Thinking about a travel to China but worried it’ll drain your bank account? Don’t stress — travel to China is packed with incredible experiences that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You’d be amazed how far your money can stretch here if you know where to go.
This guide covers five awesome cities where you can dive into rich culture, jaw-dropping scenery, and killer food — all without blowing your budget. Whether you’re chasing pandas, ancient history, or stunning landscapes, travel to China offers a budget-friendly adventure like no other.
Chengdu: The Heartbeat of Sichuan
Why you should visit:
✅ Home of the Giant Panda
✅ Spicy and affordable Sichuan cuisine
✅ Chill teahouse culture
If you’re planning to travel to China, Chengdu is a must-see destination. The city strikes the perfect balance between old and new – you’ll feel it the moment you arrive. And the pandas? Yeah, you HAVE to see them. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is a must. Entry’s about ¥58 (around $8), and you’ll get to see these fluffy legends chomping on bamboo and being generally adorable.
Food in Chengdu is next-level, especially if you love spice. Try Mapo Tofu — silky, spicy, and loaded with flavor – for around ¥15 ($2). And don’t skip Chuan Chuan Xiang – skewers of meat and veggies cooked in spicy broth. Each skewer’s about ¥0.5, so you can try a bunch without guilt.
When you need to chill, head to a teahouse. A pot of tea will set you back about ¥20 ($3), and it’s the perfect way to soak in the city’s laid-back vibe. People-watching included for free.
💡 Budget tip: Hostel dorms start at ¥60 ($9) a night, and budget hotels with private rooms go for around ¥120 ($18).
Xi’an: A Journey Through Time
Why you should visit:
✅ Ancient capital with deep history
✅ Cheap and delicious street food
✅ Biking along ancient city walls
If you’re aiming to travel to China for a mix of history and culture, Xi’an is the place. The Terracotta Army is mind-blowing. Seeing those life-sized warriors lined up in formation? Unreal. Tickets are about ¥120 ($17), and it’s totally worth it.
Hungry? Head to the Muslim Quarter – street food heaven. Try a Roujiamo (basically a Chinese hamburger) for about ¥10 ($1.50) or warm up with Yangrou Paomo, a lamb soup with crumbled flatbread, for around ¥25 ($3.50). Trust me, you’ll want seconds.
For a different view of the city, rent a bike and ride along the ancient city walls. ¥45 ($6) gets you a bike for a full loop, and the views are insane.
💡 Budget tip: Hostels start at ¥50 ($7.50) per night, and budget hotels with private rooms are around ¥100 ($15).
Guilin: Nature’s Painted Canvas
Why you should visit:
✅ Epic karst mountains
✅ Scenic Li River cruises
✅ Cheap outdoor adventures
Traveling to China without visiting Guilin would be a missed opportunity. Guilin looks like something out of a fantasy movie. The Li River cruise is a must – boats start at ¥150 ($21) and the views of the karst mountains reflecting off the water? Unreal. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a painting.
Feeling adventurous? Head to Yangshuo for rock climbing, hiking, or cycling through the countryside. Bike rentals are about ¥20 ($3) a day – cheap, easy, and a great way to explore at your own pace.
And the food? Simple and cheap. Try Guilin Rice Noodles for about ¥5 ($0.70) or grab a cup of Luo Han Guo (a sweet herbal drink) for around ¥3 ($0.50). It’s refreshing and perfect for hot days.
💡 Budget tip: Dorm beds go for about ¥40 ($6) a night, and budget hotels start at ¥100 ($15) for private rooms.
Hangzhou: A Tranquil Escape
Why you should visit:
✅ Gorgeous West Lake
✅ Famous tea culture
✅ Historic temples and pagodas
If you’re looking for a peaceful spot while you travel to China, Hangzhou is straight-up tranquil. The crown jewel is West Lake – and walking along its shores is totally free. If you want to upgrade the experience, take a boat ride for about ¥55 ($8). The view of ancient pagodas and willow trees from the water? Magical.
Tea lovers, you’re in for a treat. Hangzhou is home to Longjing Tea, one of the most famous teas in China. Head to a tea plantation, try a free tasting, and pick up some fresh tea for a fair price.
Feeling spiritual? Check out Lingyin Temple – one of the largest Buddhist temples in China. Entrance is ¥30 ($4), and the carvings alone are worth it.
💡 Budget tip: Dorms are around ¥70 ($10) a night, and budget hotels with private rooms start at ¥150 ($22).
Kunming: The City of Eternal Spring
Why you should visit:
✅ Pleasant climate year-round
✅ Mix of ethnic cultures
✅ Unique natural attractions
Kunming’s vibe is as laid-back as its weather – mild and pleasant all year. The top spot here is the Stone Forest – a surreal maze of towering limestone formations. Entry’s about ¥175 ($25), but it’s totally one of those “you gotta see it to believe it” places.
Kunming’s food scene reflects its cultural diversity. Try Crossing the Bridge Rice Noodles for about ¥15 ($2) or dig into Steam Pot Chicken for around ¥30 ($4.50). The flavors here are different from anywhere else in China.
💡 Budget tip: Hostel dorms start at ¥50 ($7.50), and budget hotels with private rooms are around ¥120 ($18).
Budget Tips for Traveling to China
- Trains: Affordable and efficient. Overnight trains save you money on accommodation.
- Accommodation: Hostels are cheap and easy to book through sites like Hostelworld.
- Street food: Tasty and cheap — just make sure it’s freshly cooked.
- Attractions: Many sites are free or low-cost. A China Tourist Pass could save you money if you’re hitting multiple spots.
- Language: Learn basic Mandarin phrases — it helps, especially outside major cities.
Final Thoughts on Travel to China
Traveling to China on a budget isn’t just possible — it’s easy. From Chengdu’s pandas to Guilin’s dreamlike landscapes, you can experience it all without spending a fortune.
Been to any of these cities? Got any budget-friendly tips? Drop a comment below — fellow travelers would love to hear from you!
And if you’re looking for more affordable travel ideas, check out my post on cheap travel to Italy.
Happy travels — and remember, the best adventures are the ones that don’t cost a fortune! 🌍✈️