🇨🇳 China's Best Tourist Spots and Their Travel Costs (2025 Guide

Temple of Heaven (天坛, Tiāntán)

🇨🇳 China's Best Tourist Spots and Their Travel Costs (2025 Guide)

China, a land of ancient wonders, futuristic cities, and jaw-dropping landscapes, is a dream destination for travelers. Whether you’re a history lover, nature enthusiast, or city explorer, China offers something for everyone. But how much does it actually cost to explore this vast country?

In this guide, I’ll take you through China’s top tourist destinations and break down the estimated travel costs to help you plan your trip smartly.

🏯 1. The Great Wall of China (Beijing)

Why visit: No trip to China is complete without standing on this ancient wonder that stretches over 13,000 miles.

Best Sections: Badaling (popular), Mutianyu (less crowded)

Entry Fee: ¥40–¥60 ($6–$9)

Transport: Bus or train from Beijing (~¥15–¥30)

Pro Tip: Wear good walking shoes—the wall can be steep in places!

🧭 Total Budget (Day Trip from Beijing):

Budget: $20

Mid-range: $30

Luxury (private tour): $100+

🏛️ 2. The Forbidden City (Beijing)

Why visit: Step back in time at this majestic imperial palace that housed 24 emperors.

Entry Fee: ¥60 ($8.50)

Audio Guide: Available for ¥40 ($6)

Opening Hours: Closed Mondays

🧭 Total Budget (Self-guided):

Budget: $10

Mid-range: $20

Luxury (guided tour): $50+

🛡️ 3. Terracotta Army (Xi’an)

Why visit: Discover the buried army of China’s first emperor—thousands of unique, life-sized warriors.

Entry Fee: ¥120 ($17)

Transport: Bus from Xi’an station (¥100)

Travel to Xi’an: High-speed train from Beijing (~¥500/$70), flight ~$80–100

🧭 Total Budget (From Xi’an):

Budget: $25

Mid-range: $40

Luxury (with private driver): $100+

🌄 4. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Hunan)

Why visit: These towering pillar-like mountains inspired the floating peaks in Avatar.

Park Entry (4 days): ¥228 ($32)

Glass Bridge: ¥138 ($19)

Cable Cars / Elevators: ¥65–¥100 each way

Transport: Flight or train to Zhangjiajie city

🧭 Total Budget (2-day visit):

Budget: $60

Mid-range: $100

Luxury: $200+

🚣 5. Guilin & Yangshuo (Guangxi)

Why visit: Cruise down the Li River and cycle through the peaceful countryside dotted with karst hills.

Li River Cruise: ¥200–¥450 ($28–$63)

Bike Rental: ¥20–¥40/day ($3–$6)

Rafting in Yangshuo: ¥100–¥150 ($14–$21)

🧭 Total Budget (2-day trip):

Budget: $50

Mid-range: $80

Luxury (with 5-star river cruise): $150+

🧧 Bonus Picks

Destination Highlight Budget Estimate (USD)

Shanghai Modern skyline & The Bund $50–$150/day

Chengdu Panda Breeding Center $30–$80/day

Lijiang & Dali Ancient towns in Yunnan $40–$100/day

Hangzhou West Lake & tea plantations $30–$90/day

💸 Average Daily Travel Costs in China (2025)

Travel Style Daily Budget (USD)

Budget $30–$50

Mid-range $60–$120

Luxury $150+

This includes meals, local transport, accommodations, and entry tickets.

✈️ Final Tips for Visiting China

Visa: Most travelers need a tourist visa; apply early.

Language: English is limited outside big cities; use translation apps.

Cashless Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used—get a prepaid tourist version.

Transport: High-speed trains are efficient, clean, and fast.

📌 Conclusion

China is a vast and diverse country with treasures waiting around every corner. Whether you’re walking the Great Wall, sailing through Guilin’s mountains, or gazing at the Terracotta Army, each experience is worth every yuan.

With a bit of planning, China can

 be an affordable and unforgettable adventure.