Budget Tours to China
Think about walking along the Great Wall's old stones or marveling at Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors. China brings everything from Beijing's Forbidden City to Shanghai's futuristic Bund, Suzhou's classical gardens to Hangzhou's West Lake. Cruise the Grand Canal and taste authentic Peking Duck. The Middle Kingdom is ready on a budget.
10 best Budget China tour packages
Compiled by
NadineChina travel expert at TourRadar
- Shanghai Loop: Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an Chengdu & Beyond
- 11-Day Impressive China
- China Unveiled: 18-Day Journey from Hong Kong to Beijing
- 9-Day New Splendid China - Beijing, Shanghai, and East Part
- Highlights of China - Hong Kong to Beijing
- 7 Days Tibet Lhasa to Kathmandu Overland Group Tour
- Overland Tibet with EBC Tour 8 days
- Hong Kong to Chengdu - 11 days
- Great Wall to Great Cities: Epic China Adventure from Beijing to Shanghai
- Budget Tour: Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Jade Gate Pass 7 Days
Shanghai Loop: Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an Chengdu & Beyond
“The various cities visited, explored and wandered were all done in a timely manner as scheduled.”
Lolita, traveled in October
China comes alive at approx. $90 per day with 16 nights in hostels, train connections between 8 cities, and bilingual guides. Try bamboo rafting and cooking classes as add-ons. Great Wall camping and Panda Center visits come standard.
Duration 23 days Destinations Shanghai, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhengzhou, Beijing, Hangzhou Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $89 Operator The Dragon Trip From $2,421
15% Off- US$2,058
11-Day Impressive China
“Such an excellent tour at such a great price! Highly recommend!”
Todd, traveled in June
The tour costs $100 daily with 4-5 star hotels like Grand Park Wuxi. UNESCO sites await, with optional West Lake cruises ($35) and Terracotta Warriors tours ($89). Package includes breakfasts, 4 lunches, and internal flights Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai.
Duration 11 days Destinations Beijing, Juyongguan, Xi'an, Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Shanghai Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $100 Operator Intertrips From
15% Off- US$1,099+$120 upfront costs
China Unveiled: 18-Day Journey from Hong Kong to Beijing
“It is an amazing experience. I can recommend this trip in all ways!”
Michael, traveled in May
The adventure costs $100 per day, covering hostel stays and camping gear for Great Wall overnight stay. Highlights include bamboo rafting in Yangshuo, bike rentals in Xi'an, and authentic Muslim Quarter market food.
Duration 18 days Destinations Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Chengdu, Leshan, Xi'an, Dengfeng, Luoyang, Beijing Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $92 Operator The Dragon Trip From $1,949
15% Off- US$1,657
9-Day New Splendid China - Beijing, Shanghai, and East Part
“China truly is a majestic wonderland, brimming with unparalleled beauty and cultural riches.”
Golshid, traveled in April
This $90 per day tour provides deluxe hotels like Holiday Inn properties and daily breakfasts. Grand Canal rides in Suzhou start at $35. Domestic flights Beijing-Shanghai, tea ceremonies, and silk factory visits included.
Duration 9 days Destinations Beijing, Juyongguan, Suzhou, Wuxi, Hangzhou, Shanghai Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $89 Operator Intertrips From
15% Off- US$799+$100 upfront costs
Highlights of China - Hong Kong to Beijing
“Best holiday of our lives - we created a family memory that will stay with us forever.”
Ian, traveled in August
The tour, priced at $280 per day, includes 7 nights in standard hotels, 2 overnight trains, and major site entries. A Li River cruise, guided Terracotta Warriors tours, and Mutianyu Great Wall visits come with complimentary airport transfers.
Duration 10 days Destinations Hong Kong, Guilin, Yangshuo, Xi'an, Beijing Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $242 Operator Explore! From $2,760
12% Off- US$2,420
Duration 7 days Destinations Lhasa, Yamdroktso Lake, Shigatse, Gyantse, Tingri, Everest Base Camp, Gyirong Age Range Ages 6+ Price Per Day $155 Operator Top China Travel From
12% Off- US$1,082
Overland Tibet with EBC Tour 8 days
“These places were so beautiful that made me never want to leave. Everything was coordinated perfectly.”
The package costs $180 per day covering hotels, breakfast, and monastery fees. Optional EBC permits ($150) and Tibet visa ($125) available. Local hotels in Lhasa, Shigatse, and Gyantse included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kathmandu, Gyirong County, Tingri, Shigatse, Gyantse, Lhasa Age Range Ages 16+ Price Per Day $184 Operator Adventure Himalayan Travels From
12% Off- US$1,475
A cost-effective tour at $120 per day covers hostel stays and essential transportation. Visit Hong Kong's Victoria Peak, Yangshuo's Yulong River, and Chengdu's Panda Centre. Chinese cooking classes and local village visits remain optional.
Duration 11 days Destinations Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Chongqing, Chengdu, Leshan Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $98 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,270
15% Off- US$1,080
Great Wall to Great Cities: Epic China Adventure from Beijing to Shanghai
“I was very impressed with the accounting for optional activities.”
ColleenGellein, traveled in March
The tour costs $100 per day with hostel stays, Great Wall camping, and public transport. Tiananmen Square visits included, with optional acrobatics shows available.
Duration 10 days Destinations Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $103 Operator The Dragon Trip From $1,213
15% Off- US$1,031
The $200 daily package features 3-star hotels, English guides, and entry to Mogao Caves and Jiayuguan Fort. Four historic cities unfold with included breakfasts and bullet train travel from Lanzhou to Zhangye.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $200 Operator Silk Road Trips From
15% Off- US$1,399
What people love about Budget Tours in China
The tour was incredible it far passed expection. If your thinking of going to China you should 100% go and with the dragon trip. All the guides couldn't be more helpful and everything was organised perfectly
Shanghai Loop: Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an Chengdu & Beyond
- 11-Day Impressive China
Such an excellent tour at such a great price! Highly recommend!
- China Unveiled: 18-Day Journey from Hong Kong to Beijing
Very great trip for budget travellers. Fantastic tour for packing in the ‘must see’ highlights around China.
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to China
How much additional money should I bring for optional activities?
Budget travelers should set aside $200-300 USD for a 10-14 day tour in China to cover extra activities. The Great Wall toboggan ride costs $15 USD while evening entertainment like Beijing's kung fu shows run about $35 USD. In Yangshuo river cruises cost around $20 USD. Recent travelers report these add-ons are worth the cost with one noting: "The optional activities like the bike ride in Yangshuo and the evening shows in Xi'an were reasonably priced and definitely worth the extra cost."
What are the most budget-friendly cities to visit in China?
Head west for better value. Cities like Chengdu Xi'an and Lanzhou offer more bang for your buck compared to Beijing or Shanghai. Chengdu's Panda Research Base and traditional tea houses keep costs low while Xi'an's Muslim Quarter serves up affordable street food. Budget hotels cluster near Xi'an's city walls. One traveler reports: "Chengdu was surprisingly affordable - we could enjoy local specialties and attractions without spending too much plus the hostels were clean and well-located."
When is the most affordable time to visit China?
Book during March-May or September-November for the best value. Winter brings the lowest prices especially in Beijing where hotels cut rates up to 40% but prepare for cold weather. Skip major holidays like October's Golden Week when costs spike nationwide. Places like Yangshuo offer better rates in early spring before peak season. As one visitor found: "We traveled in March and found great value plus smaller crowds at major attractions like the Terracotta Warriors."
What type of accommodation is provided on budget tours in China?
Expect shared rooms in hostels and guesthouses with 4-6 beds per room. Some tours include camping experiences. Popular budget accommodations include spots like the Jinggu Hotel in Urumqi and Hantang Hotel in Dunhuang. Guest feedback remains positive with one traveler noting: "The hostels were actually really nice and the experiences were incredible."
Are entrance fees to major attractions included in budget tours?
Standard packages cover main attractions: Great Wall at Mutianyu ($25 USD) Terracotta Warriors ($25 USD) and Forbidden City ($15 USD). Extra activities like Chengdu's Sichuan Opera ($30 USD) or scenic cable car rides cost extra. Previous guests found value in the included entries with one noting: "Having entrance fees included in our tour of the Mogao Caves and Jiayuguan Fort saved us quite a bit compared to arranging everything independently."
What's included in meals on budget China tours?
Most tours cover daily breakfast and select group dinners. Budget for other meals on your own. The Silk Road tour offers 6 breakfasts and 1 lunch during its week-long journey. Local restaurants recommended by guides typically cost $3-8 per meal. Travelers often arrange informal group dinners with one sharing: "we'd get a group dinner together which was super fun."