Is China expensive or good value for travellers?
China can be good value, but the real cost depends on high-speed rail, domestic flights, hotels, attraction tickets and how many regions you try to collect. Cheap days are possible; inefficient routing is expensive.
Answer
China is not one budget story. Meals and local transport can feel reasonable in many places, but the trip changes once you add long-distance rail, domestic flights, major attraction tickets, private transfers, scenic-region access and hotels in high-demand periods. The biggest cost mistake is not a single expensive meal; it is a route that jumps too far too often. Spend on the parts that protect the trip — sensible transport, good locations and key sights — then let everyday food and public spaces do some of the value work.
Recheck before you go
Transport schedules can change. Check current timings before you book around them.