Cost of Traveling to China Independently vs. with a Guided Tour in 2024

How much does it cost to travel to China is a question that many travel enthusiasts are curious about. Especially for young people who love to explore Chinese culture. Finding a tour that is both economical and high-quality is incredibly easy nowadays. Whether you choose to travel to China with a tour or independently, researching beforehand is crucial. So, check out this article on the cost of traveling to China to make the most accurate decision!

1. Cost of traveling to China independently in 2024

For independent travel to China, you must plan and execute all necessary paperwork from A-Z. This includes arranging itineraries, researching sightseeing spots, booking flights, and hotels, which are prerequisites for a basic China trip.

To travel to China independently, you have to take care of everything from A-Z (Image source: Collected)

So, have you ever wondered how much these expenses add up to? Are they expensive or not? Below are some specific expenses you need to budget for your independent trip to China.

1.1 Visa and Passport Expenses for Traveling to China

Currently, Vietnam is not on the list of countries exempt from Chinese entry visas. Therefore, a visa and passport are mandatory documents you must have. Among these, the passport is the first document you need to apply for because it is a basic requirement for obtaining a visa to China.

To apply for a passport, you can visit the local immigration authority to request passport application forms. The cost of obtaining a passport for traveling to China starts from 200,000 VND per booklet. After 7 days from the registration date, the managing unit will provide you with the passport.

Passport and visa are two mandatory documents required for traveling to China (Image source: Internet)

Once you have obtained your passport, bring it along with other relevant documents to the Chinese Embassy in Vietnam to apply for a visa. The visa fee for China currently ranges from $60 (equivalent to 1.5 million Vietnamese dong). The processing time for a Chinese visa typically takes from 4 to 7 days.

Typically, the chances of getting a Chinese visa on your own are not very high. Therefore, instead of applying for a visa yourself, which consumes time and effort, why not consider visa assistance services to save time and increase your chances of getting a visa. The cost of visa assistance services is also not too high compared to doing it yourself. So, you can rest assured about the visa application process.

1.2 Travel Costs from Vietnam to China

One major advantage of traveling to China is the relatively short distance from Vietnam. Hence, you won't encounter many difficulties in transportation. Depending on your financial situation, preferences, and departure point, you can choose the most suitable means of travel.

1.2.1 Traveling by Airplane

This is currently the most popular means of transportation, with most travelers considering it first. Additionally, airlines have opened numerous flight routes from Vietnam to China. Therefore, you can comfortably opt for this mode of transportation without worrying about the lack of direct flights to China.

Airlines in Vietnam now offer direct flights to China (Image Source: Internet)

The average airfare to China typically ranges from 5 million to 9 million VND. A useful tip is to book tickets earlier than planned or 'hunt for tickets' during promotional campaigns to save on travel costs.

1.2.2 Travel by Car

Good news for travelers from northern provinces is that you can travel to China by car. Since Vietnam shares a border with China, you can completely travel by road.

When traveling by road, you'll need to present your ID card and passport at the border. Obtaining a travel permit to China is the most crucial procedure if you opt for overland travel. Currently, there are 3 routes from Vietnam to China, including:

• Hanoi - Kunming: Immigration procedures at the Hekou border gate.

• Hanoi - Nanning: Immigration procedures at the Friendship Pass border gate.

• Mong Cai - Dongxing: Immigration procedures at the Mong Cai border gate.

Cost of Traveling to China by car usually ranges from 500,000 VND upwards. After entering China, you'll need to catch a connecting bus from the border to tourist destinations.

1.3 Accommodation Costs in China

China is one of the most prosperous countries in the world. Every city in China boasts numerous beautiful landmarks, restaurants, and hotels ranging from budget to high-end. Therefore, you can feel completely at ease when booking accommodation as room scarcity is very unlikely.

The cost of renting a room in China also depends on demand, economic conditions, booking time, service quality, and location. If you choose a hotel in the downtown area of a major city, room rates will be higher compared to the suburbs. To save on travel costs in China, you can stay at homestays or budget shared rooms.

It's not too difficult to book a hotel room in China during peak tourist seasons (Image Source: Internet)

The average room rate in China ranges from $70 to $100 per night. Additionally, if you opt for a 4-star hotel room in the city center, this price will increase significantly. However, in return, you'll have easy access to entertainment venues and restaurants.

1.4 Food Expenses in China

China is a culinary paradise imbued with vibrant Asian flavors for food enthusiasts. When in China, you'll be mesmerized by the unique, enticing, and diverse cuisines. Surprisingly, the travel costs in China for dining out are not excessively high. The price of a Chinese dish is very affordable, starting from around 100,000 VND.

According to travel experiences in China, Chinese cuisine is very suitable for Vietnamese palates. Chinese dishes are known for their rich flavors that leave a lasting impression on travelers. Additionally, China boasts numerous impressive specialty dishes unique to each city and region, so you must try them at least once in your lifetime.

Beijing Roast Duck is a famous specialty dish of China (Image Source: Internet)

Some famous Chinese dishes you can try:

• Beijing Roast Duck

• Stinky Tofu

• Sweet and Sour Ribs

• Longevity Noodles

• Man Tou

• Yangzhou Fried Rice

• Sichuan Spicy Hot Pot

• Dumplings

• Wonton Noodles

• Hunan Spicy Beef

1.5 Transportation Costs in China

To accurately summarize the expenses for a trip to China, you cannot overlook transportation costs in China. According to global statistics, China ranks third in terms of land area in the world, after Russia and Canada. Therefore, choosing transportation in China that is both economical and fulfills your itinerary is extremely important. Based on travel experiences in China, you should prioritize public transportation such as buses, subways, and taxis.

Here are some travel expenses in China when using public transportation in China:

• Bus fare starts from 3 yuan/ride (equivalent to around 10,000 VND/ride).

• Subway fare is about 7 yuan/ride (equivalent to 25,000 VND/ride).

• Public bike rental starts from 3 yuan (around 10,000 VND/ride).

• Taxi fare ranges from 10 - 12 yuan for the first 3 kilometers (equivalent to 35,000 VND - 41,000 VND).

1.6 Total Travel Expenses in China

From the above expenses, the cost of self-guided tours in China ranges from 10 million to 15 million VND per person (excluding airfare). If you consider your expenses wisely and plan meticulously, a self-guided trip to China can help you save a significant amount of money. However, the travel costs in China we mentioned above are for reference only. Whether you spend less or more depends on your own needs and economic conditions.

2. Travel Costs in China on Tours 

If you have never set foot in China or lack experience in independent travel, it's advisable to choose organized tours. The prices of tours in China offered by travel companies are very affordable and cater to all travelers' needs.

In general, travel costs in China on tours range from 10 million to 20 million VND per person. Moreover, travelers will be fully taken care of, from airfare and transportation to meals, accommodation, and sightseeing. Instead of spending time and effort planning itineraries and calculating expenses, you just need to pack your bags and go.

If traveling to China with family or friends, it's recommended to join a tour (Image Source: Collected)

The benefits of traveling on tours include not having to worry about communication with locals during buying and selling transactions. Everything is guided by tour guides and advisory staff from A to Z. Particularly, since the majority of Chinese people do not speak English, communication while traveling independently can be more difficult than on tours. Moreover, travel companies also assist with visa applications and other immigration procedures. Therefore, all document-related issues are taken care of by the travel agency.

You can check out some affordable tours to China on Mytour:

• Beijing – Great Wall – Forbidden City 4D3N Tour: 15,990,000 VND/person

• Shanghai – West Lake – Hangzhou 4D3N Tour: 17,490,000 VND/person

• China Lunar New Year 2024 Tour: 9,450,000 VND/person

How much does it cost to travel to China? Surely, you have found a suitable answer to the question above. In general, traveling to China on tours will help you save more costs compared to independent travel. However, whether to choose independent travel or tours depends on the conditions, needs, and preferences of each person. Hopefully, the shared information will help you make appropriate decisions. If you need to book a tour to China, please contact Mytour via hotline Mytour. Our team will advise and answer all your questions!