Planning my first trip to China in the next few months. I've read through a lot of the older threads but wanted to check if the info is still current.
My main questions:
- Best area to stay for easy access to the scene?
- Realistic daily budget?
- Any areas to avoid?
- How welcoming are the locals to foreign visitors?
I'm coming from Australia and have experience in a few different countries but this would be my first time in China.
Thanks for any help!
China — how much to budget per day
Started by CanuckTraveller · 21 Mar 2026 · 1150 views
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21 Mar 2026 at 00:31
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21 Mar 2026 at 05:37
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.
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21 Mar 2026 at 07:20
Spot on with the prices. That matches what I paid in February.
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21 Mar 2026 at 14:12
100% agree. The value is hard to beat.
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21 Mar 2026 at 16:06
Not sure I agree about that area. I found a different part to be better value.
Sacramento Sal — Sacramento, CA
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21 Mar 2026 at 16:31
Interesting take but I think you overpaid. Try going midweek next time.
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21 Mar 2026 at 19:58
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.
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22 Mar 2026 at 05:00
Adding my experience from 3 weeks ago.
The scene has stayed the same since pre-COVID. Biggest change: better quality overall.
The scene has stayed the same since pre-COVID. Biggest change: better quality overall.
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22 Mar 2026 at 12:28
Hmm, I had a different experience. Prices were higher when I went. Maybe timing matters.
San Diego, CA | Member since 2024
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22 Mar 2026 at 15:00
100% agree. The variety is hard to beat.
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22 Mar 2026 at 16:18
Hmm, I had a different experience. Prices were lower when I went. Maybe timing matters.
Euro Explorer — Boston, MA
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22 Mar 2026 at 23:31
Good info. I'd add that going during the week is much better — less crowded, better prices.
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23 Mar 2026 at 01:29
Did you feel safe walking around at night?
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23 Mar 2026 at 10:01
This matches my experience. China is one of my favorites.
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23 Mar 2026 at 13:17
I was there in March and prices were slightly higher.
Spent about $57/day all-in. Quality was good.
My tip: avoid weekends.
Spent about $57/day all-in. Quality was good.
My tip: avoid weekends.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Cardiff, UK
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23 Mar 2026 at 18:38
Been going for years. The scene has shifted a bit but still good.
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23 Mar 2026 at 23:29
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Great destination.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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23 Mar 2026 at 23:40
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
Detroit, MI | 12 countries visited
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24 Mar 2026 at 09:00
This is outdated info IMO. Things have changed since the new laws came in. Current prices are actually lower than what's described here.
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24 Mar 2026 at 15:53
Any restaurant recs for the daytime?
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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