Affordable China Travel Guide for Backpackers
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
So you're thinking about backpacking through China but worried it’s gonna break the bank? Let me tell you — as someone who’s crisscrossed this massive country on a shoestring — China is one of the most affordable and rewarding destinations for budget travelers. From bullet trains to street dumplings, here’s your no-BS guide to seeing China without draining your wallet.
Why China Is Perfect for Budget Backpackers
Forget the myth that China’s expensive. In reality, daily costs outside major hubs like Shanghai or Beijing are shockingly low. I spent 3 weeks traveling through Yunnan, Sichuan, and Guangxi for under $60/day — and that includes hostels, food, transport, and even some temple entry fees.
The real game-changer? China’s public transportation. The high-speed rail network covers over 45,000 km — the longest in the world — and tickets are way cheaper than flights. Plus, local buses and subways in cities cost just a few cents.
Sample Daily Budget (Per Person)
| Expense | Cheap Option | Mid-Range |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Bed | $8–12 | $15–20 |
| Meals (3x street food) | $6–9 | $12–18 |
| Local Transport | $1–3 | $5–8 |
| Attractions | $5–10 | $15–25 |
| Total | $20–34 | $47–71 |
See that? You can live decently for under $35 a day if you stick to hostels, eat like a local, and walk more than you taxi.
Top Money-Saving Tips
- Eat street food — Seriously, those sizzling skewers and steaming buns aren’t just delicious — they’re $1–2 each. Cities like Chengdu and Xi’an are food paradise for pennies.
- Travel overnight — Save on a night’s accommodation by taking overnight trains or buses. I took a sleeper train from Beijing to Xi’an for $25 — bed included!
- Use Didi & Alipay — Download these apps before you go. Didi (China’s Uber) is cheap, and Alipay makes cashless payments a breeze — even at noodle stands.
One thing many backpackers overlook? affordable China travel isn’t just about cutting corners — it’s about smart choices. For example, visiting national parks on weekdays saves up to 30% vs. holiday pricing.
If you're serious about exploring Asia on a budget, don’t sleep on China. With the right planning, you can experience ancient temples, mountain hikes, and vibrant cities for less than you’d spend in Thailand or Vietnam. And once you’ve mastered the art of backpacking in China, you’ll wonder why everyone’s still flocking to Bali.