10 Days in China on a Budget

China, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is a dream destination for many travelers. However, the perception of China as an expensive country often deters budget travelers. This article will guide you on how to spend 10 days in China on a budget, covering everything from accommodation, transportation, food, and activities. With careful planning and smart choices, you can enjoy a fulfilling trip without breaking the bank.

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Accommodation: Start your journey in Beijing, the capital of China. Opt for budget-friendly hostels or guesthouses that can be found in central areas like Dongcheng or Xicheng. Prices range from $10 to $20 per night for dormitory-style rooms.

Transportation: Upon arrival, purchase a transportation card (Yikatong) for seamless travel on Beijing's extensive metro system. A metro ride costs between $0.30 to $1 depending on the distance.

Food: Street food is your best friend. Sample traditional Beijing snacks like Jianbing (savory pancakes) or Baozi (steamed buns) for less than $2 per meal.

Activities: Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Entrance to the Forbidden City is about $6, and you can spend hours exploring this vast imperial palace. In the evening, stroll around Houhai Lake, which is free to explore.

Day 2: Great Wall of China

Transportation: Take a public bus or join a budget tour to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. A round-trip bus fare costs around $5.

Activities: The entrance fee to Mutianyu is $6. To save money, skip the cable car and hike up the wall. The views are rewarding, and it’s an excellent way to experience one of the wonders of the world.

Food: Bring snacks and water from Beijing to avoid overpriced food near the tourist site.

Day 3: Beijing to Xi’an

Transportation: Take an overnight train from Beijing to Xi’an. This will save you the cost of a night’s accommodation. A hard sleeper berth costs about $30.

Day 4: Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an

Accommodation: Stay in a budget hostel in the city center for around $10 per night.

Transportation: Use public buses or rent a bicycle to get around Xi’an. The bus fare is typically $0.20 per ride.

Activities: Visit the Terracotta Warriors, with an entrance fee of $15. Spend the rest of the day exploring Xi’an’s ancient city walls, which can be walked or cycled for $3.

Food: Try Xi’an’s famous street food at the Muslim Quarter, where you can enjoy dishes like lamb skewers and roujiamo (Chinese burgers) for under $5.

Day 5: Xi’an to Chengdu

Transportation: Take a high-speed train to Chengdu, which costs around $40 and takes about 4 hours.

Day 6: Pandas in Chengdu

Accommodation: Chengdu offers numerous budget hostels for $10 to $15 per night.

Activities: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The entrance fee is $8. Spend the afternoon at People’s Park, where you can experience local culture and even join in a tea ceremony for around $3.

Food: Enjoy a budget-friendly Sichuan hotpot. Many restaurants offer individual pots where you can cook your selection of meats and vegetables for about $10.

Day 7: Chengdu to Guilin

Transportation: Take an overnight train to Guilin for around $30 in a hard sleeper berth.

Day 8: Exploring Guilin and Yangshuo

Accommodation: Stay in a budget hostel in Guilin or Yangshuo, with prices starting at $10 per night.

Activities: Explore the Li River by taking a budget bamboo raft ride from Yangdi to Xingping for about $10. The stunning karst landscape is the highlight of any trip to Guilin. In the afternoon, rent a bicycle for $2 and explore the countryside around Yangshuo.

Food: Dine at local eateries where you can get Guilin rice noodles for as little as $1.50.

Day 9: Guilin to Shanghai

Transportation: Take a budget flight to Shanghai. If booked in advance, tickets can be found for as low as $50.

Day 10: Exploring Shanghai

Accommodation: Opt for a budget hostel in areas like Jing’an or the French Concession for around $15 per night.

Activities: Visit the Bund, a waterfront area in central Shanghai, which is free to explore. For an affordable cultural experience, visit the Shanghai Museum, which offers free entry.

Food: Sample street food in the Old City or try a bowl of Shanghai-style wonton soup for around $3.

Final Budget Breakdown

• Accommodation: $150
• Transportation: $200
• Food: $100
• Activities: $60
• Total: $510

Conclusion

Traveling through China on a budget is entirely possible with careful planning and wise spending. This 10-day itinerary covers some of the most iconic sights while keeping costs low. From the Great Wall of China to the bustling streets of Shanghai, you can experience the rich diversity of China without stretching your wallet. By prioritizing budget accommodation, local food, and affordable transportation, your adventure in China will be both memorable and economical.