Book an all-inclusive package and take advantage of cheap airfare and quality accommodations at a low price. The China Spree online travel agency offers an eight-day "China Express" vacation package departing from either New York or San Fransisco. Prices for this affordable deal begin at $819 per person as of September 2010 and are inclusive of fuel surcharges and round-trip airport/hotel transfers. Travelers also enjoy nonstop trans-Pacific airfare and accommodations at a 4-star hotel with free daily breakfast. Adding a variety of affordable, optional Beijing tours to your itinerary allows you to experience the history and culture of this once imperial city.
China Spree
435 Martin Street
Suite 3010
Blaine, WA 98230
360-945-0809
chinaspree.com
Guided and fully planned itineraries often provide the best values. The China Discovery website offers a bargain-priced 9-day tour package for travelers during the upcoming fall and winter seasons. The tour includes visits to attractions in Beijing, Suzhou and Shanghai such as the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and Nanjing Road, as well as a cruise on the Grand Canal. Travelers need only take spending money for souvenirs from their China vacation as the package also includes hotel accommodations and almost all meals. As of September 2010, prices for the China Discover package range from $999 to $1100 and vary based on the U.S. city of departure.
Champion Holidays China Discovery
545 Eighth Ave., 18th Floor
New York, NY 10018
800-868-7658
china-discovery.com/supervalue.asp
Economical options for travelers looking to book their own flight arrangements and hotel accommodations separately also exist. For instance, you can find cheap roundtrip airfare to China from various U.S. departure cities on the U.S. China Trip website. You can also find cheap traveler accommodations at a hostel or guesthouse. As of September 2010, you could consider a $56 double room with private attached bath at Sitting On The City Walls Courtyard House in Beijing. Amenities at this hostel include in-room air conditioning, all linens, a security locker and free wireless access in the lobby. The hostel also provides guests of 5 nights or longer a free ticket to the Peking Opera.
Sitting On The City Walls Courtyard House
No.57 Nianzi Hutong
Jingshanhoujie, Dongcheng District
Beijing 100009 China
011-86-10-64027805
beijingcitywalls.com
The Chinese train system is one of the cheapest ways to get around in China. China has an extensive railway system connecting all major cities and many small towns. As of September 2010, visitors ride in a private soft sleeper car from Beijing to Shanghai for as little as $130, or ride in the hard sleeper car for $60. Taking the bus is another option for the budget traveler. While not as pleasant as a train ride, bus fare is often much cheaper than a bargain-priced train ticket.
Travelers wishing to avoid pricey meals should avoid eating in tourist areas. The most budget-friendly way to eat in China is to dine on street food. Street food in China is cheap, varied, convenient, and above all authentic. As of September 2010, for a dollar or less, you can dine on barbecued squid, roasted lamb or chicken on a stick. Those with a taste for the exotic might prefer chicken and duck feet, turtle soup, jellyfish salad, a worm and hairy crab roe omelet or a variety of mushrooms and fungi.
