"How much does a trip to China cost?" is usually the first question travellers ask. The answer depends heavily on your travel style. This guide gives you ballpark estimates across three tiers so you can plan with confidence.
ℹ️ Note: The figures below are rough reference estimates (updated 2026), not exact quotes. Real prices vary with the season, how early you book, and exchange rates. Always check live prices when planning.
The main cost categories
A China trip generally involves five major costs:
- International flights (round-trip Vietnam – China)
- Accommodation
- Food
- Domestic transport (high-speed trains, taxis, metro)
- Attraction tickets & experiences
Don't forget to add the visa fee, travel insurance and personal spending (shopping, gifts).
Estimated daily cost (excluding international flights)
| Item | Budget | Comfort | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lodging/night | hostel/budget hotel | 3–4 star hotel | 5 star hotel |
| Food/day | street food, local eateries | mid-range restaurants | high-end restaurants |
| Total/day (estimate) | ~US$40 | ~US$100 | ~US$240+ |
These are average per-person, per-day reference figures, excluding international flights.
Flights Vietnam – China
Round-trip fares from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City to major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.) vary widely depending on the season and how early you book. Booking ahead and avoiding peak holiday periods can save a lot. Compare several airlines and consider departing from a city closer to the border to optimise cost.
Accommodation
- Budget: a dorm bed in a hostel or a budget hotel — the lowest cost.
- Comfort: 3–4 star hotels usually fall around 300–600 RMB/night (reference).
- Premium: 5-star hotels can start from US$150/night and up.
Booking near a high-speed rail station or metro line saves both time and transport costs.
Food
One of the joys of China is eating well without spending much:
- Street food: just a few dollars per meal — Peking duck, soup dumplings, biangbiang noodles, hotpot...
- Local restaurants: around US$5–15 per meal.
- Upscale restaurants: can run US$30–60 per meal and up.
High-speed trains between cities
High-speed (G) trains are the most efficient way to travel and usually cheaper than domestic flights. Some reference fares (second-class seat):
- Beijing – Xi'an: around 470–580 RMB
- Beijing – Shanghai: around 500–680 RMB
- Shanghai – Hangzhou: a short leg, much cheaper
Attraction tickets
Entry tickets to famous sites are generally affordable:
- Forbidden City: around 40–60 RMB (seasonal)
- Terracotta Army: around 120 RMB (includes the shuttle bus)
On average, attractions and experiences cost about US$18 per person, per day.
Sample budget for a 10-day trip
To put it in perspective (per person, excluding international flights and visa):
- Budget: ~US$40 × 10 days ≈ US$400
- Comfort: ~US$100 × 10 days ≈ US$1,000
- Premium: ~US$240 × 10 days ≈ US$2,400+
Add flights, visa, insurance and shopping for a realistic total budget.
Money-saving tips
- Book G-trains and hotels early, and avoid Chinese public holidays.
- Eat at local eateries and street stalls — delicious and economical.
- Use the metro instead of taxis within cities.
- Set up a mobile wallet (Alipay/WeChat Pay) for easy payments.
Would you like a detailed budget matched to your exact itinerary and preferences? We can help you build a clear, transparent plan that fits your wallet.