Planning a trip to China but unsure about costs? This guide breaks down essential expenses like accommodation, transport, food, and attractions, with practical tips to stretch your budget. Discover average prices for hostels, trains, street food, and popular sights, plus advice on handling visas and local transport. Whether exploring Beijing’s landmarks or Shanghai’s buzz, we’ll help you plan a memorable trip without overspending. Start your adventure with confidence – and keep your wallet happy!
7️⃣How Much Does a 7-Day Trip to China Cost?
Travelling to China for a week can cost between £1000 to £3,000+ per person, depending on your preferences. Budget travellers can enjoy street food and hostels, while luxury trips might include 5-star hotels and private tours. China offers great value, with options for every budget – just plan ahead to make the most of your trip!
| Category | Budget (£) | Mid-Range (£) | Luxury (£) |
Flights to China | 500–800 | 800–1,200 | 1,500+ |
Accommodation | 210–420 | 490–840 | 1,050+ |
Food | 105–210 | 210–350 | 420+ |
Transport | 35–70* | 105–210* | 280+* |
Attractions | 70–140 | 140–280 | 350+ |
Visa (Regular) | 130 | 130 | 130 |
Extras | 20–50 | 50–100 | 150+ |
Total (7 days) | 1,070–1,820 | 1,925–3,110 | 3,880+ |
*Based on 2025 info; check details before travelling.
*Transport costs cover daily city travel (e.g., buses/taxis). Long-distance trains/flights between cities cost extra (e.g., £80–£120 for a high-speed train between cities).
🛬How Much Does a Flight to China Cost?
Flights to China from the UK vary depending on the season, airline, and how early you book. A return flight to China from the UK typically costs between £500 to £1,500+, depending on your travel dates and preferences. Budget travellers can find cheaper tickets during quieter months (like autumn or winter), while summer trips tend to be pricier. Prices also rise for last-minute bookings or premium seats. To save money, compare airlines (e.g., British Airways, China Southern) and use price-tracking tools.
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
Economy Class | £500–£800 | £800–£1,200 | £1,500+ |
Season | Low (Oct–Mar) | Mid (Apr–Jun, Sep) | High (Jul–Aug) |
Booking Tip | 3–6 months ahead | 2–4 months ahead | Flexible dates |
*Based on 2025 info; check latest details before travel.
🏨How Much Does a Hotel Cost in China?
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Hotel prices in China vary by city, season, and type of accommodation. A night in a Chinese hotel costs between £20 to £300+, depending on your needs. Budget travellers can find clean hostels or guesthouses for under £50, while luxury stays in cities like Shanghai or Beijing might exceed £300. Prices rise during holidays (e.g., Chinese New Year) or peak seasons (July–August). To save money, book online in advance and consider smaller cities for better deals.
| Category | Budget (£) | Mid-Range (£) | Luxury (£) |
Hotel Type | Hostels/Guesthouses | 3–4 Star Hotels | 5-Star Hotels |
Price Range | 20–50 | 60–120 | 150–300+ |
Season Tip | Cheaper in low season (Nov–Mar) | Slightly higher in spring/autumn | Peak prices in summer/holidays |
Location Tip | Cheaper in smaller cities (e.g., Chengdu) | Mid-range in cities like Xi’an | Expensive in Beijing/Shanghai |
*Based on 2025 info; check latest details before travel.
*Prices are per night in GBP (£) for a double room.
🚆How Much Does Transportation Cost in China?
Transport in China is budget-friendly, with metro rides under £1 and high-speed trains offering great value for long distances. Taxis are cheap for short trips, while apps like Didi (similar to Uber) make booking easy. For flexibility, consider bike hires or buses. Always check prices in local apps (Alipay/WeChat) and book trains/flights early to save money.
| Transport Type | Cost Range (£) | Details |
Metro/Bus (City) | £0.30–£0.60 per ride | Cheap, fast, and widely available in cities. |
Taxi (City) | £1.50–£15 per journey* | Starts at £1.50 base fare + £0.30–£0.50 per km. |
Bike/Scooter Hire | £0.20–£2 per hour | Use apps like Meituan or HelloBike. |
High-Speed Train | £30–£150 per trip | E.g., Beijing to Shanghai: £60–£120. |
Domestic Flights | £50–£200 per trip | Cheaper if booked in advance. |
Intercity Bus | £5–£20 per trip | Slower but budget-friendly for short routes. |
*Based on 2025 info; check latest details before travel.
*Journey costs depend on distance (e.g., £5 for 30 minutes in a city).
🔥Popular High-Speed Route | Duration (approx.) | 2nd Class Fare (￥) | Booking Method |
Beijing-Shanghai | 4h 18m | From ¥553 | |
Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong | 48m | From ¥185 | |
Shanghai-Hangzhou | 39m | From ¥51 | |
Beijing-Guangzhou | 7h 17m | From ¥862 | |
Chengdu-Chongqing | 1h 2m | From ¥129 | |
Shanghai-Suzhou | 10m | From ¥10 |
Notes:
- The duration of the table is based on the fastest train
- Booking platforms accept international cards
- Costs and times may vary slightly depending on specific trains
🍜How Much Does Food Cost in China?
Eating in China can be both tasty and budget-friendly. Food in China costs between £10 to £50+ per day, depending on your choices. Budget travellers can enjoy delicious street food (like dumplings or noodles) for under £5 a meal, while mid-range meals at local restaurants often cost £8–£15. Western dishes or luxury dining in cities like Shanghai will be pricier. Save money by trying street stalls and avoiding touristy areas. Use apps like Alipay or cash for small vendors. Happy eating!
| Category | Budget (£) | Mid-Range (£) | Luxury (£) |
Street Food | £1–£3 per meal | – | – |
Local Restaurants | £5–£8 per meal | £8–£15 per meal | £15+ per meal |
Western Food | – | £10–£20 per meal | £20+ per meal |
Daily Total | £10–£15 | £20–£40 | £50+ |
Tips | Stick to street markets | Mix local spots and cafes | Fine dining or hotel restaurants |
*Based on 2025 info; check latest details before travel.
🎡How Much Do China Attractions and Activities Cost?
Most attractions in China cost £4 to £40+ per person. Budget travellers can enjoy iconic sites like the Great Wall or Forbidden City for under £15, while guided tours or cultural experiences may cost more. Save money by booking tickets online (e.g., Trip.com), visiting in quieter seasons, or using public transport to reach sites.
| Attraction/Activity | Cost (£) | Details |
Great Wall (Mutianyu) | £4–£15 | Entry + optional shuttle/cable car. |
Forbidden City | £5 | Basic entry; audio guides cost extra. |
Terracotta Army | £13 | Includes museum access in Xi’an. |
Li River Cruise | £18–£40 | Half-day tours from Guilin. |
Chengdu Panda Base | £6 | Entry to see giant pandas. |
Shanghai Tower | £18 | Observation deck ticket. |
Tai Chi Class | £10–£25 | 1–2 hour sessions in parks or studios. |
Acrobatics Show | £15–£35 | Evening shows in cities like Beijing. |
Local Food Tour | £15–£35 | Guided street food tasting (2–3 hours). |
Note: Prices may vary slightly by location and season. Ticket prices for some attractions vary between low and peak seasons. Currency exchange rates affect final costs.
🛡️How Much Does Travel Insurance Cost to China?
Travel insurance for China costs £20–£120+ for a week, depending on your needs. Basic plans cover medical bills and lost bags, while comprehensive options include trip cancellations and emergency evacuations. Prices rise for older travellers or those with pre-existing conditions. Compare quotes online and buy early to save money. Stay safe!
| Coverage Type | Basic (£) | Mid-Range (£) | Comprehensive (£) |
Medical Cover | £20–£40 | £40–£70 | £70–£120+ |
Trip Cancellation | No | Yes (up to £3k) | Yes (up to £10k) |
Lost Luggage | £500 | £1,000 | £2,000+ |
Emergency Evacuation | No | Yes | Yes |
Recommended Providers | Post Office, InsureandGo | Allianz, CoverForYou | World Nomads, AXA |
*Based on 2025 info; check latest details before travel.
🛂 How Much Is a China Visa Fee?
A standard China visa for UK travellers costs £130 for most types (e.g., tourist or business visas). Extra fees apply for faster processing or postal services. Prices are set by the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (official website). For example, urgent applications cost up to £180. Always check the latest fees online and allow enough time to avoid rush charges.
| Visa Type | Standard Fee (£) | Processing Time |
Tourist (L Visa) | £130 | 4–7 working days |
Business (M Visa) | £130 | 4–7 working days |
Express Service | +£30–£50 | 2–3 working days |
Postal Application | +£15–£20 | Extra 2–3 days |
Note: Fees are updated regularly. Double-check the official site before applying.
💷Top Tips to Save Money
Travelling to China doesn’t have to be expensive! With a few smart choices, you can cut costs without missing out on the fun. Save money by staying in budget hotels, eating street food, and using public transport like metros or buses. Book attractions and trains early online for discounts, and avoid peak seasons (July–August) when prices soar. Small changes, like using local apps for payments or avoiding touristy restaurants, can make a big difference. Start planning now to enjoy China on a budget!
- Book flights and trains 3–6 months early.
- Travel in low season (November–March).
- Use apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay for discounts.
- Eat at local markets instead of tourist restaurants.