Question: How Much Money Do You Need Per Day in Beijing?
Quick Answer: Daily spending in Beijing ranges from around ¥300 to over ¥1,500 (US$40–$210), depending on your travel style.
Budget Traveler (¥300–¥600/day | ~US$40–$85)
Perfect for solo travelers and backpackers looking to explore on a budget.
Accommodation: Hostels or budget guesthouses in hutongs (e.g., near Qianmen)
Dorm bed: ¥80–150/night
Private room: ¥200–300/night
Food:
Breakfast: Jianbing or baozi from street stalls (¥5–10)
Lunch/Dinner: Small noodle or rice shops (¥15–25 per meal)
Daily total: ¥30–50
Transport:
Subway/bus: ¥2–5 per ride; daily cost around ¥20
Bike share: ¥1.5 per 30 minutes
Attractions:
Free sites like Tiananmen Square or Nanluoguxiang
Discounted entry: Forbidden City (¥40 off-season), Great Wall at Badaling (¥35 off-season)
Total: ¥300–¥600 (US$40–$85/day)
Mid-Range Traveler (¥600–¥1,500/day | ~US$85–$210)
Ideal for travelers who want comfort and cultural experiences.
Accommodation: 3–4 star hotels in Wangfujing or Sanlitun: ¥400–800/night
Food:
Breakfast: Hotel buffet or chain cafés (~¥30–50)
Lunch/Dinner: Popular restaurants (e.g., roast duck): ¥50–100 per person
Daily total: ¥100–200
Transport:
Subway + occasional taxi (starting at ¥13): ¥50–100/day
Car rental with driver (ideal for families): ¥200–300/day
Attractions:
Forbidden City (¥60 peak), Great Wall (¥60), Summer Palace (¥30)
Combo tickets: ¥200 for park and museum access across Beijing
Entertainment:
Peking opera or comedy show: ¥88–198
Total: ¥600–¥1,500 (US$85–$210/day)
Luxury Traveler (¥1,500+/day | US$210+)
For those seeking premium hotels, fine dining, and private tours.
Accommodation: 5-star hotels (e.g., Waldorf Astoria, CHAO Sanlitun): ¥1,500–3,000/night
Food:
Gourmet breakfast: ¥100–200
Michelin-star meals: ¥200–500 per person
Daily total: ¥300–800
Transport:
Private driver: ¥500–1,000/day
Helicopter tour: ¥3,000/hour
Attractions & Tours:
Private guide (foreign language): ¥500–800/day
VIP experiences: Forbidden City Treasures Exhibit, Great Wall private access
Entertainment & Wellness:
National Centre for the Performing Arts tickets: ¥500–1,000
Luxury spa or club services: ¥800–2,000
Total: ¥1,500+/day (US$210+, no upper limit)
Key Cost Breakdown
Accommodation
Hostels in hutongs (budget): ¥80–300
Business hotels (mid-range): ¥400–800
Luxury stays: ¥1,500–3,000+
Food
Street snacks: Douzhi (¥5), Zhajiangmian (¥15), candied hawthorns (¥8)
Popular restaurants: Four Seasons Duck (¥150), traditional Beijing cuisine (¥100)
High-end: Da Dong (¥500+), Opera Bombana (¥800+)
Transport
Subway: ¥2–7/trip
Bus: ¥1–2, Alipay supported
Taxi: ¥13 base fare for 3km
Airport shuttle: ¥25 (Beijing Capital Airport to downtown in 30 mins)
Attractions
Forbidden City: ¥60 (peak)
Great Wall (Badaling): ¥60
Summer Palace: ¥30
Discounts: students and seniors get 50% off; museums like the National Museum are free on select days
Payment Methods
Mobile Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay accepted nearly everywhere; foreigners can register with overseas cards
Credit Cards: Visa/Mastercard accepted at major malls, hotels, and upscale restaurants
Digital RMB: Can be used via the e-CNY app, even with a foreign phone number
Cash: Still useful in small shops or hutong markets; carry ¥100–200 for backup
Pro Tips for Saving Money
Travel in low season (Nov–Mar): Hotels and attractions may be 50% cheaper
Buy a transit card: Enjoy discounts on subway and bus fares
Dine near campuses or local communities: Up to 50% cheaper than tourist zones
Exchange rates: As of May 2025, 1 USD ≈ ¥7.215. Use card or exchange currency before arrival for best value
Summary: Budget Flexibility, Rich Experiences
In Beijing, daily costs can flex from ¥300 to ¥3,000+ depending on your needs.
On a backpacker’s budget, you can enjoy local eats and explore historic sites
On a mid-range budget, you’ll dine on roast duck, stay centrally, and enjoy cultural shows
With a luxury budget, you can experience Beijing in ultimate style — from Michelin dining to private helicopter tours
