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How much should you budget for a trip to Beijing? Wondering how to travel comfortably without worrying about running out of money? Learn about the costs of visiting Beijing and discover smart tips for saving with Mytour!
Beijing, the vibrant and captivating capital of China, is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about exploration. This city is renowned for its awe-inspiring historical landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and Tiananmen Square. While preserving its rich cultural beauty, Beijing also impresses visitors with its diverse cuisine and lively modern atmosphere.
However, before you embark on your journey, many travelers worry about the expenses of visiting one of the world’s largest cities. To help you plan your trip effectively, this article breaks down the costs of traveling to Beijing, including flights, accommodation, dining, and also offers smart saving tips, ensuring you can enjoy a full experience without exceeding your budget.
How Much Does a Chinese Tourist Visa Cost?
When preparing for a trip to China, one of the key concerns is the cost of obtaining a visa. China offers 12 types of visas, with the L visa specifically for tourism. To apply, you will need to visit a Chinese Visa Application Service Center (CVASC) in Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City. The cost of a Chinese visa includes both consular and CVASC fees, which vary depending on the type of visa, processing time, and number of entries required.
- 3-month single entry visa: 60 USD + 685,000 VND (standard processing).
- 6-month multiple entry visa: 120 USD + 685,000 VND.
- Urgent visa (2-3 working days): from 85 USD + 1,028,000 VND.
- Super urgent visa (1 working day): from 97 USD + 1,371,000 VND.
(*) Note: From 11/12/2023 to 31/12/2024, the Chinese Embassy is offering a 25% discount on visa fees. So, if you're thinking about visiting China, don’t wait too long to apply and grab a budget-friendly visa!
How Much Does a Flight from Vietnam to Beijing Cost?
Flights from Vietnam to Beijing are operated by several major airlines, providing passengers with flexible options. Departures are available from three main cities: Hanoi (HAN), Da Nang (DAD), and Ho Chi Minh City (SGN). The quickest direct flight from Hanoi to Beijing takes about 3 hours and 20 minutes, operated by Vietnam Airlines. Other carriers like China Southern Airlines, Air Macau, and Cathay Pacific offer flights with layovers in Macau, Guangzhou, or Taipei. Flight prices to Beijing range from around 4.8 million VND to more than 15 million VND.
Sample Flight Prices from Vietnam to Beijing:
- From Hanoi: Round-trip fares range from 5.6 million VND to 15.6 million VND.
- From Da Nang: Round-trip fares are approximately 9 million VND to 14.8 million VND.
- From Ho Chi Minh City: Round-trip fares range from 4.8 million VND to 14.5 million VND.
How Much Do Travel Essentials in Beijing Cost?
When traveling in Beijing, essentials such as travel insurance, 4G SIM cards, eSIMs, and WiFi hotspots play an important role in ensuring a smooth and worry-free journey. Here are the specific costs for these services:
- Cost of China travel insurance: Travel insurance is a must for safety and managing unforeseen risks. The cost for individual coverage ranges from 140,000 VND to 530,000 VND (for 3-10 days). For family insurance, the price is between 280,000 VND and 1,100,000 VND (for 3-10 days).
- Cost of a 4G SIM card in Beijing: A 3G/4G SIM card from China costs between 220,000 VND and 310,000 VND for usage from 3 to 14 days. This is a convenient option if you want flexible internet access during your trip.
- Cost of an eSIM in Beijing: An eSIM is a modern and convenient solution, priced between 195,000 VND and 515,000 VND for usage from 5 to 15 days. Simply scan the QR code, and you can connect immediately without changing physical SIM cards.
- Cost of renting a 4G WiFi hotspot: A 4G Wi-Fi hotspot is an ideal choice for groups, priced at around 700,000 VND for 5 days, allowing simultaneous connections for multiple devices.
How Much Does Getting Around in Beijing Cost?
Transportation costs in Beijing range from 50 to 200 CNY depending on the type of transportation you choose. The city offers various options, including the subway, buses, taxis, and bicycles, making it easy to get around based on your budget and personal preferences.
- Subway: The subway is the most popular and cost-effective option. Fares start at 3 CNY for the first 6 km and increase to 6 CNY for journeys over 32 km.
- Buses and trolleybuses: The fare is 2 CNY for the first 10 km, with an additional 1 CNY for every 5 km thereafter. This is a budget-friendly option, though it may be difficult for non-Chinese speakers to navigate.
- Taxi: The base fare is 13 CNY for the first 3 km, with an additional 2.3 CNY per km thereafter. There is a fuel surcharge of 3 CNY, and fares increase by 20% between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM.
- For those who enjoy physical activity, renting a bike is a fun way to explore the city. A deposit of around 400 CNY is required, and the rental cost depends on how long you need the bike.
- Renting a car with a driver is another popular option, ideal for families or groups who want to visit multiple attractions in Beijing.
How Much Does Entertainment & Recreation Cost in Beijing?
Entertainment and recreational costs in Beijing range from 15 to 800 CNY depending on the destination and the type of experience. This city is not only famous for its historical landmarks but also boasts many modern entertainment venues catering to all ages. Here are a few places you should not miss, along with estimated costs:
1. Cost of Visiting the Summer Palace in Beijing
The Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China, is an ideal destination to explore history and enjoy nature. The entrance fee to the Summer Palace is about 63 CNY, and if you'd like to hire a guide to better understand the site, the additional cost is approximately 180 CNY.
2. Cost of Visiting the Forbidden City in Beijing
As a historical symbol of Beijing, the Forbidden City attracts millions of visitors each year. The entrance fee is 60 CNY during the peak season (April - October) and 40 CNY during the off-season (November - March). To fully explore the palace and its special exhibitions, additional costs apply for guided tours or audio guide rentals.
3. Cost of Visiting Tiananmen Square in Beijing
Tiananmen Square, the largest square in the world, is free to visit for all tourists. Surrounding areas such as the National Museum and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong also do not charge an entrance fee, offering an opportunity to experience China’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
4. Cost of Visiting the Temple of Heaven in Beijing
The Temple of Heaven complex is one of Beijing's UNESCO World Heritage sites. The entry fee ranges from 30 to 32 CNY depending on the season. The area is expansive, with impressive architectural structures like the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar.
5. Cost of Entertainment at Universal Studios Beijing
As the largest amusement park in China, Universal Studios Beijing is a modern attraction that draws both locals and international tourists. Tickets start at 130 CNY, with the cost for a full day of fun varying depending on whether it's a weekday or weekend. Here, you can experience themed areas based on Hollywood, Harry Potter, Minions, and much more.
Food Costs in Beijing
Dining in Beijing offers a wide range of options depending on the type of food and the venue you choose. On average, you can expect to spend around 200 - 250 CNY per person per day for meals. Below are some local dishes you should try during your trip to China.
1. Beijing Roast Duck
A signature dish of Beijing, this is a must-try for any visitor. The duck is roasted until the skin is crispy, then sliced thinly and served with pancakes, cucumber, green onions, and sweet bean sauce. A portion of roast duck at famous restaurants like Quanjude costs between 200 - 400 CNY (700,000 VNĐ - 1,400,000 VNĐ), enough for 2-3 people.
2. Zha Jiang Mian (Black Bean Noodles) in Beijing
Zha Jiang Mian is a traditional noodle dish served with a rich black soybean sauce, typically accompanied by minced meat and vegetables. A bowl of stir-fried noodles ranges from 20 - 40 CNY (70,000 VNĐ - 140,000 VNĐ), making it both affordable and easy to find in local eateries.
3. Dumplings and Bao Buns
Steamed or fried dumplings and bao buns are a must-try. A serving of dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or seafood at street food stalls costs as little as 10 - 30 CNY (35,000 VNĐ - 100,000 VNĐ), offering a delicious and budget-friendly culinary experience.
4. Beijing Hotpot
Hotpot is a fun and interactive dining experience, especially popular during the winter months. You can choose from a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables to dip into a flavorful broth. A hotpot meal at a restaurant costs between 100 - 250 CNY (350,000 VNĐ - 850,000 VNĐ), depending on the ingredients you select.
5. Street Food
Food streets like Wangfujing are a paradise for food lovers. Here, you can indulge in unique snacks such as grilled meat skewers, scallion pancakes, stinky tofu, and roasted chestnuts. The price for each snack ranges from 5 - 20 CNY (15,000 VNĐ - 70,000 VNĐ), offering an exciting and affordable culinary experience.
Accommodation Costs in Beijing
Accommodation in Beijing offers a wide range of options to suit all budgets. Budget guesthouses or hotels typically charge between 150 - 300 CNY (around 500,000 VNĐ - 1,000,000 VNĐ) per night. For 3-4 star hotels, prices increase to around 400 - 800 CNY (1,400,000 VNĐ - 2,800,000 VNĐ) per night. Luxury hotels or 5-star resorts may cost over 1,000 CNY (3,500,000 VNĐ) per night.
1. Hotel Costs in Beijing
Hotel rates in Beijing vary based on star rating and location. Mid-range hotels (3-4 stars) are priced around 400 - 800 CNY (1,400,000 VNĐ - 2,800,000 VNĐ) per night, offering modern amenities and convenient locations. For luxury hotels (5 stars), prices range from 1,000 - 2,500 CNY (3,500,000 VNĐ - 8,800,000 VNĐ) per night, providing high-end services and premium experiences.
2. Resort Costs in Beijing
Beijing is one of the largest and most vibrant cities in the world, offering a wide range of luxury resorts for visitors. High-end resorts typically cost between 1,500 - 3,000 CNY (approximately 5,200,000 VNĐ - 10,500,000 VNĐ) per night, providing top-notch services and ideal relaxation spaces. Mid-range resorts offer more affordable options, ranging from 800 - 1,500 CNY (2,800,000 VNĐ - 5,200,000 VNĐ).
3. Hostel & Guesthouse Costs in Beijing
Hostels in Beijing are a budget-friendly and popular choice for young travelers and backpackers. The cost of staying in a dormitory bed usually starts from 150 CNY (around 525,000 VNĐ) per night. If you prefer more privacy, private rooms like doubles or singles at hostels are priced between 300 - 400 CNY (1,053,000 VNĐ - 1,400,000 VNĐ) per night.
4. Homestay Costs in Beijing
For those seeking a cozy and intimate stay in Beijing, homestays offer a fantastic and reasonably priced option. Rates for homestays typically range from 150 - 400 CNY (approximately 525,000 VNĐ - 1,400,000 VNĐ) per night, depending on location and amenities. Premium homestays, designed with sophistication and providing thoughtful service, are priced between 500 - 1,000 CNY (1,750,000 VNĐ - 3,500,000 VNĐ) per night.
Total Travel Costs in Beijing
If you're planning a self-guided trip to Beijing, budgeting is key. The cost breakdown provided below offers an overview of estimated expenses, helping you better prepare for your journey.
Estimated costs for one person (7 days):
Loại chi phí | Chi phí (VNĐ) |
Visa Trung Quốc | 2.100.000 - 3.500.000 |
Vé máy bay khứ hồi | 6.000.000 - 15.000.000 |
Bảo hiểm du lịch | 140.000 - 530.000 |
SIM du lịch | 200.000 - 500.000 |
Di chuyển tại Bắc Kinh | 700.000 - 1.400.000 |
Chi phí lưu trú tại Bắc Kinh | 4.900.000 - 14.000.000 |
Ăn uống (7 ngày) | 2.400.000 - 7.000.000 |
Vui chơi, tham quan | 2.000.000 - 5.000.000 |
Mua sắm | 1.000.000 - 5.000.000 |
Chi phí khác | 500.000 - 1.000.000 |
Tổng chi phí ước tính | 19.940.000 - 52.930.000 |
(*) Please note that these are just estimates, and actual costs may vary depending on travel dates, style of travel, and personal preferences.
Money-Saving Travel Tips for Beijing with Mytour Vietnam
With its rich historical and cultural landmarks, Beijing is a fascinating travel destination. If you’re new to Beijing or want to enjoy a budget-friendly trip, make sure to save these tips for a comfortable yet affordable journey:
- Mobile Payments: Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most commonly used mobile payment apps in China. Most stores, restaurants, and public transport accept these apps. Be sure to download and set them up before your trip for ease of use. Both apps support English interfaces.
- Cash: Cash is still used, especially in smaller areas. However, it's recommended to carry less cash for safety reasons.
- Plan ahead: Create a list of the attractions you want to visit to avoid wasting time and money. Book your flights, hotels, and tours in advance to secure the best prices.
- Budget accommodations: Consider staying in hostels or guesthouses instead of luxury hotels.
- Save on food: Buy groceries at local supermarkets rather than dining in expensive restaurants. Street food is also a great way to experience the local cuisine at affordable prices.
- Use public transportation: Beijing has an efficient and affordable public transport system. Use the subway or buses to get around the city.
- Travel off-peak: Avoid traveling during peak seasons to save on flight and hotel costs.
- Look for affordable tours: Mytour Vietnam often offers budget-friendly Beijing tours with attractive promotions. Don’t forget to sign up for membership to travel without worrying about the price.
Beijing, the ancient capital of China, is a fascinating destination that blends traditional charm with modern allure. The city captivates visitors with its famous historical landmarks such as the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square, alongside modern attractions like Universal Studios Beijing. With the detailed cost information provided by Mytour Vietnam, you can confidently plan your trip to Beijing.
For more helpful Beijing travel tips, don’t forget to visit the Mytour Blog: Latest Tips for Buying a China SIM Card for Travel, 15 Famous Beijing Street Foods with Delicious Flavors, 14-Day Itinerary for Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Guilin, 15 Beijing Day Tours for Independent Travelers, Updated China Immigration Procedures for 2024, and more...
Prepare your Beijing travel budget and get ready to go #teamMytour!
