“Is 30 kuai a lot for lunch?” Knowing roughly what things cost helps you budget, spot a tourist price and relax when paying. The ranges below are typical for large mainland cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu and Hangzhou. Smaller cities are often cheaper. Prices change, so treat these as a guide, not a quote.
Food and drink
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Bottle of water from a convenience store | ¥2 – ¥4 |
| Steamed buns or a jianbing breakfast | ¥5 – ¥15 |
| Bowl of noodles at a local shop | ¥15 – ¥35 |
| Set lunch at a casual restaurant | ¥25 – ¥60 |
| Coffee at a Chinese chain (often discounted in-app) | ¥9.9 – ¥25 |
| Coffee at an international chain | ¥28 – ¥40 |
| Bubble tea | ¥10 – ¥30 |
| Local beer in a shop / in a bar | ¥5 – ¥10 / ¥25 – ¥60 |
| Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | ¥150 – ¥400 |
Food-delivery apps show prices before discounts. With coupons a meal often costs less than the menu price. Chinese coffee and tea chains are known for in-app deals that bring a drink down to about ¥9.9.
Transport
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Metro ride (distance-based) | ¥2 – ¥10 |
| City bus | ¥1 – ¥2 |
| Taxi starting fare | about ¥10 – ¥16 |
| Short ride-hail trip across town | ¥20 – ¥60 |
| Shared bike, per ride | ¥1.5 – ¥4 |
| High-speed train Beijing–Shanghai, second class | roughly ¥550 – ¥700 |
Staying connected
A tourist SIM or eSIM from a Chinese carrier, or an international eSIM, typically costs ¥50 – ¥200 depending on data and length of stay. Many international eSIMs route traffic abroad, which some travellers prefer for apps that are blocked in mainland China.
Accommodation (per night)
| Type | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm bed | ¥60 – ¥150 |
| Budget chain hotel | ¥200 – ¥400 |
| Mid-range hotel | ¥400 – ¥900 |
| International 5-star hotel | ¥1,000+ |
Sights and activities
Many city museums are free but need an advance booking with your passport. Major sights usually cost ¥30 – ¥150, and big theme parks cost several hundred yuan. Popular sights often sell out on public holidays, so book a few days ahead, usually through the sight's official mini-app inside WeChat or Alipay.
Is it a fair price?
- Fixed prices are normal in supermarkets, chain stores, restaurants and anywhere with a printed menu. Don't haggle there.
- Bargaining is expected at tourist markets, souvenir stalls and some clothing and electronics markets. A first offer of 40–60% of the asking price is common.
- Check the app: if a taxi or tour price seems high, compare it with a ride-hailing estimate or the official ticket price.
- Convert quickly: keep a rough exchange rate in your head. Check the current CNY rate before you go, because it moves.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need per day in China?
A budget traveller can manage on roughly ¥300–¥500 a day including a hostel or budget hotel, local food and public transport. A comfortable mid-range trip is more like ¥800–¥1,500 a day. Big cities cost more than smaller ones.
Is China expensive for tourists?
Day-to-day costs such as local food, public transport and domestic trains are low compared with Western Europe or North America. International hotels, imported goods and Western-style coffee are priced closer to international levels.
Can I bargain in China?
Only in certain places: tourist markets, souvenir stalls and some wholesale or clothing markets. Supermarkets, malls, chain stores and restaurants have fixed prices.