11 Tips to Travel to China on a Budget without Losing Mental Sanity

Traveling to China on a budget is easy! But (yes, there’s a but), as a foreign tourist, you’ll quickly realize how cheap everything is—especially compared to most European countries or the US. This may lead to spending more often than expected, and suddenly, your budget is much higher than planned. Take it from someone who spent around $100 on tea during her first trip to Shanghai!

I’ve lived and traveled around this country for over a year and have come up with 11 fantastic tips for traveling to China on a budget. These tips let you live unique experiences while keeping your mental sanity (and wallet) intact. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Wait a minute! Before departure, make sure to check out my China Travel Guide! You’ll find all the tips and tricks to avoid those last-minute emergencies and nasty surprises once in the Far East 🏮

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Table of Contents

11 Tips to Travel to China on a Budget

11 Tips to Travel to China on a Budget

1. Don’t forget to Check Out the Hostels

In China, depending on the time of year and the city, hotel rates are already lower than what we’re used to as Western tourists. If you’re lucky enough to have the chance to travel off-peak, you can easily find 5-star hotels for around $50 per night. For example, I randomly picked this 5-star hotel in downtown Shanghai. How much would you pay for the same type of hotel in, let’s say, Rome? A lot more…

And don’t forget to check out hostels. Personally, I had never stayed in a hostel before my time in China, and I was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness of the rooms and the quality of the services. The Youth International Hostel on East Nanjing Road is the best option in Shanghai. For around $25 per person, it offers private room accommodations with bunk beds, a free gym, coffee, and one of the best locations in town. And this is Shanghai we’re talking about—the most expensive city in China!

If you travel to an off-the-beaten-path location like Gansu Province, prices are around $15 per night (that’s what I paid when I was there). So, consider all your options before booking accommodation—you might be surprised how much you can save!

2. Travel Off-Peak Season (If You Can)

If you can travel off-peak, you’re already one step ahead in saving big money! And off-peak season in China isn’t necessarily what we mean in the West. High season in China runs from May to August—school’s out, and the weather is nice. But as travelers, this is precisely the time we want to avoid. Summer in China is unbearable unless you’re heading to the northern territories near the Russian border.

So, when’s the perfect time to visit China, save money, and avoid extreme temperatures? The shoulder season: September to October and March to April. If I had to narrow it down, I’d pick March to April. There are no looming national holidays, and the weather is perfect!

Out of curiosity, I checked flights for March from Rome to Shanghai. A direct round-trip flight costs around $650, with luggage included. Want to know the fun part? I paid more than double that price for the flight booked in late June. Don’t be like me—travel off-peak!

3. Book High-Speed Trains for Internal Transportation

I’m a fan of Chinese high-speed trains! They’re so comfortable and fast, and they’ll take you anywhere in the country! While they can’t be considered the cheapest transportation option (hello, night trains!), they’re a good compromise between comfort and price. The worst thing that could happen is a screaming kid sitting nearby (so pack some earplugs).

That said, depending on the length of the journey and the price difference, you’ll have to decide whether to save money or time. For example, when I traveled from Xi’an to Guilin, I chose to fly for around $140 (8 hours gained vs $50 lost). Personally, I always take the high-speed train if the journey takes less than 8 hours. This is a good compromise: while 8 hours of train travel is still a lot, you must consider the time (and money) spent at the airport. So, whether you prefer saving money or time is up to you.

4. Night Trains to Save Real Money and Time (Likely Missing Some Sleep and Comfort)

Traveling while you sleep seems like a smart option if you’re short on time and need to cover long distances. However, you may be disappointed with what I’m about to share.

Out of curiosity, I compared the prices of a high-speed and a night train from Xi’an to Guilin: $92 for the high-speed train (which takes around nine hours) vs. $27 for the night train’s cheapest option – a hard seat on a 24-hour journey. The last option will definitely help you save money, but your mental sanity? I’m not sure about that!

Maybe you’re a hardcore backpacker willing to give it a shot. If you do, please let me know how it goes—I’m sure you’ll come back with plenty of stories to share!

5. Avoid Fancy Western Restaurants (Created Mainly for Tourists)

When I travel to China, I’m all about keeping it local. What’s more exciting than ordering without fully knowing what you’ll get? Don’t worry—it’s never as scary as it sounds, and Chinese food is delicious!

Food is not expensive in China. If you know what to look for, you can spend less than $10 for a complete meal. As a rule, don’t look out for fancy restaurants specifically created to cater to the needs of foreign tourists. For example, last time I was in Shanghai, I went for the first time to Lost Heaven. The food was delicious and the service impeccable, and when I saw the bill, I had to double-check out the window to ensure I was still in China—the cheapest country I’ve ever traveled to.

So, what to look for? Anything else! On the main streets, plenty of small restaurants prepare homemade dumplings, baozi, soups, vegetables, and more. Be open, trust your instincts, and don’t worry if the restaurant floor isn’t as spotless as expected—it doesn’t mean anything in China! Don’t forget to check out some tips on avoiding the language barrier when ordering at Restaurants!

6. Don’t Get Too Excited with Tea and Other Souvenirs

As mentioned earlier, I splurged around $100 on tea during my first trip to Shanghai. I didn’t share that on my most recent trip, I spent another $50 on tea! Sure, it’s half as much as the first time, but let’s be honest—it’s still quite a lot.

Getting excited about souvenirs and all those tiny, cute things you can’t find anywhere else in the world but in China will hit your holiday budget hard. Here’s what happens if you’re not careful: you’ll marvel at how cheap everything is, keep buying more, and then, on the last day, realize you’ve spent a fortune—and none of those souvenirs fit in your luggage!

Plan a budget for souvenirs and stick to it. If you’re more into quality than quantity, I recommend researching what’s truly worth bringing back from China: elegant silk foulards or authentic jade bracelets (I purchased one during my last trip). These items may cost more, but at least they won’t end up lost in the clutter.

7. Don’t Be Scared of Meeting and Sharing with Other Travelers

The best way to save money on transportation is by ride-sharing with other travelers you meet. If there’s one thing all China travelers have in common, it’s the fear of being scammed by taxi drivers and end up paying a fortune.

First, always use licensed taxis. If a well-dressed Chinese man approaches you asking if you need a ride, politely decline—that’s Rule #1. Rule #2 is to split the cost of taxi rides with other travelers.

For instance, if you spot someone at the airport who looks as lost as you, consider asking if they’d like to share the ride (maybe they even speak Chinese). Another scenario is when visiting remote locations, often accessible only by taxi or private transport. Ask other travelers at your hostel which sights they plan to visit and see if you can team up to share the ride.

8. Research Free Attractions

You’ll be amazed at how many parks, museums, temples, and unique districts you can visit for free in China. While the cost of attractions in China is not as high as we’re used to, if you’re tight on budget, you may have to make choices and fill up your trip with free attractions. See below for some free attractions in major cities:

Shanghai

French Concession
The bund
Tianzi Fang

Beijing

Tiananmen Square
Jingshan Park
National Museum of China
798 Art District

Xi’an

Shaanxi History Museum
Muslim Quarter
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Area

Guangzhou

Temple of Six Banyan Trees
Shamian Island
Canton Tower area and bridge

9. Use the Subway or Walk as Much as Possible

Subway in China is already the cheapest option —the most you’ll spend on a one-way journey is ¥6 if you’re heading out of town. For example, if you’re in Shanghai and want to visit Zhujiajiao Water Town, that’s about what it’ll cost you.

The eternal battle between taxi and subway comes down to a money vs. time dilemma. A taxi will save you time but cost more (unless you get stuck in traffic). On the other hand, if saving money is your top priority, the subway is an excellent option!

10. Refine Your Negotiation and Bargaining Techniques

China is the place to bargain! Many Chinese merchants would rather sell you something at a lower price than not sell anything at all. You don’t even need to speak Chinese! When it comes to money, we all speak the same language.

During my last trip to China, I witnessed a hilarious bargaining encounter: my Italian friend and a stubborn Chinese merchant negotiated the price of a qipao (the traditional Chinese dress) by typing numbers on a calculator until they reached a deal. Trust me, they might even try to speak English just to make the sale! So don’t hesitate to ask for a lower price—unless there’s a clear sign stating “no bargaining allowed”.

11. Get Lost (Literally) in Remote Areas instead of Traveling to Big Cities

The final tip, but no less critical: avoid the major cities. They’re beautiful, shiny—and also more expensive. From taxi rides to restaurants to hotels, everything costs more. If you’re on a strict budget, opt for lesser-known gems. These hidden spots might take a bit more planning effort, but they’ll be kinder to your wallet and just as amazing, if not more!

There you go! I hope these tips for discovering China on a budget will help you plan your future trip to one of my favorite countries. As mentioned, China is already a budget-friendly destination, but these suggestions can be helpful if you want to test your budgeting skills and become a pro in low-budget travel!

DISCLAIMER: These suggestions are purely based on my own experiences during my trip and is meant to provide suggestions for your adventure. Feel free to adapt it to your preferences—no need to follow it in detail. All instructions mentioned reflect my personal experiences at the time of writing and may have changed since. All opinions and recommendations shared here are my own, rooted in my unique journey through China.