How Much Does A Trip To China Cost For A First-Time Visitor - My Budget Breakdown for 2025
My Assumptions:
✅ Single person, independent travelling. Split hotel and taxi costs according to the number of people in your group.
✅ No tour costs included.
✅ All numbers are estimates based on typical prices.
✅ All prices in local RMB. Please use a currency converter. RMB:USD conversion is approx. 7.17 : 1 as of 2025/07/28.
✅ This list only covers essentials, the bare minimum to have an enjoyable trip. Discretionary items are not included. If you are not from a visa-free country, you need to add on visa fees.
Duration of Trip: 7 Days (e.g. Beijing -> Shanghai -> Suzhou)
Core Costs Included: Hotel, Transport, Food, Attractions
✈️ FLIGHTS
Assume economy class seat.
From Asia = 1000-4000rmb (typical range)
From outside of Asia = 3000-10000rmb (typical range)
! For actual prices, please use flight comparison sites or airline websites.
🛏️ HOTELS
Lower tier = 100rmb-300rmb per night
Mid-tier = 300rmb-600rmb per night
Upper-tier = 600rmb-1000rmb+ per night
Cost Range = 1400rmb-3150rmb-5600rmb (this cost will fluctuate massively depending on the hotel you actually choose)
🛤️ TRANSPORT
🚇 Metro
Typical trip (average 6 stations) = 4rmb.
Assume 3 trips per day
Total for 21 trips = 84rmb 💴
🚅 Train
Assume 2nd class seat (equivalent to economy class)
Nearby cities: <200km = 50-100rmb per trip = 150rmb (2 trips)
Mid-distance: 300-600km = 150rmb-300rmb per trip = 225rmb (1 trip)
Long-distance intercity (e.g. Beijing to Shanghai): 900-1200km per trip -> 500-700rmb per trip = 600rmb (1 trip) — price of flights should be similar
Total = 975rmb 💴 (the cost will increase if you visit cities that are far from each other)
🚖 Taxi
Assume journey of 10km, journey time 15 minutes = 30rmb
For 3 trips, cost = 90rmb
Assume journey of 20km, journey time 30 minutes = 60rmb
For 3 trips, cost = 180rmb
Total for 6 trips = 270rmb
🚙 Airport Transport
Example = Shanghai Pudong to People’s Square
Cost per trip = 150rmb
Total for 2 trips, cost = 300rmb 💴
🥢 FOOD
3 meals per day. Assume 7 day trip, so 21 meals.
Lower tier (street food, independents) = 10-30rmb per meal. 9 meals = 180rmb
Mid-tier (chains, casual restaurants) = 30-150rmb per meal. 9 meals = 810rmb
Upper-tier (specialties, high-end decor) = 150rmb-300rmb per meal. 3 meals = 675rmb
Total = 1665rmb 💴 (this number can fluctuate significantly depending on what you order)
My Tip: You can eat very well for 100rmb/day in most cities. The price differences are pretty stark when comparing major cities and less developed cities. Chain stores will have smaller price differences.
I’ve personally spent as low as 60rmb on some days.
☕ DRINKS
No alcoholic drinks included.
Assume 4 drinks per day (2 cafe-bought, 2 store bought)
10-30rmb per cafe drink = 40rmb per day. 280rmb (7 days)
5rmb per store drink = 10rmb per day. 70rmb (7 days)
Total = 350rmb 💴
🎟️ ATTRACTIONS
Assume 3 paid attractions per city @ 40rmb. This does not include high-end attractions such as theme parks. You will need to look up the ticket prices for those attractions.
Some attractions are free.
Assume 3 cities visited.
Total = 360rmb 💴
🟥ESTIMATED TYPICAL CORE SPEND (NOT INCLUDING COST OF FLIGHTS!)
Total = 7154rmb 💴 7 DAY TRIP FOR 1 PERSON
➕ADD ON ACTUAL COST OF YOUR FLIGHTS FOR A GRAND TOTAL = 7154rmb + COST OF FLIGHTS ===> around $1000 + COST OF FLIGHTS
❗DISCLAIMER: Your actual spend may be very different depending on your choice of accommodation, food and drinks.
NOT INCLUDED ABOVE
Suggested allowance for discretionary purchases = 1000-2000rmb 💴 (you should increase this if you plan to buy electronic, jewellery, or other high-value products)
Alcoholic drinks = varies
Theme parks = varies
Organised tours = varies
Travel insurance = varies
Internet eSIM or VPN = varies
