Here is a sample 10-day trip: Beijing (4 nights), Xi’an (2 nights), Shanghai (3 nights) by high-speed train. Exchange rate from the People’s Bank of China: approximately ¥7.2 per USD in early 2026. Mid-range traveler. Three-star hotels. Eating at local restaurants. Metro and DiDi for transport. Total cost: approximately $1,100, excluding international flights. Below is exactly where that money goes. For the full daily breakdown: Money and Costs in China.
10-Day Sample Trip: Mid-Range Budget
| Cost Item | Amount (RMB) | USD (approx.) |
| Accommodation: 9 nights avg ¥450/night | ¥4,050 | $570 |
| Food: 10 days avg ¥150/day | ¥1,500 | $211 |
| Beijing local transport (4 days) | ¥200 | $28 |
| Xi’an local transport (2 days) | ¥80 | $11 |
| Shanghai local transport (3 days) | ¥120 | $17 |
| Beijing to Xi’an G-train (2nd class) | ¥464 | $65 |
| Xi’an to Shanghai G-train (2nd class) | ¥724 | $102 |
| Forbidden City entry | ¥60 | $8 |
| Great Wall Mutianyu + cable car | ¥185 | $26 |
| Terracotta Warriors | ¥120 | $17 |
| Other entries and activities (est.) | ¥400 | $56 |
| Miscellaneous (snacks, tips, small purchases) | ¥500 | $70 |
| Total (excl. flights and insurance) | ¥8,403 | approx. $1,183 |
Daily Budget by Traveler Type
| Category | Budget ($25 to $40/day) | Mid-Range ($50 to $80/day) | Comfortable ($100 to $150/day) |
| Accommodation | Hostel dorm: ¥80 to ¥150 | 3-star hotel: ¥350 to ¥600 | 4-star hotel: ¥700 to ¥1,200 |
| Breakfast | Street stall: ¥8 to ¥15 | Cafe or hotel: ¥30 to ¥60 | Hotel buffet: ¥80 to ¥150 |
| Lunch | Noodle shop: ¥15 to ¥35 | Restaurant: ¥50 to ¥100 | Restaurant: ¥80 to ¥180 |
| Dinner | Local restaurant: ¥25 to ¥50 | Restaurant: ¥80 to ¥150 | Upscale: ¥200 to ¥500 |
| City transport | Metro only: ¥10 to ¥30 | Metro + DiDi: ¥30 to ¥60 | DiDi mostly: ¥80 to ¥200 |
| Entry fees | ¥30 to ¥60 average | ¥60 to ¥120 average | ¥80 to ¥150 |
Where to Save Money
- Eat where locals eat. A bowl of hand-pulled noodles at a local shop costs ¥18 to ¥25. The same item at a tourist-area restaurant costs ¥60 to ¥80. Use camera translation to read the menu.
- Take the airport express, not a taxi. Beijing Airport Express: ¥25, 20 minutes. A taxi to the same location: ¥120 to ¥180, 45 to 90 minutes depending on traffic.
- Book trains in second class. First class costs 50 to 80% more for the same journey.
- Stay 15 minutes from the main attractions rather than directly next to them. 30 to 50% cheaper for comparable accommodation. Accommodation guide.
- Skip hotel breakfast. Eat at the local noodle shop outside. You save ¥70 to ¥120 per day.
- Claim VAT refund. Up to 11% back on purchases over ¥500. Guide here.
Where Not to Cut Costs
- Travel insurance. You pay upfront at Chinese hospitals. Without insurance, you pay out of pocket. Insurance guide.
- VPN before you fly. You cannot install it after you land without one already running.
- Accommodation that is not registered for foreign guests. Below ¥80 per night in major cities, the risk of being turned away at check-in becomes real. Foreign-friendly hotels guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
For the full money guide, see Money and Costs in China. For accommodation options, see Where to Stay in China.