Sichuan is a cultural 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 Sichuan?
You should plan to spend around $61 (¥438) per day on your vacation in Sichuan. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $34 (¥241) on meals
- $5.55 (¥40) on local transportation
- $40 (¥284) on hotels
A one week trip to Sichuan for two people costs, on average, $854 (¥6,132). 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
$427
¥3,066
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$854
¥6,132
-
One Month
Per person
$1,830
¥13,140
-
One Week
For a couple
$854
¥6,132
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$1,708
¥12,264
-
One Month
For a couple
$3,659
¥26,280
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Sichuan cost?
A one week trip to Sichuan usually costs around $427 (¥3,066) for one person and $854 (¥6,132) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Sichuan on average costs around $854 (¥6,132) for one person and $1,708 (¥12,264) 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 Sichuan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Sichuan on average costs around $1,830 (¥13,140) for one person and $3,659 (¥26,280) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Sichuan expensive to visit?
Sichuan is a small yet inviting destination that captivates travelers with a mix of travel preferences, spending habits, and budgetary ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
Sichuan can become quite costly if you let it, but there are ways to save money, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $25 (¥178) per day, mid-range travelers spend $61 (¥438) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $143 (¥1,031) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Sichuan.
Within Asia, Sichuan is a reasonably affordable destination compared to other places. It is in the top 25% of cities in Asia for its affordability. You can find more affordable cities such as Luang Prabang, but there are also more expensive cities, such as Similan Islands.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Sichuan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Sichuan?
The average Sichuan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Sichuan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Sichuan cost?
Sichuan on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$8
(¥59)
|
$20
(¥142)
|
$44
(¥316)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(¥15)
|
$6
(¥40)
|
$15
(¥109)
|
|
Food2
|
$13
(¥97)
|
$34
(¥241)
|
$82
(¥589)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$7
(¥49)
|
$16
(¥113)
|
$31
(¥220)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-2
(¥5-16)
|
$2-5
(¥13-39)
|
$4-13
(¥31-94)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
When planning your trip to Sichuan, it's important to be realistic about your travel budget. While some people assume they can travel very cheaply, most people aren't comfortable on an extreme shoestring budget. Consider what you enjoy most on vacation and how you like to travel. Do you perfer to stay in resorts, hotels, or hostels? Do you enjoy sightseeing and dining out? These factors will affect your overall budget and travel plans.
Who are Budget Travelers?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $25 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Could You Be an Average Traveler?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll most likely want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at trendy restaurants, and check out the main museums and attractions that charge for entry. A significant number of visitors to Sichuan will want to tour the main attractions, museums, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities have costs associated with them. Hence, you should realistically expect your daily budget to hover around $61 per person, per day.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $143. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the destination will entail a more premium price tag.
Accommodation Budget in Sichuan
Prices for hotels in Sichuan vary widely, with luxury hotels charging more due to higher amenities. In the off-season, expect to pay around $, but during peak season, average prices climb to $. With options ranging from $ to $, there's something for every budget. Hostels are usually cheaper, especially dorm rooms. To save, book during the off-season or keep an eye out for special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Sichuan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $40 (¥284). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $20 (¥142) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Sichuan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
By avoiding the peak season and traveling during the low or shoulder seasons, you will be able to save on accommodation and avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Sichuan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.55 (¥40) per person, per day, on local transportation in Sichuan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Sichuan is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.55
¥40
Being such an established region, Sichuan has many options for getting into the area including planes, buses, and trains. Most of these options run through Chengdu, with smaller bus and train lines running from Chengdu to other areas of the region.
Most cities have local bus lines or small train systems within the city to get you around. Some of the smaller cities are easily walkable or can be navigated on scooter or bicycle. There are also many tourist bus companies that run in loops around larger cities taking you to the major tourist attractions.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Jiuzhaigou: 3-Day Tour with Bullet Train Transfers for $915 details
- Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou&Huanglong Self-Guided Tour w/Transfer for $386 details
How much does it cost to go to Sichuan? 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 Sichuan 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 Sichuan
Food is a major reason many people explore new destinations, so don't skip the chance to try local delicacies.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Sichuan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Sichuan is $34 (¥241) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$34
¥241
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Sichuan is around $33 (¥241) per person, with previous travelers spending from $13 to $82. 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 Sichuan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $13
- Dinner: $10 to $23
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
There's no doubt that you've probably heard of Sichuan Chinese Cuisine, especially kung pao chicken and twice cooked pork. Make the most of this by taking a food tour in Chengdu; they are guided by local English speakers who take you out of the tourist areas to restaurants that locals praise! On the western, Tibetan, side of the region, expect to find more Tibetan food including yak, dumplings, and dairy products made from yak and goat milk.
The majority of nightlife happens in Chengdu, with everything ranging from karaoke bars to Irish Pubs. Nightlife is sparse in other areas, though you can purchase a beer from most restaurants. Traditionally, most people will sit and enjoy a cup of tea or lemon drink in the evening.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Instead of buying drinks, carry a water bottle with you. It's also a good choice for the planet.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Sichuan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Sichuan typically cost an average of $16 (¥113) 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.
$16
¥113
With such a large region, there's a wide variety of sights to see. In the capital city of Chengdu, you'll find over 2,000 years of history spread out across the city. From the mausoleum of the Princes of Shu of the Ming Dynasty to the contemporary art gallery, A Thousand Plateaus Art Space, you can experience centuries of Chinese culture all in one city. The city of Dege is famous for their Tibetan library which has a treasure trove of wooden printing blocks with Tibetan Buddhist texts on them.
You can visit a huge cliff carving of Buddha while touring Mount Emei in the city of Leshan, both the statue and the mountain are a World Heritage Site. Songpan is known for housing remnants of their ancient city and is a great base camp for touring Tibetan villages nearby.
Whether you're looking for a three-day adventure or just a day of fun, a must do is a horse trek in Langmusi! The Langmusi Tibetan Horse Trekking Agency offers guided treks that last 1-3 days, with some longer treks allowing you to stay with real Tibetan nomads. Just outside of Chengdu, you'll find the Panda Research Base which has around 60 giant pandas, along with a few red pandas and black-necked cranes. Chengdu is also a great place for shopping, especially on Chunxi Road where you'll find everything from arcades to bookstores. If you're looking for a bit of relaxation, head to Kangding to enjoy hot springs in the Er Dao Qiao hot spring resort or the hot springs located in Mugecuo National Park.
A nice way to explore destinations in Sichuan is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Big Panda Volunteer Day tour for $348 details
- Beijing: 2-Hour Walking Tour of Historic Landmarks for $29 details
- 3-Day Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Highlights Tour by Fast Train for $1,086 details
Nightlife Budget in Sichuan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $3.62 (¥26) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Sichuan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$3.62
¥26
Enjoying the nightlife is always a highlight, but cutting back on drinks can really help you save money on your travels.
Travel cost data last updated: May 1, 2025
Traveling in Sichuan
Chengdu, Sichuan, China
The Sichuan Provence of China is a fairly large Provence in the south central area near Tibet. The area has a wealth of history, natural beauty, and is famous for their cuisine which is known worldwide. You'll find that most young people in larger cities speak some English, although the majority of the area speaks a variant of Mandarin.
Due to Sichuan being so spread out, the climate dramatically varies between regions. For the most part though, April-May and September-October tend to have the best scenery and most comfortable weather conditions throughout all of the regions. Peak tourist season lasts from July-August, resulting in large crowds and quite expensive accommodations.
Regions
Throughout the four regions in the Sichuan Provence, there are seven major cities. The first of which is the capital of Sichuan, Chengdu. This 2,000-year-old city, often referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey" because of its fertile plains, is a beautifully scenic city that combines the ancient with the modern and concrete cityscapes with wide-open plains. In Dege, you'll find an incredible Tibetan library and an old Buddhist printing house that was founded in 1729.
Ganzi is a rural city with a strong Tibetan culture and is home to a quite large indigenous Tibetan population and beautiful monestaries. Kangding is a small mountain city that's often considered to be the gateway to the Tibetan area of Sichuan. Kangding is a small temple town situated on a mountain that is often considered to be the gateway to the Tibetan area of the Sichuan region.
Langmusi is a stunning small village where you find Hui Muslims and Amdo Tibetans coming together to create beautiful temples. Leshan is famous for having the largest stone carved Buddha in the world located on Mount Emei. Finally, there is Songpan, a quaint town in the north with ancient temples and a popular spot to stop in before heading into the Jiuzhaigou Nature Reserve.
Related:
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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.
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.