Chinese Yuan (CNY): Quick Conversion Guide
China's currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY), also called Renminbi (RMB). The symbol is ¥. Here are some quick reference conversions (approximate, based on May 2026 rates):
| Chinese Yuan (CNY) | British Pounds (GBP) | US Dollars (USD) | Euros (EUR) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ¥10 | ~£1.10 | ~$1.38 | ~€1.27 |
| ¥50 | ~£5.50 | ~$6.90 | ~€6.35 |
| ¥100 | ~£11 | ~$13.80 | ~€12.70 |
| ¥500 | ~£55 | ~$69 | ~€63.50 |
| ¥1,000 | ~£110 | ~$138 | ~€127 |
Always check current exchange rates before travel. These figures are approximate and for guidance only.
Daily Budget by Travel Style
| Style | Daily Budget (per person) | What It Gets You |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ¥250–450 £28–50 / $34–62 |
Hostel dorm or basic guesthouse, street food and local restaurants, metro/bus travel |
| Mid-range | ¥600–1,200 £66–133 / $83–165 |
3-star hotel or nice guesthouse, mix of local and Western restaurants, Didi and metro, paid attractions |
| Comfortable | ¥1,500–3,000 £165–330 / $207–414 |
4-star international hotel, restaurant meals, taxis and trains, guided tours |
| Luxury | ¥3,000+ £330+ / $414+ |
5-star hotels, fine dining, private guides, business/first class trains |
🏨 Accommodation Costs
Accommodation in China offers excellent value compared to Western countries, even at the upper end of the scale.
Budget hostels / basic guesthouses: ¥80–200 per night (£9–22 / $11–27). Clean and often centrally located. Shared bathroom is common at this price.
Mid-range 3-star hotels: ¥250–600 per night (£27–66 / $34–83). Very comfortable, private en-suite bathroom, usually near metro. This is excellent value in most Chinese cities.
4-star international brand hotels (Marriott, Hilton etc.): ¥700–1,500 per night (£77–165 / $97–207). Excellent facilities, English-speaking staff, great breakfast options.
5-star luxury hotels: ¥1,500–5,000+ per night (£165–550 / $207–690). World-class — China's best luxury hotels regularly appear in global top-100 rankings.
Book through Trip.com (Ctrip) for Chinese hotels — prices are often 20–40% lower than Western booking sites. For international brand hotels, also check the hotel's own website as they sometimes offer direct booking discounts and perks like free breakfast. Book 4–6 weeks in advance for best availability and prices.
🍜 Food Costs
Food is where China really excels on value. Some of the most delicious meals cost almost nothing:
Street food / market stall snack: ¥5–20 (£0.55–2.20 / $0.70–2.75). Dumplings, noodle soups, rice dishes, skewers — fresh, hot, and absolutely delicious.
Local restaurant meal: ¥30–60 per person (£3.30–6.60 / $4–8). A fully satisfying meal including rice, a main dish, and vegetables. Often better than the tourist restaurants!
Mid-range restaurant: ¥100–200 per person (£11–22 / $14–27). Multiple dishes shared between the table, including regional specialities and a drink.
Western restaurant / hotel dining: ¥200–400+ per person (£22–44+ / $27–55+). Similar to European restaurant prices.
🚄 Transport Costs
Getting around China is very affordable, especially on the spectacular high-speed rail network:
| Journey | Mode | Cost | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing → Shanghai | High-speed train | ¥553–¥1,000 (£61–110) | 4.5 hrs |
| Beijing → Xi'an | High-speed train | ¥514–¥879 (£57–97) | 4.5 hrs |
| Shanghai → Guilin | Flight | ¥400–¥900 (£44–99) | 2.5 hrs |
| City metro ride | Metro | ¥3–8 (£0.33–0.88) | Varies |
| Didi (taxi) across city | Didi app | ¥20–60 (£2.20–6.60) | 20–40 min |
| Airport express train | Train | ¥25–35 (£2.75–3.85) | 20–40 min |
🎟️ Sightseeing and Entrance Fees
Forbidden City (Beijing): ¥60–80 (£7–9). Must book timed entry online in advance.
Great Wall — Mutianyu section: ¥65 entrance + ¥100 cable car (£7 + £11). Budget ¥200+ including transport for a day trip.
Terracotta Warriors (Xi'an): ¥120 (£13). Book in advance during peak season.
Chengdu Panda Base: ¥55 (£6). Pre-book online — walk-up is often sold out.
Li River Cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo): ¥290–¥490 (£32–54). Full-day cruise including lunch.
National Museum of China (Beijing): Free (register online for a timed ticket). One of the world's largest museums.
Best Ways to Save Money in China
- Eat where locals eat — restaurants full of Chinese people at lunchtime are always cheap and delicious. Avoid restaurants with English menus right next to tourist attractions.
- Travel off-peak — September and November have the best combination of good weather and lower prices. Avoid Chinese public holidays.
- Book trains in advance on Trip.com or 12306.cn — train tickets sell out for popular routes weeks ahead, and early booking guarantees your seat.
- Use the metro instead of taxis for city travel — it's almost always faster and a fraction of the cost.
- Visit free attractions — many of China's best parks, temples, and museums have free entry or very low admission. Always check before assuming you need to pay.
- Bargain at markets — start at 40–50% of the quoted price and work your way up. Walking away slowly often brings a better offer.
🙏 Tipping in China: What You Need to Know
Tipping is not a custom in China and is not expected in restaurants, taxis, hair salons, or most hotels. The bill you pay IS the full amount. Staff may look confused or even refuse a tip. The only exceptions: professional tour guides (¥50–100 for a full day is appreciated), and hotel porters at luxury international hotels (¥10–20 per bag if they carry it to your room).