Are you planning a wallet-friendly trip to China? If so, then you should be pleased to know that you don’t have to sacrifice a good time to save money. Here are some pointers for how to tour China on a limited budget:
What to See
Fortunately, you won’t pay more than $15 USD for most of the popular tourist attractions in China. Still, there are a number of unforgettable sites in China that you can–and should–explore, and that won’t cost you a lot of money (if they cost you anything). While in China, you absolutely must visit the Great Wall of China and the Forbidden City. Also, spend your days trekking through some cities and soak in some authentic Chinese culture for free; in this regard, you can’t go wrong with Chongqing, Yunnan, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Accommodations
No matter what your budget, you can be sure to find a wide array of accommodations options when you travel through China. The important thing is to do your homework before you leave, so that you don’t get stuck finding a place last minute. Search the web and call Chinese travel agencies to find the cheapest accommodations, and be sure to ask about little-known budget hotels that can cost as little as only $20 per night.
Use Travel Agencies
There are many English-speaking travel agencies and agents in the major cities of China, and they can help you book your travel arrangements at the lowest possible fee. Whether it is hotel accommodations, tour packages, or transportation deals you are looking for, it is a good idea to consult with several Chinese travel agencies to find the best prices before you actually travel.
Group Tours
Group tours are a great way to see the country, and if you look carefully, you can find a great China tour that is all-inclusive (covering food, accommodations, and transportation, for example) for a much lower price than you would pay to explore on your own. You can find a number of group tours with a simple Internet tour; travel agencies are also able to find and book tours for you, and generally at a discounted rate.
Transportation
China is very populated, and very spread out. You will need to devise a transportation plan ahead of time, especially if you want to save money. China’s new bullet trains can get you from point A to point B in record time, and for a minimal fee, so consider purchasing train tickets ahead of time if you want to save some money and avoid the train station crowds.
As you can see, there are some practical steps you can take to scale down your travel budget while in China. Follow these tips to get the most out of your time there, for the least amount of money.
