Many tourists miss out on great savings because they simply don't know where to look. This guide shows you how to save money on hotels, shopping, and day trips — the easy way.
There are several simple ways to pay less for the same hotel room. Here are the best ones for international visitors.
Booking through Ctrip (Trip.com) or Meituan often gives you prices 20–40% cheaper than Western booking sites like Booking.com or Expedia. The apps work in English!
Tip: Set up the app before you travel and browse for deals. Compare prices on at least two apps before booking.
Call or email the hotel directly after finding it online. Many hotels can match or beat the best online price — and you might get extras like free breakfast or a room upgrade.
Phrase to use: "Do you have a better rate if I book directly with you?"
Hotels in popular tourist cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu fill up fast. Booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance usually gives you the widest choice and best prices — especially during Chinese public holidays.
Chinese New Year (late Jan – mid Feb) — Extremely busy and expensive. Hotels can cost double. Book months in advance or travel at a different time.
Golden Week — National Day Holiday (1–7 October) — Very busy. Hundreds of millions of Chinese people travel domestically. Tourist sites are crowded.
Labour Day Holiday (1–5 May) — Another busy period. Book early and expect higher prices.
Best Value: September, November, March — These months tend to be quieter with better hotel prices and fewer crowds at tourist sites.
China is a wonderful place to shop, and there are several ways to get even better deals on everything from silk scarves to electronics.
At many larger department stores and flagship shops, international visitors can claim back 8–11% VAT (tax) on purchases. Look for the "Tax Free Shopping" sign at the entrance or checkout. You'll need your passport and a receipt. Claim your refund at the airport before flying home.
Chinese international airports have well-stocked duty-free shops. Spirits, cosmetics, and branded goods are often noticeably cheaper than at home. You can also shop at duty-free stores in special designated tourist areas in Hainan Island, China's duty-free paradise.
At open-air markets and small independent shops, bargaining is expected and welcomed. Start by offering about 40–50% of the first price quoted and negotiate upward. Always be friendly and smile — it is part of the fun! Tip: if you walk away slowly, they will often call you back with a better price.
Some cities offer free or low-cost tourist cards for international visitors. For example, the Beijing Tourist Card or Shanghai Welcome Card can give discounts at participating museums, restaurants, and shops. Ask at your hotel concierge or at the airport tourist information desk.
China has hundreds of world-class museums, and many are free to enter. The National Museum of China in Beijing, for example, is free with advance registration. Always check the museum's website before visiting — many require you to book a free timed ticket in advance.
Beijing: Silk Street Market, Panjiayuan Antique Market | Shanghai: Yuyuan Bazaar, Tianzifang | Guangzhou: Qingping Market | Chengdu: Jinli Ancient Street. Always buy souvenirs at street markets rather than gift shops inside tourist attractions — prices can be 5–10× lower!
Small local restaurants (look for places full of Chinese people at lunchtime!) are far cheaper than tourist restaurants and often much tastier. A filling meal can cost as little as ¥20–40 (about £2–£4). Point at dishes on the menu — most restaurants have pictures!
China's city metros are excellent and extremely cheap. In most cities, you can buy a metro card (交通卡) which gives you a 10% discount on all journeys compared to buying individual tickets. They are sold at airport metro stations and convenience stores.
Didi — for taxis (always cheaper than standing taxis) | Meituan — for food delivery and restaurant coupons | Ctrip/Trip.com — for tour packages and day trips at tourist discounts | Alipay's "City Services" — often has coupons for nearby shops and restaurants.
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