China delivers more value per dollar than Japan, Korea or Western Europe — if you know the price architecture. Here are realistic 2026 numbers for the three travel styles, then a full sample budget.
Daily costs by style (per person)
- Budget ($35–50/day): hostels or ¥150–250 local hotels, street food and noodle shops, metro + buses, free sights.
- Mid-range ($90–130/day): ¥300–600 hotels, mix of street food and proper restaurants, DiDi freely, all entry fees.
- Luxury ($250–400/day): international five-stars (bargains vs. the West), private guides and drivers, fine dining.
The big fixed costs
- International flights: $500–1,400 round trip from the West, wildly seasonal.
- High-speed rail (10-day classic route): Beijing–Xi'an–Shanghai ≈ ¥1,200–1,500 ($170–210).
- Entry fees: Forbidden City ¥60, Terracotta Army ¥120, Great Wall+cable car ¥180, Shanghai Tower ¥180 — typically ¥600–900 total for a big trip.
- Visa (if needed): $30–140 depending on nationality; visa-free if you qualify.
Sample: 10 days, three ways
- Backpacker: ~$950 total (hostels, trains second class, street food, no flights)
- Mid-range: ~$1,900 total (nice hotels, all sights, good meals)
- Premium: ~$4,500+ (five-stars, business-class train seats, private drivers)
Want exact numbers for your trip?
Our Travel Cost Calculator estimates accommodation, food, transport, attractions and extras for your exact days, cities and travel style — try it before you commit to a budget.