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
- Great Wall to Great Cities: Epic China Adventure from Beijing to Shanghai
- 11-Day Impressive China
- China Highlights
- 6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour: Explore Tibet's religion, cultural gems, and captivating landscapes
- 9-Day New Splendid China - Beijing, Shanghai, and East Part
- Economy Tour: Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Jade Gate Pass 7 Days
- Budget Tour: Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang, Jade Gate Pass 7 Days
- Hong Kong to Chengdu - 11 days
- Beijing to Shanghai Express - 10 days
- Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nepal
Great Wall to Great Cities: Epic China Adventure from Beijing to Shanghai
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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 $96 Operator The Dragon Trip From $1,128
15% Off- US$958You save $169
11-Day Impressive China
7 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“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, 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 Highlights
6 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was a useful introductory tour of China covering all the essential attractions.”
Andrew, traveled in October
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 $256 Operator Explore! From $2,760
7% Off- US$2,560You save $200
6 Days Central Tibet Culture Small Group Tour: Explore Tibet's religion, cultural gems, and captivating landscapes
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The hotel has no air conditioning and I was arranged a room at the south side which was a boiler room.”
Ivy, traveled in June
At approx. $140 per day, this tour provides 3-star hotels with breakfast, a welcome dinner, and a local family lunch. The price includes all entrance fees, permits, and reliable transport between Lhasa, Gyantse, and Shigatse. Solo travelers can opt for room sharing to reduce costs.
Duration 6 days Destinations Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse Age Range Ages 7+ Price Per Day $133 Operator Tibet Vista From
7% Off- US$799
9-Day New Splendid China - Beijing, Shanghai, and East Part
5 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“It was very nice, I recomend it and I'll do it again.”
Vanessa, traveled in July
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
7% Off- US$799+$100 upfront costs
Your $260 daily rate covers 6 nights in 3-star hotels across Lanzhou, Zhangye, and Dunhuang. Package includes bullet train travel, Mogao Caves and Jiayuguan Fortress entry, plus daily breakfasts. Add camel rides at Mingsha Shan for extra excitement.
Duration 7 days Destinations Lanzhou, Zhangye, Jiayuguan, Dunhuang Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $228 Operator Silk Road Trips From
7% Off- US$1,599
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
7% Off- US$1,399
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, Chengdu Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $109 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,260
5% Off- US$1,197You save $63
The tour costs around $130 daily, with hostel accommodation and public transport included. Add-ons like Peking duck dinners and Shanghai river cruises are optional. The Beijing 798 art district offers free exploration time.
Duration 10 days Destinations Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai Age Range Ages 18-55 Price Per Day $125 Operator On The Go Tours From $1,470
15% Off- US$1,250You save $221
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from Nepal
4 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The Kailash Mansarovar Tour from Nepal with Peregrine was well-organized and hassle-free. The team took care of permits, lodging, and transportation.”
Carol, traveled in September
Your $530 daily rate includes hotels in Kerung and Saga, plus guesthouses near Mount Kailash. Daily breakfast, English-speaking guides, monastery entry, and all permits included.
Duration 10 days Destinations Kathmandu, Gyirong, Saga County, Lake Manasarovar, Mount Kailash, Trishuli Age Range Ages 7+ Price Per Day $294 Operator Peregrine Treks and Expedition Pvt Ltd From
15% Off- US$2,940
What people love about Budget Tours in China
- Great Wall to Great Cities: Epic China Adventure from Beijing to Shanghai
I took their Beijing tour back a few years ago and loved it!! I still can't believe I saw so much of China in just 3 weeks! The hostels were actually really nice, and the experiences were incredible. Guides were all super friendly and had fun recommendations. When meals weren't provided, we'd get a group dinner together which was super fun. At times I was the most exhausted I've ever been, but the guides were super motivated and kept the energy up. I know people who have gone on more expensive tours of China and didn't get to do the cool stuff we did like camping on the great wall of china or training with shaolin warriors.
- 11-Day Impressive China
Excellent tour itinerary and accommodations at such a great value! Would definitely do it again and would also recommend it to anyone who would like to visit China at an affordable cost.
- 9-Day New Splendid China - Beijing, Shanghai, and East Part
It was very nice, I recomend it and I’ll do it again
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."