In this Shaanxi 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 Shaanxi trip cost calculator includes average trip costs from thousands of previous travelers, along with typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Shaanxi is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and you don't want to miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Shaanxi?
A typical traveler spends $110 (¥741) per day on a trip to Shaanxi. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Shaanxi based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $22 (¥148) on meals
- $13 (¥86) on local transportation
- $129 (¥874) on hotels
A one-week trip to Shaanxi for two people costs, on average, $1,533 (¥10,374). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from thousands of other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
Is Shaanxi expensive to visit?
In Shaanxi, budget travelers spend $46 (¥309) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $110 (¥741) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $293 (¥1,980) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Shaanxi.
Shaanxi is a small yet captivating destination that lures visitors with differing travel styles, spending levels, and budgetary preferences. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.
While Shaanxi can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Shaanxi is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Shaanxi Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Shaanxi?
The average Shaanxi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Shaanxi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Shaanxi cost?
Shaanxi on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$24
(¥160)
|
$65
(¥437)
|
$191
(¥1,292)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$4
(¥27)
|
$13
(¥86)
|
$47
(¥319)
|
|
Food2
|
$10
(¥65)
|
$22
(¥148)
|
$42
(¥285)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$14
(¥93)
|
$38
(¥255)
|
$112
(¥758)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$2-5
(¥11-34)
|
$4-12
(¥26-79)
|
$8-24
(¥53-160)
|
Accommodation Budget in Shaanxi
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Shaanxi can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Shaanxi in the off-season is $, but in the peak travel season it will average around $. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Shaanxi to range from $ to $. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Shaanxi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $129 (¥874). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $65 (¥437) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Shaanxi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you plan your trip for the shoulder or low season and avoid , you'll enjoy reduced accommodation costs and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Shaanxi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $13 (¥86) per person, per day, on local transportation in Shaanxi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Shaanxi is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
¥86
By plane, there are airports in the cities of Xian, Yan'an, Yulin, Ankang, and Hanzhong. Xian Xianyang International Airport is the fourth biggest airport in China. From Yan'an Airport, there are direct flights to Xian and Beijing, and from Ankang Airport and Hanzhong Airport, flights only run between Xian and Ankang or between Xian and Hanzhong.
From Xian Xianyang International Airport, there are flights to major cities in China (like Beijing, Shanghai, Xiamen, etc.), Japan, Thailand and South Korea. The airport is about 47 kilometers away from the Xian urban area, and takes about 1 hour to get there by expressway.
By train, the railway transportation in Shaanxi is very convenient, and travelers can get to Shaanxi from most main cities in China.
How much does it cost to go to Shaanxi? 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 Shaanxi 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 Shaanxi
Cuisine is one of the main reasons people travel, so don't miss out on the local fare.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Shaanxi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Shaanxi is $22 (¥148) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$22
¥148
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Shaanxi is around $22 (¥148) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $42. 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 Shaanxi are as follows:
- Breakfast: $2 to $7
- Lunch: $3 to $9
- Dinner: $7 to $15
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $3
The cuisine of Shaanxi Province is best known for its pork and lamb or mutton dishes. The flavors are usually strong with a taste that is heavy and mainly savory. Cooking methods are typically steaming, frying, and stir-frying, and most dishes are accompanied by rice or noodles. Xian, in particular, is rich in local snacks which include the Crumbled Flatbread in Mutton Stew (Yangrou Paomo), Cold Noodles (Liang Pi) and Shaanxi Sandwich (Rou Jia Mo). The Shaanxi Sandwich is a kind of toasted wheat flour flat bread stuffed by finely braised and chopped pork, and is often paired with Cold Noodles. The noodles come in two varieties (rice or wheat), and are usually seasoned with ingredients like hot red pepper, sauce, salt, vinegar, mashed garlic, and bean sprout. Dumplings are also popular. In addition to traditional fair, Shaanxi Province also features international flavors including Sichuan, Indian, and Western fare.
A lot of hotels include breakfast in their price, but some may add it as an extra charge. The price and quality can differ from one hotel to the next. Being aware of this ahead of time can help you figure out if you'll need to shell out more money. The hotel buffet could be delicious, or you might opt for a more affordable treat at a nearby bakery or cafe.
Instead of constantly buying drinks, bring along a water bottle. It's also great for the planet.
Before embarking on a tour, ensure you know which meals are included. You might have to pay for some food yourself, and that can add to your travel expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Shaanxi
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Shaanxi typically cost an average of $38 (¥255) 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.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$38
¥255
So far as sights go, the highest concentration of things to see probably resides in the capital city of Xian. As mentioned, the grand Mausoleum of the first emperor of Qin is an archaeological site especially popular for its army of Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Together thousands of life-size pottery soldiers, horses, chariots, and weapons are arranged in battle formations, symbolically guarding the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The Xian City Wall, complete with a mote and a circular park, is one of the most complete city walls surviving in China as well as one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. Other attractions in the city include the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Shaanxi History Museum, which is a modern national museum that displays a wide array of Shaanxi history, art, and culture as well as the development of ancient Chinese civilization.
Another significant feature of the province is Zhenbeitei, more commonly known as the Great Wall of China. While the wall extends for over 5,000 miles from Laolongtou to Jiayuguan Pass, its heart lies at Zhenbeitai Great Wall on the top of Hongshan Mountain in Yulin, Shaanxi Province. A few other sights of the province include the Hukou waterfalls and Huangdi Mausoleum in Yan'an, as well as the Xian Bell Tower which marks the geographic center of the ancient capital.
From the famous Terracotta Army to the Great Wall of China there is no lack of sight-seeing to be had in Shaanxi Province. With a number of archaeological sites, large-scale tombs of emperors, imperial palaces, ancient buildings, temples, and monasteries, the province as a whole can be seen as one life-size museum. In addition to sight-seeing, though, activities include anything from shopping and watching traditional performances in the cities to hiking amidst mountains and the beautiful scenery of the Yellow River. The Tang Dynasty Dancing Show in Xian is an example of one kind of traditional entertainment, featuring costumes, Chinese musical instruments, and a storyline all derived from original Tang Dynasty art works.
Nightlife Budget in Shaanxi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $7.74 (¥52) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Shaanxi per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
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Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$7.74
¥52
Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.
Travel cost data last updated: May 5, 2026
Traveling in Shaanxi
Xi'an, China
Shaanxi is a province of central China-central geographically, culturally, and historically. Its ancient capital, Xian (or Xi'an), was a starting point for the Silk Road and is also famous as the home to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, an archaeological site known for its thousands of clay soldiers called the Terracotta Army. Other attractions include the Hukou waterfalls, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Shaanxi History Museum, and the Great Wall of China on Huashan Mountain.
Regions
The Shaanxi Province can be divided into three regions: northern, central, and southern-each with unique geographies, histories, and cultures. The northern part mainly consists of the Loess Plateau and Maowusu Desert, with its best known cities being Yulin and Yan'an. Yulin was a garrison town on the Great Wall of China in the time of the Ming dynasty, and Yan'an is nicknamed the "Cradle of the Revolution" as it was center of Chinese revolution in 1937. Central Shaanxi is a place of rich culture and history, best known as the home of the Terracotta Soldiers in the city of Xian. Xian is also the capital city of Shaanxi Province and was the starting point of ancient Silk Road. Southern Shaanxi refers to the region south of the Qinling Mountains. Covered by mountains, valleys, and plains, it is best known for its beautiful natural scenery like Nangong Mountain National Forest Park, Zhashui Cave, and Yinghu Lake.
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Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many assume they can get by cheaply in Shaanxi, but most people don't enjoy traveling on a very tight budget. Think about how you like to travel, and whether you prefer resorts, hostels, or vacation rentals. Do activities like sightseeing and dining out matter to you? These factors will help shape your travel budget.
Who Exactly is a Budget Traveler?
You may believe you're traveling on a budget, but unless you're ready to give up some conveniences, you'll likely spend much more than the $46 daily average that backpackers get away with.
Younger budget travelers often stick to this low budget by staying in dorms, eating inexpensive meals, taking public transportation, and focusing on free activities and sights.
Is Your Travel Style Average?
If you're a couple or a family traveling for fun, you'll likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular restaurants, and visit the major museums and attractions which have entry fees. Most visitors to Shaanxi will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities cost money, after all. Therefore, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be closer to $110 per person, per day.
Seeking a Stylish Getaway from the Daily Routine?
If you're used to premier amenities and elevated service, prepare to spend about $293 per day. Choosing comfortable hotels, dining at award-winning establishments, indulging in extravagant excursions, and relying on taxis or private drivers to explore the destination will demand a higher price range.
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.
