Beijing Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

One of largest cities on earth, Beijing is a fascinating place that is less dense and more sprawling than you might expect. As China’s capital, the city should be on anyone’s list who is interested in the country, and it’s got several of most famous tourist attractions as well.

Is Beijing Expensive or Cheap?

Beijing is one of the more expensive cities in China, but it’s still a great bargain for most Western tourists. Hotels are generally of high quality, and the prices can be very appealing, especially for those on package tours. Beijing is not an easy city for tourists who don’t speak any Chinese because almost nothing is built for us. Shanghai is much easier and more enjoyable in that regard.

The attractions in the city are also very reasonably priced, though scammers and hucksters are common, so it’s wise to do some research and keep your wits about you. Transportation is also very cheap, with the buses and subways being especially good bargains.

Beijing City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Beijing

Population 22,000,000
Area 22,000,000
Timezone UTC+8
Currency Chinese Yuan
Airports Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$58.78
1 USD = 7.2000 CNY
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Beijing

Beijing Hotel Seasons

Beijing Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar13.00 - 36.00
starstarstarstarstar18.00 - 98.00
starstarstarstarstar29.00 - 150.00
starstarstarstarstar50.00 - 172.00
starstarstarstarstar69.00 - 299.00

Beijing Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed6.00 - 22.00

Beijing Attractions Prices

Best tours in Beijing

Location Description Type Price(USD)
Great Wall (Badaling or Juyongguan)These two sections of the Wall are closest to Beijing, and are often part of bus tours. Prices are a bit lower in the colder months.
adults
14.58
Forbidden CityThis huge complex is the other must-see attraction in Beijing and one that is very popular. Low season rates are lower.
adults
8.33
Tiananmen GateBetween the (free) Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City you can see inside this famous gate. A visit here takes about half an hour.
adults
2.08

Beijing Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastChinese-style breakfasts, including noodles, can be very cheap. Western breakfasts will cost much more.1.53 - 4.17
Budget lunchGoing to the places where the locals eat will get you great bargains and authentic meals.2.36 - 4.86
Budget dinnerAs always, bargains are available, but fancier places will charge a lot more.3.89 - 6.94
Beer (.33l can)Beer is much cheaper in restaurants than in bars.1.53 - 3.47
Cocktails (glass)Mixed drinks are available all over at a wide range of prices.4.17 - 6.94
Beer (bottle, retail)0.56 - 0.83

Beijing Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center9.72 - 16.67
Airport express train to city center3.47
Shuttle bus from airport to city center2.22
3km taxi ride in Beijing1.94 - 2.78
Subway ride in Beijing0.42 - 1.25
Bus ride in Beijing0.28

Getting to Beijing

Getting around Beijing

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When to visit Beijing

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January35170.1
February41220.2
March53330.3
April69460.8
May79571.3
June86663.0
July88727.3
August86696.3
September78591.8
October66460.9
November50320.3
December39220.1

Beijing Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar6:17am6:27pm
21 Jun4:46am7:46pm
21 Sep6:01am6:14pm
21 Dec7:32am4:52pm

Where to go before and after