Summary of Tips for Traveling China on a Budget
Independent traveler Agness of ETramping shares her extensive tips for traveling China on a budget.
China is a fantastic destination for both experienced and inexperienced budget travelers.
With its stunning natural scenery alongside rich historical and cultural relics, the number of foreign travelers visiting China continues to rise each year.
How to Travel China on a Budget
The country is evolving rapidly; consequently, people are becoming wealthier by the minute, leading to rising prices. However, China remains a cheap travel destination compared to most European countries, though this could change soon.
By following a few simple tips, you can effectively travel in China for free or at minimal cost.
Tips for Visiting China on a Budget
1. Teach English
As the Chinese economy has grown tremendously and is advancing at a breakneck pace, there is a high demand for English teachers.
Whether or not you are a native English speaker, you can find a teaching job almost everywhere in China.
Your school will often cover transportation, meals, and accommodation, in addition to providing a decent salary. This means you can earn extra money, save up, and continue exploring China affordably!
2. Learn Some Basic Chinese
Once you start speaking some basic Chinese, you will be amazed at how differently people treat you. There is nothing more gratifying for the Chinese than hearing a foreigner speak their language.
People will frequently invite you to their homes, treat you to lunch, dinner, or even karaoke, and they may cover the expenses!
3. Visit Small Provinces, Avoid Touristy Places
Except for a few major tourist cities, it’s more likely that locals will offer you free gifts rather than rip you off. For instance, if you explore off-the-beaten-path provinces like Hunan, you will find that living costs are local prices or even complimentary due to cultural hospitality.
4. Travel by Trains
Traveling by train is the most economical transport option in China. You can choose from standing tickets, hard seats, soft seats, or hard sleeper tickets. The standing and hard seats are inexpensive but less comfortable.
As a foreigner, don’t be surprised if fellow passengers offer you their seats when you have a standing ticket. While train conditions can be overcrowded and noisy, they afford you an affordable travel experience.
5. Eat Local Food
Dining at restaurants is inexpensive in China, yet street food is even cheaper. For instance, dinner at a restaurant may cost around RMB 100 ($16), while a satisfying bowl of fried noodles from a vendor can cost just RMB 4, under $0.50.
After just two weeks of enjoying street meals, you’ll be astonished by how much you can save on dining!
In conclusion, China can be expensive or affordable based on your choices. There are countless options for low-budget travel, allowing you to explore extensively while saving funds for future adventures.
By eating cheap, traveling on trains, and incorporating teaching during your stay, you might leave China with more money than you initially had!
Do You Have Any Tips to Travel China on a Budget?
For more information and photos from China, you can visit ETramping and follow Agness and Cez on their journey around the world for under $25 a day.
Author Bio:
Agness, a Polish vagabond, embarked on a journey of a lifetime to China after completing her studies in 2011. Since then, she has continuously traveled the globe, living like a local for less than $25 daily.
She is passionate about photography and adventure blogging, sharing her zest for life and travel experiences. Follow Agness on her website ETramping, Twitter at @Agnesstramp, and Facebook.
