by about 20%.
Booking in advance, especially during holidays, ensures better rates and availability!
China tour packages always include accommodations.
Food Cost in China
One of the best things about traveling in China is the food—diverse, flavorful, and budget-friendly! Here’s what to expect:
Street Food ($1–$3 per item)
- Perfect for quick bites on the go! Popular options include fried potatoes, skewers, stinky tofu, crispy pancakes, and spicy malatang.
- 2–3 snacks are usually enough for a meal (unless you have a big appetite!).
Casual Meals ($2–$5 per dish)
- Think noodles, dumplings, fried rice, braised dishes, or Liuzhou-style snail noodles.
- A single portion is usually filling and cheaper than fast food—plus, it tastes better!
Family-Style Stir-Fry Meals ($10–$20 per person)
- Ideal for groups!
- Vegetable dishes cost around $2–$4, while meat dishes range from $5–$20.
- Sharing multiple dishes is the best way to try more flavors!
Hotpot ($15–$45 per person)
- More than just Sichuan’s spicy hotpot—China has many variations!
- Order what you like and customize the spice level (non-spicy options available!).
- A must-try experience, especially in Chongqing, Chengdu, or Yunnan.
Fine Dining & Private Kitchens ($50–$100 per person)
- These upscale restaurants offer quiet ambiance, Western-style service, and refined dishes.
- Great for special occasions or a high-end dining experience.
No Tipping Needed!
Except for fine dining and Western-style restaurants, tipping is not expected in China. That means you can enjoy an incredible variety of food at affordable prices.
Warning: If you love food, be prepared—you might leave China a few pounds heavier!
China tour packages usually do not include meals.
Local Transportation Cost
Getting around China is smooth and efficient, thanks to its high-speed rail network and well-developed public transport. Whether you're traveling between cities or exploring within them, transportation is generally affordable and reliable.
High-Speed Trains: Fast, Comfortable & Affordable
You’ve probably seen videos on TikTok raving about China’s high-speed rail—and yes, it’s as smooth, comfortable, and punctual as they say! Here let’s talk about the price:
- 2nd Class Seat (cheapest option): About ¥50 ($7) per 100 km
- 1st Class is 160% more expensive than 2nd class.
- Business Class can cost 3x more than 2nd Class (sometimes pricier than a flight!).
For example, the 2nd ticket for Beijing to Shanghai (~1200 km) is about ¥600 ($85), and for Beijing to Xi'an (~1070 km) is about ¥520 ($75).
Tips:
High-speed train tickets for popular routes sell out fast—book early!
You have budget alternative with slower train, runs mostly overnight, but costs 50% less than high-speed trains. But, it takes 2x-3x longer, so only worth it if you're on a budget.
Flights: Best for Long-Distance Travel
China is a vast country, and you might think that flying is the most reasonable way to travel. However, for distances within 1,000 kilometers, taking the train is actually a better option. For distances over 1,000 kilometers, or if your destination is in a mountainous region, like Tibet and Yunnan, flying is the simpler choice.
Airfare typically ranges from ¥800–2000 ($110–400), and booking at least three months in advance can get you better deals. Prices are generally higher during the peak season (May to October).
City Transport: Metro, Taxis & More
Metro – Fast, Cheap, and Simple
Most tourist cities in China have great metro networks, and popular attractions are usually near metro stations. Tickets cost between 2 to 15 RMB (about $0.30 to $2 USD).
Taxis & Didi – Convenient for Short Trips
Taxis are everywhere in major cities, and getting one is usually pretty easy. Starting fare and fare per kilometer vary by city:
- Beijing & Shanghai – Around 14 RMB ($1.95 USD) for the first 3 km, then about 2.8 RMB ($0.4 USD) per kilometers.
- Smaller cities – Usually 8–10 RMB ($1.10–$1.40 USD) for the first 3 km, then about 2.8 RMB ($0.4 USD) per kilometers.
For example, taxi from Beijing Airport to downtown (about 45 km) costs around 130–150 RMB ($18–$21 USD).
Want an easier option? Use Didi (China’s Uber)—it’s app-based, often cheaper, and you can select English-language options.
Private Car – Best for Comfort & Convenience
If you’re traveling with lots of luggage, kids, or elderly family members, a private car is a great option. It’s more comfortable than taxis, especially for longer trips or airport transfers. The fare varies by car type from 200–1,000 RMB ($28–$138 USD),
Multi-city China tour packages include transportation in China, airport/station pick-up. Individual-city China tour packages ONLY include private transfer in city.
Activities and Sightseeing Cost in China
Sightseeing in China is affordable, with most entrance fees ranging between ¥50–300 ($7–40). Some tickets include transportation within the site, while others require an additional ¥50–100 ($7–14) for shuttle buses.
If you're a museum lover, you're in luck—many museums in China offer free admission, but you must book online in advance.
Experiential activities such as bamboo rafting, cycling, cable cars, tea ceremonies, calligraphy classes, or boat cruises cost around ¥100–500 ($14–70).
Yangtze River cruises is a 3-night Chongqing to Yichang cruise journey along Yangtze River with the cost ranging from $400–800.
For thrill-seekers, extreme sports like skydiving and paragliding can range from ¥800–2000 ($110–280).
China tour packages usually include part of attractions and activities.
Cost of China Tour Packages
With China tour packages, you can travel hassle-free with affordable price. Here are some popular China tour packages with 2025 price:
| Days | Destinations | Package Cost per person | Average Cost Per Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Beijing, Shanghai | 805 | 134 |
| 8 | Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai | 1,390 | 173 |
| 13 | Shanghai, Guilin, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise, Xi'an, Beijing | 2,668 | 205 |
| 10 | Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai | 1,666 | 166 |
| 13 | Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Lhasa, Shanghai | 2,915 | 224 |
| 15 | Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai | 2,564 | 171 |
| 8 | Kunming, Dali, Shangri-la, Lijiang | 1,000 | 125 |
| 8 | Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp | 907 | 113 |
| 16 | Lhasa, Shigatse, Everest Base Camp, Mount Kailash trek, Guge Ruins | 2,031 | 127 |
Check more China tour packages well-designed by Asia Odyssey Travel. Contact us to check the up-dated price.
Other Expenses
Mobile Data: Available at airports with plans by day (4–10 USD/day) or weekly packages.
Alcohol Prices: Prices range from $1 for a small beer to hundreds for premium liquor.
Clothing Costs: T-shirts for $10–50**;** Jackets: $20–100**.** Malls are pricier, but local markets and stores offer great deals.
Laundry Fees: Some hotels offer free laundry. Paid services cost $7–15 per item.
**Tourist Traps in Attractions:**Be cautious about hidden charges, such as fees for taking pictures with street performers, mascots, or animals.
Budget Tips for Travel to China
Backpacking is the cheapest way to explore China (except Tibet, where group travel is required).
Take overnight trains to save on both accommodation and high-speed train costs (hard seat is the cheapest option).
Travel in the off-season (March–April, November) for lower prices. Avoid May 1st, October 1st, and Chinese New Year.
Bargain at markets! Prices are often negotiable—don’t be shy. Learn some Mandarin like "shǎo yīdiǎn" (少一点) to ask for a lower price.
Join a group tour to save on transportation and tickets, plus enjoy local food recommendations from guides.
Book in advance—flights, train tickets, and hotels are much cheaper when reserved early.
Travel to China with Asia Odyssey Travel
Now that you’ve got the full breakdown of China trip costs, you know what to expect and how to budget. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly adventure or a luxury getaway, the right plan makes all the difference.
Why stress over the details when Asia Odyssey Travel can handle it for you? We offer affordable, well-organized tours with no hidden costs—just smooth travel, great experiences, and the best value for your money.
Let’s turn your China dream trip into reality—book with us today!
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