China Travel Guide
From the majestic Great Wall winding across mountain ridges to the Forbidden City in Beijing, the karst peaks of Guilin, the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, and the modern skyline of Shanghai — experience the rich history, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant culture of one of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
34 Provincial Divisions
¥150–300 Budget
Daily backpacker budget
Apr–May
Best travel seasons
Ancient Wonders & Vibrant Culture
Great Wall, cuisine, history & landscapes
Top Highlights in China
Travel Budget Guide
Realistic costs for your 30-day trip to China
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm: ¥50 – 100 / night
3★ Hotel / Guesthouse: ¥150 – 300 / night
4★ Hotel / Boutique: ¥350 – 600 / night
Food & Drinks
Street food / Noodles / Baozi: ¥10 – 25
Local Restaurant Dinner: ¥40 – 80
Beer / Soft Drink: ¥15 – 30
Coffee / Milk Tea: ¥12 – 28
Transportation
City Metro / Bus: ¥3 – 10
High-Speed Train (300 km): ¥120 – 280
Didi / Taxi ride: ¥20 – 60
Overnight Hard Sleeper: ¥150 – 280
Attractions & Activities
Temple / Museum Entry: ¥20 – 60
Great Wall / Zhangjiajie: ¥120 – 250
National Park Entry: ¥50 – 150
Guided Day Tour / Hike: ¥150 – 350
Best China Itineraries
Transport
How to Get to & Around China
Best ways to arrive and travel within the country
International Arrival
Beijing (PEK / PKX)
Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN)
Europe / Australia: ¥4,000 – 9,000
Asia hubs: ¥1,500 – 4,500
High-Speed Trains
Beijing → Shanghai: 4.5 hrs, ¥550
Shanghai → Hangzhou: 1 hr, ¥73
World’s largest high-speed network
Overnight Trains & Buses
Hard sleeper: ¥150 – 280
Long-distance buses for remote areas
Comfortable & budget-friendly
Metro, Didi & Local
City metro: ¥3 – 10
Didi (China’s Uber) everywhere
Best for flexibility in cities
Food & Drink
Diverse, bold and incredibly delicious Chinese cuisine
Must-Try Dishes
• Peking Duck – Crispy roast duck with pancakes
• Xiaolongbao – Soup dumplings from Shanghai
• Lanzhou Lamian – Hand-pulled beef noodles
• Sichuan Hotpot – Spicy numbing broth feast
• Jianbing & Baozi – Classic street breakfast
Drinks to Try
• Chinese Tea – Green, oolong, pu’er & jasmine
• Fresh Soy Milk (Doujiang)
• Milk Tea – Classic or bubble versions
• Tsingtao or local craft beer
• Baijiu (for the brave)
Where to Eat
• Street food stalls & night markets
• Local noodle shops & dumpling houses
• Hotpot restaurants (Sichuan style)
• Traditional tea houses & dim sum halls
Budget Tip: Excellent meals often under ¥30
Food Experiences
• Sichuan hotpot night with locals
• Dumpling or noodle-making class
• Traditional tea ceremony experience
• Night market food hopping
• Street breakfast tour (jianbing & youtiao)
Essential Travel Information for China
Everything you need to know before your trip
Need To Know
Currency: Chinese Yuan (CNY / ¥)
Language: Mandarin (English limited outside major cities)
Visa: Most nationalities need a visa in advance
Tap Water: Not safe to drink — use bottled or boiled
Daily Budget: ¥200–400 (budget) / ¥500–800 (comfortable)
Practical Tips
• Set up WeChat Pay & Alipay before arrival
• Download a reliable VPN (essential)
• Use Didi for taxis and Pleco for translation
• Carry your passport for train tickets & hotels
• Tipping is not expected in most places
When To Go
Best Time: April–May & September–October
Spring & Autumn: Mild weather, fewer crowds
Avoid Chinese New Year & Golden Week
Top Events:
• Chinese New Year (dates vary)
• Mid-Autumn Festival
• Harbin Ice Festival (winter)
Getting There & Around
• Fly into Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou
• World-class high-speed rail network
• Didi & metro systems in major cities
• Overnight hard-sleeper trains for longer routes