China Travel Budgeting Tips! 7 Smart Ways to Save on Your China Trip

Traveloka MY
27 May 2025 - 3 min read

From ancient wonders and mega cities to mountain villages and mouth-watering street eats, China is an endlessly rewarding country for every kind of traveller. But before you pack your bags, it’s essential to plan your travel budget.

The good news? China can be surprisingly affordable if you know how to navigate flights, hotels, food, and transport wisely. This guide breaks down exactly how much to spend per day and reveals smart tips to stretch your Ringgit — from budget meals and public transport to real-time deals on Traveloka.

Average China Travel Budget Breakdown (Per Day & Per Week)

Your travel style determines how much you’ll need. Here’s a quick guide to estimate your daily and weekly costs in Malaysian Ringgit (RM):

Traveller Type

Daily Budget (Approx.)

7-Day Estimate

Budget Traveller

RM150–RM250

RM1,050–RM1,750

Mid-range

RM300–RM600

RM2,100–RM4,200

Luxury

RM800 and above

RM5,600+

A budget traveller might stay in hostels, eat street food, and take metros. A mid-range traveller enjoys boutique hotels, regional flights, and museum visits. Luxury travellers opt for five-star suites, private transfers, and fine dining.

Cost of Flights to China

Return flights from Malaysia to China vary by season and departure city:

Budget airlines (AirAsia, Scoot): RM600–RM1,200
Full-service airlines (Malaysia Airlines, China Southern): RM1,200–RM2,000
Best months to book cheap flights: February–April, October–November (avoid Golden Week and Chinese New Year)

Traveloka’s Harga BAGUS helps you get the best prices on hotels and flights—check the terms to claim any price difference. Turn on Price Alerts to receive notifications for cheap flight deals.

Accommodation Costs in China

China offers a full range of stays — from hostels in Beijing Hutongs to luxury riverside suites in Shanghai.

Budget stays: RM50–RM100/night (hostels, capsule pods)
Mid-range hotels: RM150–RM300/night (boutique or 3-star hotels)
Luxury hotels: RM500/night and above (international chains or unique stays)

Budget-Friendly Areas to Stay:

Beijing: Near Wangfujing or Qianmen
Shanghai: People’s Square or Jing’an
Xi’an: Bell Tower or South Gate
Chengdu: Taikoo Li or Wuhou Shrine

Discover a wide range of accommodation options in China on Traveloka, from cosy capsule pods to luxurious 5-star suites. Easily filter by price, facilities, and type to find the perfect stay that suits your needs. Just search by area or city to explore plenty of recommendations!

Transportation Costs Within China

Getting around China is easy and economical — thanks to its world-class train network and metro systems.

Metro/Subway: RM1.50–RM4 per ride
High-Speed Trains: Beijing–Xi’an: RM150–RM250 (5–6 hrs) & Xi’an–Chengdu: RM120–RM200 (3–4 hrs)
Domestic Flights: RM150–RM400 (one-way if booked early)
Taxis/Didi (e-hailing): RM10–RM30 per ride in major cities
Tourist transport cards: Available in cities like Beijing & Shanghai for unlimited metro rides

Food and Drink Expenses

China is a paradise for foodies, including halal food.

Street food & local shops: RM5–RM15 per meal
Mid-range restaurants: RM20–RM50 per meal
Halal/International cuisine: RM30–RM80
Drinks: Bottled water RM1.50, tea RM3–RM10, coffee RM10–RM20

Budget tip: Grab bentos or snacks from nearby convenience stores. Tasty and affordable!

Popular Attractions and Entry Fees

You don’t have to splurge to explore China’s most iconic sites:

Attraction

Entry Fee (Approx.)

Great Wall (Mutianyu)

RM30–RM60

Forbidden City (Beijing)

RM40–RM60

Summer Palace

RM25–RM40

Terracotta Warriors

RM80–RM100

Chengdu Panda Base

RM40–RM60

Free Sites

Public parks, temples, some museums

Cultural experiences (opera shows, cooking classes) range from RM50 to RM150 depending on location.

Traveloka has got you covered with attraction tickets, fun tours, and even complete tour packages. Just type in any city and discover awesome recommendations to help you dive into the best of China’s adventures!

SIM Card, Internet & Miscellaneous Costs

Stay connected and savvy with minimal expense:

China eSIM or physical SIM card: GoHub, Simplify Trip, Sim2Go, Xplori, JavaMifi, and frewie available on Traveloka (RM30–RM50 for 5–7 days of data)
VPN: Essential if you need access to Google, Instagram, or WhatsApp
Currency Exchange Tip: Better rates at banks or official counters. Avoid airport kiosks.
Souvenirs: RM20–RM100 (tea, silk scarves, fans)
Travel insurance: RM50–RM100/week depending on coverage

Tips to Travel China on a Budget

1.
Travel off-season: Avoid Chinese New Year, Golden Week, and summer school holidays
2.
Use high-speed trains instead of flights when distances allow
3.
Learn basic Mandarin phrases or use a translation app
4.
Stay longer in fewer cities to save on transfers
5.
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay via prepaid travel cards — safer and faster
6.
Choose street food and local restaurants
7.
Book early via Traveloka to enjoy bundle promos and discounts

Start Your Journey to China With Traveloka!

With a bit of planning, China can be both affordable and incredible — no matter your budget. From street food in Xi’an to panda parks in Chengdu, every day brings new discoveries without draining your wallet.

Best Hotels in China for Staycation

Use Traveloka to easily compare flights, book comfortable hotels, grab discounted attraction tickets, and score exclusive bundle deals—perfect for your next holiday promo or spontaneous getaway!

Fun Activities in China

Ready to explore China without breaking the bank? Start planning your budget-friendly adventure with Traveloka today!

Discover flight with Traveloka

Fri, 22 Aug 2025

Shenzhen Airlines

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Beijing (PEK)

Start from RM 812.06

Sun, 17 Aug 2025

Firefly

Penang (PEN) to Beijing (PEK)

Start from RM 726.50

Sun, 17 Aug 2025

Cathay Pacific

Singapore (SIN) to Beijing (PEK)

Start from RM 785.27

In This Article

• Average China Travel Budget Breakdown (Per Day & Per Week)
• Cost of Flights to China
• Accommodation Costs in China
• Transportation Costs Within China
• Food and Drink Expenses
• Popular Attractions and Entry Fees
• SIM Card, Internet & Miscellaneous Costs
• Tips to Travel China on a Budget
• Start Your Journey to China With Traveloka!

Flights Featured in This Article

Fri, 22 Aug 2025
Shenzhen Airlines
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 812.06
Book Now
Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Firefly
Penang (PEN) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 726.50
Book Now
Sun, 17 Aug 2025
Cathay Pacific
Singapore (SIN) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 785.27
Book Now

Featured Destinations in This Article

Shanghai

China

Beijing

China

Xiamen

China

Wuhan

China
Hotels
Flights
Things to Do
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