Beijing: Cheaper Than You Think
Despite being China's capital, Beijing is remarkably affordable for travelers. Public transport, street food, and major attractions are all budget-friendly. A comfortable daily budget of ¥250-400 ($35-55) covers accommodation, food, transport, and sightseeing. The biggest expenses — Great Wall tours and Forbidden City — are still well under ¥200 combined.
Accommodation: ¥60-150/night
Hutong hostels: The most atmospheric budget option. Converted courtyard houses in traditional alleyways. Dorm beds ¥50-80, private rooms ¥150-250. Recommended areas: Nanluoguxiang (trendy), Qianmen (central), Gulou/Drum Tower (local feel).
Chain budget hotels: Hanting, 7 Days Inn, or Jinjiang Inn offer reliable private rooms for ¥150-250 with AC, WiFi, and private bathroom. Book on Trip.com or Ctrip.
Pro tip: Hutong hostels often have courtyard common areas where you can meet other travelers, get Great Wall transport recommendations, and join group dinners. Worth the slight noise tradeoff.
Eating: ¥50-100/Day
Breakfast (¥5-15): Jianbing (savory crepe) from street carts — ¥8-12. Baozi (steamed buns) — ¥2-3 each. Soy milk + youtiao (fried dough stick) — ¥5.
Lunch (¥15-30): Noodle shops everywhere: hand-pulled noodles (兰州拉面) for ¥15-25. Canteen-style restaurants (self-serve buffet) — ¥15-20 for rice + 2-3 dishes. Dumplings: ¥15-25 for a filling plate of 10-15.
Dinner (¥20-50): Hotpot (火锅) — Haidilao is famous but budget spots charge ¥40-60 per person all-in. Peking duck at budget restaurants: ¥68-98 for a whole duck (split between 2-3 people). Night market snacking at Wangfujing: lamb skewers (¥5-10 each), stinky tofu (¥10), candied hawthorn (¥10).
Beer: ¥3-8 at convenience stores, ¥15-30 at bars. Yanjing Beer is Beijing's local brand.
Attractions & Transport
Forbidden City: ¥60 (must pre-book on WeChat mini-program "故宫博物院"). Closed Mondays. Budget 3-4 hours.
Great Wall (Mutianyu section): ¥40 entry + ¥120 cable car round trip. Bus 867 from Dongzhimen (¥12, 2 hours) is cheapest. Or join a hostel group trip (¥100-150 including transport). Avoid Badaling (overcrowded, overpriced).
Temple of Heaven: ¥15 (park only) or ¥34 (all buildings). Go at 7 AM for free tai chi watching.
Summer Palace: ¥30 (peak season). Beautiful lake, boat rides ¥15 extra.
Free: Tiananmen Square, hutong wandering, Olympic Park exterior, 798 Art District (galleries are free), Houhai Lake area.
Metro: ¥3-9 per ride. Day pass doesn't exist but rides are so cheap it doesn't matter. Use Alipay QR code to ride.
