Budget Travel in China: 10 Days of Adventure on a Shoestring

Traveling to China is a dream for many, filled with cultural richness, historical wonders, and breathtaking landscapes. But what if you're on a budget? Can you still experience the beauty and diversity of this vast country without breaking the bank? Absolutely! With careful planning and smart choices, you can enjoy a 10-day adventure in China on a budget, experiencing the best of what this incredible country has to offer.

In this guide, we'll take you through a detailed day-by-day itinerary, including tips on where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, and what to see—all while keeping your expenses low. From the bustling streets of Beijing to the tranquil landscapes of Guilin, this itinerary is designed for budget travelers who want to make the most of their time and money in China.

Day 1-3: Beijing - The Capital of Ancient and Modern Wonders

Accommodation: Hostels in Beijing are affordable and offer great value for money. Popular choices include Peking Youth Hostel and Beijing Downtown Backpackers. Prices range from $10 to $20 per night for a dorm bed.

Food: Street food is the way to go. You can find delicious dumplings, noodles, and Peking duck for under $5 per meal. Don't miss the food stalls at Wangfujing Snack Street for a variety of local snacks.

Transportation: The subway in Beijing is incredibly efficient and cheap. A single ride costs between $0.30 and $1. You'll also need to budget for a couple of taxi rides or bike rentals, which are both affordable.

Sightseeing:

• Day 1: Start your journey at the Forbidden City ($10 entrance fee) and then visit Tiananmen Square (free).
• Day 2: Spend the day at the Great Wall of China. The Badaling section is the most popular and easiest to access. Budget around $8 for the entrance and $4 for the round-trip bus fare.
• Day 3: Explore the Temple of Heaven ($5 entrance fee) and Summer Palace ($7 entrance fee).

Total Estimated Cost for Beijing: $100-$150

Day 4-5: Xi'an - The Cradle of Chinese Civilization

Accommodation: Xi'an also offers budget-friendly hostels like Han Tang Inn Hostel, with prices ranging from $8 to $15 per night.

Food: The Muslim Quarter is a must-visit for street food lovers. You can enjoy a hearty meal for around $3-$5.

Transportation: Xi'an's public bus system is very cheap, with fares as low as $0.15 per ride. You might also need to budget for a taxi or shared bike rental.

Sightseeing:

• Day 4: Visit the Terracotta Army ($15 entrance fee). To save money, take the public bus to get there.
• Day 5: Explore the Ancient City Wall ($8 for bike rental) and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda ($6 entrance fee).

Total Estimated Cost for Xi'an: $70-$100

Day 6-7: Chengdu - The Land of Pandas and Spicy Cuisine

Accommodation: Stay in budget hostels like Chengdu Flipflop Lounge Hostel, where beds cost $8 to $15 per night.

Food: Chengdu is famous for its spicy food. Try hotpot or street snacks like "dan dan noodles" for $3-$6 per meal.

Transportation: The metro system is affordable and convenient, with fares ranging from $0.30 to $0.70.

Sightseeing:

• Day 6: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding ($10 entrance fee). Spend the rest of the day exploring the Jinli Ancient Street (free).
• Day 7: Take a day trip to Leshan Giant Buddha ($12 entrance fee, $8 for transportation).

Total Estimated Cost for Chengdu: $80-$120

Day 8-10: Guilin & Yangshuo - Picturesque Landscapes and Rural Charm

Accommodation: Hostels in Guilin and Yangshuo are slightly more expensive, with prices ranging from $10 to $20 per night. Yangshuo Travellers Land Youth Hostel is a good option.

Food: Try local specialties like Guilin rice noodles, which cost around $2-$4 per meal.

Transportation: The best way to explore Yangshuo is by renting a bike ($3-$5 per day) or taking a bamboo raft on the Li River ($10-$15).

Sightseeing:

• Day 8: Spend the day in Guilin, visiting the Reed Flute Cave ($10 entrance fee) and Elephant Trunk Hill ($5 entrance fee).
• Day 9: Head to Yangshuo and explore the Yulong River by bike (free) and the Moon Hill ($5 entrance fee).
• Day 10: Take a leisurely bamboo raft ride on the Li River ($15) and visit the Xingping Ancient Town (free).

Total Estimated Cost for Guilin & Yangshuo: $100-$150

Budget Breakdown

• Accommodation: $120-$200
• Food: $150-$200
• Transportation: $80-$100
• Sightseeing: $100-$150

Grand Total: $450-$650

Final Tips for Budget Travelers in China

1. Use Public Transportation: Buses, subways, and trains are not only cheap but also an excellent way to experience local life.
2. Eat Like a Local: Street food and small local restaurants offer the best value and a true taste of China.
3. Bargain When Shopping: Haggling is common in markets, so don't be afraid to negotiate prices.
4. Travel Off-Peak: Avoid major holidays and peak seasons to save on accommodation and transportation.

China is a land of endless adventure, where even on a tight budget, you can explore ancient history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. With this 10-day itinerary, you'll be able to see the highlights of Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guilin without overspending. Happy travels!