Deqin is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Deqin?
A typical traveler spends $76 (¥542) per day on a trip to Deqin. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Deqin based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $28 (¥198) on meals
- $18 (¥132) on local transportation
- $72 (¥511) on hotels
A one-week trip to Deqin for two people costs, on average, $1,064 (¥7,588). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$532
¥3,794
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,064
¥7,588
-
One Month
Per person
$2,279
¥16,260
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,064
¥7,588
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,127
¥15,176
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,559
¥32,520
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Deqin cost?
A one week trip to Deqin usually costs around $532 (¥3,794) for one person and $1,064 (¥7,588) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Deqin on average costs around $1,064 (¥7,588) for one person and $2,127 (¥15,176) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Deqin will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Deqin on average costs around $2,279 (¥16,260) for one person and $4,559 (¥32,520) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Deqin expensive to visit?
In Deqin, budget travelers spend $32 (¥230) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $76 (¥542) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $160 (¥1,144) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Deqin.
Deqin is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You may find Deqin to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Deqin is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Hengyang or Malang.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Deqin Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Deqin?
The average Deqin trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Deqin travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Deqin cost?
Deqin on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$16
(¥112)
|
$36
(¥255)
|
$68
(¥489)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$8
(¥55)
|
$18
(¥132)
|
$41
(¥291)
|
|
Food2
|
$11
(¥82)
|
$28
(¥198)
|
$63
(¥452)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$5
(¥36)
|
$13
(¥91)
|
$32
(¥231)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-7
(¥16-49)
|
$5-16
(¥39-117)
|
$12-36
(¥85-255)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Deqin with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.
What Does It Mean to Be a Budget Traveler?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $32 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
What Makes You an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most people who travel to Deqin will want to experience its major attractions, museums, and historical landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $76 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for a complete getaway that features every luxury and a high level of service, plan on a cost of about $160 daily. To enjoy nicer hotels, dine at award-winning venues, indulge in extravagant experiences, and travel around the destination with taxis or private drivers, you'll need to set aside a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Deqin
The prices for hotels in Deqin can really vary, especially during peak travel season. Off-season, the average hotel room costs $, while during peak season, that average price jumps to around $. With budget accommodations starting at $ and luxury hotels peaking at $, there are options for every traveler. Dorm-style hostels are often the cheapest. Traveling during the low season or booking early can help you save.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Deqin for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $72 (¥511). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $36 (¥255) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Deqin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid ), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Deqin
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $18 (¥132) per person, per day, on local transportation in Deqin. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Deqin is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$18
¥132
Most visitors fly into the area arriving at Diqing Shangri-La Airport. To reach Deqin from here, there are four buses that leave in the morning from Shangri-La with the town of Benzilan as a midway stop to break up the journey. The drive is about 5 hours through steep mountain roads and alpine scenery.
The bus terminal in Deqin also operates buses to and from Lhasa, taking about 3-4 days.
Once in Deqin there is one through road winding down from the north.
How much does it cost to go to Deqin? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Deqin will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Deqin
One of the biggest draws for travelers is the food, so be sure to savor the local flavors.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Deqin can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Deqin is $28 (¥198) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$28
¥198
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Deqin is around $28 (¥198) per person, with previous travelers spending from $11 to $63. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Deqin are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $8
- Lunch: $4 to $11
- Dinner: $8 to $19
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
When it comes to food, Deqin is highly influenced by Tibetan cuisine which is largely limited to barley, meat (usually mutton or yak), and dairy products. Very few spices and vegetables are used in the cooking, though most dishes are served with a very hot chili sauce on the side. Tibetan cured pork, or Pipa Meat, is also common as is yak butter tea which can be served sweet or salted. Many locals often mix the tea with barley flour to create a staple meal known as tsampa. Other common dishes include momos or dumplings and a noodle soup known as thukpa. Ginger lemon tea is also popular. In Deqin, there are a number of small restaurants on the main street serving good food. If you seek western fare, try Tulange Cafe in the main tiled square in town.
Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.
Bring a reusable water bottle instead of purchasing drinks all the time. It's also a great way to help the environment.
If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Deqin
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Deqin typically cost an average of $13 (¥91) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$13
¥91
The sights worth seeing of Deqin and the surrounding area are mostly its natural scenery. Meili Xue Shan or Mainri Snow Mountain is the mountain range that steals the show. Many embark on treks to its snowy peaks or to the Mingyong Glacier (which can also be reached by car). The mountains are bordered by the Salween River to the west and the Mekong River to the east which is another popular route for trekking. You can find great views of the mountain range from Feilai Temple, located only 10 kilometers away from Deqin. The temple also has a number of hostels and guest houses for an alternative to those available in Deqin.
On the cultural side of things, many choose to take the journey to Yubeng Village. Since it is not accessible by any vehicles, you can take a mini bus from Fei Lai Si to Xidang Hot Springs where the hike actually starts. From here, the hike is about 9 kilometers one way taking about 6-7 hours for most people, though you can hire a horse or mule if you are not up for the walk. The village itself is divided into Upper Yubeng and Lower Yubeng, nestled into a valley surrounded by snowy peaks, thick forests, and waterfalls. From the village, you can take other hikes into the Sacred Waterfall or Ice Lake.
As mentioned before, Deqin is a place where people come to hike. The mountains themselves are known as the Meilixue Mountain Nature Reserve, and there are many opportunities to trek to destinations like the Mingyong Glacier, Tazi Temple, and Yubeng Village. At the village, visitors can immerse themselves in traditional culture, staying in quaint guest houses and enjoying the peace of the remote countryside. There are even more hikes from the village to explore the natural gems of the surrounding valley in dense forests and cascading waterfalls. Some people also trek along the Mekong River which follows the eastern boundary of the mountain range. In Deqin and the nearby villages, some locals know the trails well and can give advice on hiking in the area.
Nightlife Budget in Deqin
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $11 (¥78) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Deqin per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$11
¥78
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 15, 2025
Budgeting and Travel Tips for Deqin
- Enjoying a more leisurely travel pace can not only enhance your experience but also save you money as you soak in the area's beauty. If you rush through every day packed with activities, your spending will add up. On the flip side, a slower pace often means a lighter budget.
Budgeting Challenges
- Deqin has limited options for public transportation. You might want to have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour or private driver. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
- Deqin isn't particularly known for its hostels, so if you're expecting a budget dorm, you may need to reconsider. Look into affordable hotels or consider renting an apartment instead.
Traveling in Deqin
Deqin, China
Highly influenced by Tibet, Deqin is both a county and a town located in the Hengduanshan Mountains of China's Yunnan province. Most people visit the area as a home base from which to hike into the surrounding mountains, though the temples and traditional villages also add to the allure of the area.
Neighborhoods & Around
Deqin is the last town before Tibet proper in Yunnan province. Being mainly a hiker's town, there are minimal attractions with amenities including a range of small restaurants, a handful of cafes, some shops, and a few hotels and youth hostels. Before taking the ride to Deqin many visitors first arrive in Shangri-La, whose Old Town dates back more than a millennium with temples and monasteries exhibiting Tibetan architecture with bold white, dazzling gold, and striking reds. On the outskirts of civilization, between Shangri-La and Deqin, there are also a number of small Tibetan villages with opportunities for experiencing the more traditional ways of living. Here you can get a closer look at the primary occupations of farming and local craft-making.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.