When I first set foot in China, I thought I'd have to spend a fortune because I assumed it was an expensive country. But after a few trips, I realized: if you know how, you can travel China on a very reasonable budget. Today I'll share practical tips that have helped me save on flights, hotels, and food.
Quick Facts
- Best time to go: April-May and September-October (avoid Chinese New Year and the first week of October Golden Week).
- Suggested duration: 7-10 days for Beijing-Shanghai or Chengdu-Chongqing.
- Reference budget: About 500-800 CNY/day (including hotel, food, transport, sightseeing).
- Getting around: Subway is cheapest (3-6 CNY per ride). Buses are also economical. DiDi is affordable for short distances.
- Connectivity: Don't forget to buy a China eSIM from SimNha before your trip for high-speed 4G/5G and avoid expensive roaming fees.
Snagging Cheap Flights
Flights are usually the biggest expense. I once flew from Hanoi to Beijing round-trip for just 1.2 million VND by timing it right.
My tips:
- Book 6-8 weeks in advance: Prices are usually lowest. Avoid booking last-minute as fares often double.
- Fly on weekdays: Tuesday and Wednesday are often cheaper than weekends. I once saved 30% just by flying on a Tuesday instead of Friday.
- Choose budget airlines: Spring Airlines, China Eastern often have good deals. Note: checked baggage usually costs extra (around 200-300 CNY).
- Hunt deals on websites: Skyscanner, Google Flights, or local sites like Ctrip. I often use Google Flights to track prices.
💡 Tip: If flying to multiple cities, buy one-way tickets between points instead of round-trip. Sometimes cheaper and more flexible.
Affordable Yet Quality Hotels
In China, you don't need to spend a lot on accommodation. I once stayed at a clean 3-star hotel right in central Shanghai for just 250 CNY/night.
Best options:
- Budget hotels: Chains like Hanting, Home Inn, Jinjiang Inn offer clean rooms with good WiFi, from 150-300 CNY/night. Booking through Ctrip or Meituan is usually cheaper.
- Homestays: On Airbnb or Tujia, you can rent a small apartment for 200-400 CNY/night, with a kitchen.
- Hostels: If traveling solo and on a budget, hostel dorms cost only 50-100 CNY/bed. I once stayed at a hostel in Beijing for 70 CNY/night, clean with breakfast.
⚠️ Note: When booking, check the location near a subway station. Being far from the center may be cheaper but costs time commuting.
Eating Well on a Budget
Chinese cuisine is diverse and affordable if you eat like a local.
Must-try dishes:
- Beef noodles (牛肉面): In Lanzhou, a steaming bowl costs only 15-20 CNY. In other cities, around 20-30 CNY.
- Baozi (包子): Every morning I'd eat 2-3 meat buns, 1-2 CNY each, with soy milk (3 CNY).
- Box lunches (盒饭): In office areas, you can buy a lunch box with meat and veggies for 15-25 CNY.
- Skewers (烧烤): At night, street stalls sell skewers for 2-5 CNY each, delicious and fun.
Other money-saving tips:
- Eat at local food courts: Avoid restaurants near tourist attractions. I often look for night markets or small food streets.
- Cook yourself: If staying in a homestay with a kitchen, buy groceries at supermarkets like Vanguard or Carrefour. A home-cooked meal costs only 10-20 CNY.
- Drink tap water: Buy a 1.5L water bottle at a convenience store for 2-3 CNY. Avoid buying soft drinks at eateries as they're more expensive.
💡 Tip: Always carry a reusable water bottle. Many public places have free hot water dispensers.
Economical Domestic Travel
Traveling between cities can be costly if you take high-speed trains. But there are cheaper ways.
- Regular trains (硬座): From Beijing to Shanghai, a regular seat costs only 150 CNY, while a high-speed G train costs 550 CNY. It takes 12 hours but you can sleep.
- Long-distance buses: Cheaper than trains, but more time-consuming. I once took a bus from Chongqing to Chengdu for only 80 CNY.
- Budget domestic flights: Spring Airlines often has tickets for 200-300 CNY for short routes. Book early for best prices.
Final Thoughts
Traveling in China doesn't have to be expensive if you're willing to research and be flexible. I've had 10-day trips for only 6 million VND all-in, still eating well, staying clean, and having fun. Most importantly, you need a stable internet connection to search for info, book tickets, and stay in touch. I always buy a China eSIM from SimNha before I go – just a few steps to install, and I have 4G/5G data without interruptions. Wishing you a happy and budget-friendly trip!
