Visit China can be the adventure of a lifetime. However, planning a 10-day budget trip to China can seem overwhelming, especially with the language barrier, cultural differences, and the sheer size of the country. But don’t worry—this detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.
Why Visit China?
China offers a unique travel experience that blends ancient traditions with modern marvels. It is one of the most historically rich countries, with a civilization that dates back thousands of years. In addition, China is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from traditional dumplings to hotpots and street food. For budget-conscious travelers, China is one of the more affordable travel destinations in Asia, where you can enjoy world-class attractions without spending a fortune.
Day 1: Arriving in Beijing
Your journey to visit china begins in Beijing, China’s capital and a city where history and modernity coexist. Upon arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport, you can use public transportation to reach your accommodation. The Airport Express train costs around CNY 25 ($3.50) and will take you to downtown Beijing in about 30 minutes. For a more budget-friendly option, you can take a public bus for about CNY 16 ($2.30), though it will take longer.
Accommodation
Budget-friendly accommodation options in Beijing range from hostels to budget hotels. You can find a clean and comfortable hostel bed for around CNY 70-150 ($10-20) per night. One popular budget hostel in Beijing is Beijing Downtown Backpackers. For more privacy, budget hotels cost around CNY 200-300 ($30-45) per night.
Activities
After checking in, you can spend the afternoon exploring Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, which is free to visit. Right next to it is the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage site that was once home to Chinese emperors. Admission costs around CNY 60 ($8.50).
Meals
Beijing offers various budget-friendly food options. A hearty meal at a local eatery, such as dumplings or noodles, can cost around CNY 20-40 ($3-6). For dinner, consider trying the famous Peking Duck, which can be found in affordable restaurants for around CNY 150 ($22) for a shared dish.
Day 2: Great Wall of China
No visit China is complete without seeing the Great Wall, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The most budget-friendly and accessible section of the Great Wall from Beijing is Mutianyu.
How to Get There
You can take a public bus or a group tour to reach the Great Wall. The bus from Dongzhimen Bus Station to the Mutianyu Great Wall costs around CNY 15 ($2), and admission to the Wall itself is CNY 45 ($6.50).
Activities
Once at Mutianyu, you can hike along the wall and admire the sweeping views of the surrounding countryside. Pack some snacks and water for the hike to avoid high prices at tourist kiosks.
Return to Beijing
After your hike, take the bus back to Beijing. For dinner, opt for budget local food, such as Jianbing, a Chinese-style pancake available from street vendors for around CNY 10 ($1.50).
Read more about: The Great Wall of China: Full Guide for Tourists
Day 3: Beijing’s Parks and Hutongs
Beijing is known for its expansive parks and traditional hutongs (alleyways). Spend your morning at the Temple of Heaven, a beautiful imperial complex set within a park. Entry is CNY 35 ($5), and you can spend a couple of hours walking around the gardens.
Hutong Exploration
In the afternoon, explore the traditional hutongs around Nanluoguxiang. These alleyways are home to small shops, cafes, and traditional Chinese courtyard homes. The best part is that wandering around the hutongs is free.
Meals and Souvenirs
Grab a cheap lunch of baozi (steamed buns) from a street vendor for CNY 5-10 ($0.70-1.50) each. You can also purchase affordable souvenirs from the local shops. A small trinket like a silk fan or tea set costs about CNY 20-50 ($3-7).
Day 4-5: Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors
In your ” Visit china planing” Xi’an, home to the Terracotta Warriors, is your next destination. From Beijing, take an overnight train to Xi’an to save both time and accommodation costs. A hard sleeper bunk on the train costs around CNY 250-300 ($35-45). Alternatively, a budget flight can be found for CNY 300-400 ($45-60).
Day 4: Exploring Xi’an
Upon arrival in Xi’an, check into a budget-friendly hostel, where beds cost about CNY 70 ($10). In the morning, you can explore the Xi’an City Wall for CNY 54 ($8), one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Rent a bike to ride along the top of the wall for an additional CNY 40 ($6).
Day 5: The Terracotta Warriors
Visiting the Terracotta Army is a must when in Xi’an. Public buses from Xi’an Railway Station to the site cost CNY 8 ($1.20), and entrance to the site is CNY 120 ($18). Plan to spend half a day at the museum to fully appreciate the scale of this ancient wonder.
For meals, local biangbiang noodles or roujiamo (Chinese burgers) cost around CNY 15-25 ($2-4) at street food stalls, keeping your food expenses low.
Day 6: Travel to Chengdu
Next in your journey to visit china , head to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and home to the famous giant pandas. You can reach Chengdu by taking a high-speed train from Xi’an, which costs around CNY 260 ($38) for a second-class seat. Alternatively, a budget flight costs around CNY 350-450 ($50-65).
Accommodation
Stay in a budget hostel such as Chengdu Lazybones Hostel, where dorm beds start at CNY 70 ($10) per night. Chengdu also offers affordable guesthouses and hotels for around CNY 150-250 ($20-35) per night.
Activities
Spend the afternoon exploring People’s Park, a tranquil space in the heart of the city where locals gather for tea, dance, and tai chi. Entry is free, and you can enjoy a traditional cup of Sichuan tea for around CNY 10 ($1.50).
For dinner, try the renowned Sichuan hotpot. A budget hotpot meal at a local restaurant can cost around CNY 50-80 ($7-12) per person.
Day 7: Giant Pandas and Leshan Giant Buddha
Start your day by visiting the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Entrance costs CNY 58 ($8.50), and you can spend the morning observing the pandas in their natural habitat.
In the afternoon, visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha statue. A high-speed train from Chengdu to Leshan costs around CNY 54 ($8), and entry to the Buddha site is CNY 80 ($12). You can take a boat ride along the river for an additional CNY 70 ($10), which offers a unique perspective of the statue.
Day 8-9: Shanghai
From Chengdu, take a budget flight or an overnight train to Shanghai, China’s largest and most modern city. A flight costs around CNY 450-600 ($65-90), while a hard sleeper on the train is about CNY 300-400 ($45-60).
Accommodation
Budget hostels in Shanghai, like The Phoenix Hostel Shanghai, offer beds for around CNY 100 ($15) per night. You can also find affordable hotels for CNY 200-300 ($30-45) per night.
Day 8: The Bund and Yu Garden
Spend your first day in Shanghai exploring The Bund, a waterfront promenade offering stunning views of the city’s skyline. Strolling along The Bund is free, making it a great budget activity.
In the afternoon, visit Yu Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden. Entry costs CNY 40 ($6), and you can easily spend a couple of hours wandering through its pavilions and koi-filled ponds.
Day 9: Shanghai Museums and Nanjing Road
Start your day by visiting the Shanghai Museum, which is free to enter and showcases ancient Chinese art and artifacts. Afterward, head to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most famous shopping street. Even if you don’t plan to shop, it’s worth walking down this bustling avenue to experience Shanghai’s modern energy.
For meals in Shanghai, you can find plenty of street food options. Try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) for around
CNY 20-30 ($3-5) or grab a quick bowl of noodles for CNY 15 ($2.50).
Day 10: Departure
On your final day to Visit China, spend the morning relaxing or picking up last-minute souvenirs. If you have time before your flight, visit the Jade Buddha Temple for CNY 30 ($4.50). Make sure to plan your transportation back to the airport. The Maglev train to Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a unique experience, costing CNY 50 ($7.50) and reaching speeds of 430 km/h (267 mph). Alternatively, the subway costs CNY 7 ($1), though it will take longer.
Budget Summary for 10 Days in China
Here’s a breakdown of the approximate costs for a 10-day budget trip to China:
- Accommodation: CNY 1,000-1,500 ($150-220) for budget hostels
- Transportation: CNY 1,500-2,000 ($220-300) for domestic trains and flights
- Food: CNY 600-800 ($90-120) for budget meals
- Attractions: CNY 500-800 ($75-120) for entry fees and activities
Total estimated cost: CNY 3,600-5,000 ($540-750) for a 10-day budget trip to China.
Final Tips for a Budget Trip to China
- Learn Basic Chinese Phrases: While major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have English signage, many smaller cities do not. Learning basic phrases in Mandarin can help you navigate more easily.
- Use Public Transportation: China’s public transport system is reliable and cheap. Subways, buses, and trains are far more affordable than taxis or private cars.
- Avoid Peak Tourist Seasons: Traveling during Chinese holidays like Golden Week (October 1-7) can make accommodations and attractions significantly more expensive.
- Stay Hydrated: Tap water in China is not safe to drink, so budget for bottled water or bring a refillable bottle and use hotel-provided drinking water.
With careful planning and budgeting, a 10-day trip to China can be an enriching and affordable adventure that lets you explore one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
Read more: China Street Food : 5 Foods You Must Eat While Visiting China
