This Shanxi travel cost guide will help you plan a realistic budget for your trip while still making the most of your time away. Our Shanxi trip cost calculator includes average costs from thousands of previous travelers, covering hotels, meals, attractions, entertainment, and local transportation. Shanxi is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities, and it would be a shame to miss out on anything because you did't plan your budget.
How much does it cost to travel to Shanxi?
A typical traveler spends $3,754 (¥25,523) per day on a trip to Shanxi. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Shanxi based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $1,391 (¥9,457) on meals
- $453 (¥3,077) on local transportation
- $3,271 (¥22,239) on hotels
A one-week trip to Shanxi for two people costs, on average, $52,562 (¥357,322). 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.
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One Week
Per person
$26,281
¥178,661
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$52,562
¥357,322
-
One Month
Per person
$112,632
¥765,690
-
One Week
For a couple
$52,562
¥357,322
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$105,123
¥714,644
-
One Month
For a couple
$225,264
¥1,531,380
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Shanxi cost?
A one week trip to Shanxi usually costs around $26,281 (¥178,661) for one person and $52,562 (¥357,322) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Shanxi on average costs around $52,562 (¥357,322) for one person and $105,123 (¥714,644) 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 Shanxi will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Shanxi on average costs around $112,632 (¥765,690) for one person and $225,264 (¥1,531,380) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Shanxi expensive to visit?
In Shanxi, budget travelers spend $899 (¥6,108) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $3,754 (¥25,523) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $18,015 (¥122,469) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Shanxi.
Shanxi is a charming destination that draws in visitors with an array of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary choices. You'll find a wide array of accommodation options, such as luxury hotels, mid-range places, or budget-friendly hostels.
Although Shanxi can be quite pricey if you let it be, you can cut costs by looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Shanxi is a very affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Asia for its travel costs. Very few cities in the region are as affordable as Shanxi.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Shanxi Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Shanxi?
The average Shanxi trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Shanxi travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Shanxi cost?
Shanxi on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$405
(¥2,755)
|
$1,636
(¥11,120)
|
$7,647
(¥51,983)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$101
(¥687)
|
$453
(¥3,077)
|
$2,278
(¥15,484)
|
|
Food2
|
$319
(¥2,171)
|
$1,391
(¥9,457)
|
$6,873
(¥46,724)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$196
(¥1,333)
|
$828
(¥5,631)
|
$4,005
(¥27,224)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$60-179
(¥406-1,218)
|
$230-689
(¥1,562-4,686)
|
$1,033-3,100
(¥7,024-21,073)
|
Accommodation Budget in Shanxi
In Shanxi, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $, but during peak season they jump to an average of $. You can find budget options starting at $ up to luxury rates at $. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Shanxi for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $3,271 (¥22,239). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $1,636 (¥11,120) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Shanxi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By skipping and traveling during the low or shoulder season, you'll enjoy lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds.
Transportation Budget in Shanxi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $453 (¥3,077) per person, per day, on local transportation in Shanxi. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Shanxi is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$453
¥3,077
If you stay somewhere around the main provincial highway, you're pretty central to most sites. This highway runs through the capital city of Taiyuan, Pingyao and Linfen. So most major tourist attractions are accessible by car. Renting a car, however, is not so simple in Shanxi if you don't speak the language. Try to arrange a car hire through your travel agency or hotel for your convenience.
There is also a railway that runs along the same road and stops at the main cities. It is a good way to get from city to city. Make sure you check the schedules carefully because some cities don't have as many stops.
There is also a public bus system. There are local and long distance lines that tend to arrive to their destinations faster than the trains.
How much does it cost to go to Shanxi? 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 Shanxi 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 Shanxi
Food is a major attraction for travelers, so make sure you don't miss out on the local culinary delights.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Shanxi can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Shanxi is $1,391 (¥9,457) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$1,391
¥9,457
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Shanxi is around $1391 (¥9457) per person, with previous travelers spending from $319 to $6873. 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 Shanxi are as follows:
- Breakfast: $139 to $417
- Lunch: $209 to $556
- Dinner: $417 to $974
- Coffee: $111
- Fast Food or Street Food: $209
There are traditional dishes of China you'll have to look for while you're travelling, but remember that Shanxi has its own cuisine. Setting itself apart from the tastes of Cantonese area, Beijing, Shanghai or Sichuan, Shanxi is known for its noodles of many shapes, doused with a variety of sauces.
Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.
Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.
If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Shanxi
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Shanxi typically cost an average of $828 (¥5,631) 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.
$828
¥5,631
One of the firs things you'll want to do in Shanxi is explore the stunning Buddhist cave art of the Yungang Caves. Dating all the way back to the 5th century, this attraction is filled with 51,000 ancient statues and celestial beings. If you know your history, you'll see distinct influences from Indian, Persian and Greek designs as these cultures were known to travel the Silk Road. The Tuoba began carving these masterpieces in AD 460 and finished all 252 caves over the next 60 years. This makes this the oldest collection of Buddhist carvings in all of China.
You also won't want to miss the views available on the cliffs of Mian Shan. This mountain area is sprinkled with temples along the breathtaking cliffs, and scenic walks provide visitors with some of the most relaxing and stunning sights they'll have in all of China. The road around the mountain is a moderate hike with buses that take you to the main attractions like Dragon Head Temple and the Sky Ladder.
And, of course, you have to see a bit of the Great Wall of China while here. The dilapidated sections begin to disappear over the top of Horsehead Hill at the Ba Taizi ruins. This area is all that remains of the Holy Mother Church built in 1876. The front gate and bell tower stand tall as the remains of this once great Gothic church. Getting to this remote area is a hike; so grab a few bottles of water.
If that little taste of the Great Wall wasn't enough, however, visit the Datong City Wall. This refurbished wall is still under construction in some parts. The city is rebuilding on top of the bricks and stumps the wall had been reduced to. This project is not without controversy, but once it lights up at night, you have to admit it's quite a sight to behold.
Many people also love to take a tour of the Qiao Family Courtyard. This 18-th century collection of courtyards is a true example of China's private residence halls. A maze of halls and doorways lead to more than 300 rooms. There are Qing-era furniture and clothes on display, but get here early. This site is very popular with tour groups.
And Pingyao is not to be missed. This old walled city is filled with picturesque towers and preserved buildings filled with shops and restaurants. You could wander for days with that historical feeling of awe inspired beauty in this town, which is also conveniently located on a main rail line.
While travelling in Shanxi, you'll have no problems finding plenty of Buddhist temples to admire. The Shuanglin Temple should be near the top of your list. Here you'll find intricately carved Tang, Song and Yuan painted statues. The current building dates back to 1571 with dozens of halls for you to wander and discover the most astonishing pieces of art. The Four Heavenly Kings date all the way back to the Tang dynasty while the Thousand Buddha Hall displays a Guanyin with 100 arms.
Nightlife Budget in Shanxi
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $460 (¥3,124) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Shanxi 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
$460
¥3,124
Nights out are a travel highlight, but reducing your drink tab is a smart way to stretch your budget further.
Travel cost data last updated: May 27, 2026
Traveling in Shanxi
Pingyao, China
Sometimes your vacation can be your link to ancient history. Any visit to the Shanxi Province of China lets you wander through this region's long and cultured history. This area was once the cradle of Chinese civilization – which becomes obvious by simply taking a look around the old temples, traditional Qing-dynasty architecture and the caves of Lijia-Shan. They are still inhabited to this day!
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your budget for Shanxi. Many assume they can visit on a shoestring, but most travelers find that to be very challenging. Think about what matters to you when traveling. Is it staying in a resort, visiting all the attractions, or dining out at nice restaurants? These factors will determine how much you spend on your trip.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $899 that backpackers often get by on.
Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
As a couple or family looking for fun, you're likely to choose a mid-range hotel, dine at popular restaurants, and explore the major museums and attractions with entry fees. Many visitors to Shanxi are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. After all, most activities do cost money. Therefore, it's sensible to expect your daily budget to be approximately $3,754 per person, per day.
Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $18,015 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the destination with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget.
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.
