China surprises people on cost. It is far cheaper than Japan, Western Europe or Australia for day to day travel, yet the big flagship attractions and intercity transport can add up faster than you expect. The honest answer to is China expensive is that it is excellent value if you eat and travel like a local, and mid range if you stick to comfort and taxis. Here is what a trip really costs. For the wider plan, see our China travel guide.
What is cheap and what is not
The value is in the everyday, and the cost is in the headline sights and long distance travel.
- Cheap: street food and local restaurants, metros, city buses, bottled water, domestic SIM data, and simple hotels.
- Mid range: high speed rail between cities, mid tier hotels, taxis, and sit down restaurant meals.
- Pricier: entry to the flagship sites, guided tours, domestic flights over long distances, and international brand hotels.
Typical daily costs
Rough guide per person per day, excluding international flights and intercity transport. Prices move, so treat these as planning ranges rather than quotes.
| Style | Where you stay and eat | Rough daily budget |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | Hostel dorm, street food, metros, few paid sights | Low, similar to Southeast Asia budget travel |
| Mid range | Three star hotel, mix of local and restaurant meals, taxis, most sights | Moderate, comfortable without splurging |
| Comfort | Four or five star hotel, restaurants, private guide and driver | High, still below Western Europe for the same level |
Where your money goes
- Food. The best value in China. A bowl of noodles or a street meal costs very little, and even a full restaurant dinner is reasonable. See what to eat in China.
- Transport. Metros are cheap. High speed rail is fair value for the speed but not trivial over long distances. Book ahead for the best fares. See our high speed rail guide.
- Hotels. A wide range, from very cheap local hotels to international five stars at a fraction of Western prices.
- Attractions. The Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors each charge an entry fee, and they add up if you pack in many sights.
How to keep costs down
- Eat where locals eat. Street food and small restaurants are cheaper and often better than tourist spots.
- Use the metro and book high speed rail early rather than flying short distances.
- Travel outside Golden Week and Chinese New Year, when prices and crowds spike.
- Pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay to avoid poor cash exchange rates.
- Prioritise a few flagship sights rather than paying into everything.
If planning all this yourself feels like a lot, a packaged China tour package bundles hotels, transfers and day tours into one booking.
Frequently asked questions
Is China cheaper than Japan or Thailand?
China is clearly cheaper than Japan for food, transport and hotels. Against Thailand it is broadly similar for budget travel, and can be cheaper for high speed rail and city eating.
How much money do I need per day in China?
It depends on style. Backpackers eating street food and using metros spend little, mid range travellers with hotels and restaurants spend a moderate amount, and comfort travel with guides costs more but stays below Western Europe.
What is the most expensive part of a China trip?
Usually intercity transport and the entry fees at flagship sights, followed by international brand hotels. Everyday food and city transport are cheap by comparison.
More China travel guides
- China Travel Guide: Visas, Cities, Costs and How to Plan a First Trip
- China Itinerary: How Many Days You Need and Sample Routes
- China Travel Tips: 20 Things to Know Before You Go
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