Traveling around China on a budget is totally doable. Whether you’re wandering through the big cities or exploring small rural areas, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down while still having an awesome experience. With some planning, you can see the best of China without breaking the bank.
Accommodation
Stay in Hostels
If you’re looking for affordable accommodation in China, hostels are your best bet. They’re way cheaper than hotels and offer a community vibe perfect for meeting other travelers. In the bigger cities like Beijing and Shanghai, prices for hostels range from 40–80 CNY per night for a dorm bed. Look for hostels that offer free breakfast or have kitchens where you can cook your meals to save even more.
Book in Advance
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Booking your accommodation in advance can sometimes help you score discounts, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons or holiday periods. Websites like Agoda or Booking.com often have deals when you book early.
Utilize Couchsurfing
If you’re comfortable with staying at someone’s home, Couchsurfing is available in China. It’s not super widespread, but in larger cities like Beijing or Shanghai, you’ll find hosts. This is a fantastic way to save on accommodation costs and meet locals who can guide you around.
Food
Eat at Local Markets and Street Stalls
China is famous for its street food, and eating at local markets or small food stalls is one of the best ways to save money on meals. A meal at a local stall or smaller restaurant will likely cost anywhere between 8–20 CNY. Try dishes like dumplings, baozi (steamed buns), or noodle bowls for affordable and tasty meals.
Avoid Western Restaurants
Western food tends to be more expensive in China. A burger or pizza could cost as much (or more) than in Western countries. To stick to your budget, opt for local cuisine. It’s cheaper and gives you a more authentic experience.
Shop at Supermarkets
If you’re staying at a hostel that has a kitchen, head to local supermarkets or fresh produce markets. You can buy groceries for cheap and cook meals at your accommodation. It’s an easy way to make your money last longer.
Transportation
Use Public Transportation
China has great public transportation, and it’s very affordable. The metro in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou costs around 3–7 CNY per ride depending on the distance. Buses are even cheaper, often costing just 1–2 CNY. They’re an easy and budget-friendly way to get around.
Take the Slow Train
China’s high-speed trains are fast but a bit pricey, especially if you’re traveling long distances. To save money, opt for slow trains instead. While they’ll take longer, sleepers are much more affordable than the high-speed trains. Prices vary, but a sleeper bed on a slow train could be as cheap as 150–300 CNY depending on the distance.
Consider Domestic Flights
If you’re traveling between different regions and don’t want to spend a ton of time on a train, don’t rule out domestic flights. Budget airlines like Spring Airlines often offer deals that, if booked in advance, are equivalent to the cost of a high-speed train ticket.
Attractions
Look for Free or Cheap Attractions
Many parks, temples, and historical sites in China are either free or cost very little. For example, visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing will set you back about 60 CNY ($8 USD), while admission to smaller temples in cities like Xi’an might cost just 10–20 CNY.
Certain landmarks such as Tiananmen Square in Beijing or the Bund in Shanghai are free to visit. You can enjoy the sights, take pictures, and soak in the history without spending a single yuan.
Visit Museums on Free Days
A lot of museums in China have free entrance one day a week or once a month. For instance, some of Beijing’s museums—like the Capital Museum—offer free entry on select days. Check the museum’s website or ask your hostel staff about any opportunities to capitalize on free visits.
Skip Tours and Go Independent
Organized tours are convenient but expensive. You’ll save a lot of money by navigating on your own. Major sights like the Great Wall or Zhangjiajie National Forest Park can easily be done independently. Just research bus or train schedules, buy your entrance tickets, and explore at your own pace.
Budget-Friendly Destinations
Xi’an
Xi’an is one of China’s most budget-friendly destinations. The city’s main attraction, the Terracotta Army, costs about 120 CNY, but apart from that, there are tons of free activities. Stroll around the old city walls (you’ll need to pay if you want to bike on them though), visit the Muslim Quarter, or walk around the Bell Tower square.
Guilin and Yangshuo
If you’re into nature and landscapes, Guilin and Yangshuo in Guangxi province are cheap and beautiful places to visit. Hiking and cycling around rice terraces and mountains is free. The scenery is stunning, and many hostels have bikes available for rent at affordable prices—around 20 CNY for the day.
Chengdu
Pandas are a must-see, and Chengdu is the place to go if you want to see them on a budget. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding charges about 58 CNY for entry. Other than pandas, Chengdu has a lot of great, free temples and parks to explore, plus cheap street food to enjoy.
Yunnan Province
Yunnan is another budget-friendly part of China, with beautiful landscapes and small towns that don’t have the price tag of Beijing or Shanghai. Places like Dali and Lijiang offer free or cheap hiking trails, and guesthouses are usually quite affordable.
Money-Saving Tips
Use Ctrip for Tickets
Ctrip (now Trip.com) is a useful website for booking train and flight tickets in China at a discount. Sometimes, it offers better deals than booking tickets in person at a station or airport, and it’s all in English, which makes it easier for travelers.
Buy a Local SIM Card
To avoid those pesky international data roaming charges, buy a local SIM card as soon as you arrive. China Mobile or China Unicom offer cheap data plans, usually around 50 CNY for a month of service. This will help you navigate, translate, and stay connected without additional fees.
Bargain at the Markets
When shopping at open-air markets or buying souvenirs, bargaining is part of the experience. Vendors often expect to haggle, so don’t be shy. Start by offering a price about 50% lower than the initial asking price and go from there. You’ll end up with a lower price more often than not!
Bring a Reusable Water Bottle
Bottled water in China is cheap, but it adds up if you’re buying it multiple times a day. Many hostels and public locations have water refill stations. Carry a reusable water bottle to save a bit more and decrease your plastic usage too.
Conclusion
Don’t let the idea of China being pricey stop you from experiencing this amazing country. With some planning and smart decisions, you can easily travel throughout China without spending a fortune. From cheap eats to budget accommodation options, the smart traveler can see China’s historic sites, natural beauty, and local culture without overspending.
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