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🇳🇿 New Zealand · mid-range · September 2026

Liam's 14-day China trip — $2,400 total

Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Guilin → Shanghai

Last updated:

These budgets are editorial estimates built from cited public prices (as of 2026), not actual user-submitted trip reports. Real traveler submissions will replace estimates as they accumulate via our lead form.

Quick Answer

How much does a 14-day China trip from New Zealand cost?

Liam (New Zealand) spent 14 days across Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai on a mid-range budget, totaling $2,400 ($171/day) in September 2026. Five cities in 14 days, HSR for most legs. The Li River cruise was the highlight.

Source: NihaoVisit editorial estimates (cited 2026 public prices)

Cost breakdown

CategoryUSD% of total
flights$70029%
accommodation$70029%
meals$40017%
transit$32013%
attractions$2008%
misc$803%
Total$2,400100%

Day-by-day itinerary

Illustrative day-by-day itinerary derived from this editorial estimate.

  1. Day 1 · Beijing

    ~$171

  2. Day 2 · Beijing

    ~$171

    • Li River cruise Guilin → Yangshuo (¥215, 4 hours)· 1 link

  3. Day 3 · Beijing

    ~$171

  4. Day 4 · Xi’an

    ~$171

  5. Day 5 · Xi’an

    ~$171

  6. Day 6 · Xi’an

    ~$171

    • Li River cruise Guilin → Yangshuo (¥215, 4 hours)· 1 link

  7. Day 7 · Chengdu

    ~$171

  8. Day 8 · Chengdu

    ~$171

  9. Day 9 · Chengdu

    ~$171

  10. Day 10 · Guilin

    ~$171

  11. Day 11 · Guilin

    ~$171

  12. Day 12 · Guilin

    ~$171

  13. Day 13 · Shanghai

    ~$171

  14. Day 14 · Shanghai

    ~$171

    • Li River cruise Guilin → Yangshuo (¥215, 4 hours)· 1 link
    • Departed Shanghai· 1 link

Payment evidence

3 illustrative asset placeholders (Alipay top-ups, HSR tickets, hotel check-ins, metro QR scans) — to be replaced with real screenshots once lead-form submissions accumulate.

  • Alipay Tour Pass ¥1000 (ANZ Visa)Day 1 · ¥1000 CNYAUD card, no FTF.
  • Chengdu → Guilin HSR second classDay 9 · ¥590 CNY6 hours.
  • Li River cruise Guilin → YangshuoDay 10 · ¥215 CNY4 hours, basic seat.

Trip highlights

  • 5-city loop: Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Guilin → Shanghai
  • Li River cruise Guilin → Yangshuo (¥215, 4 hours)
  • Terracotta Warriors morning tour to avoid crowds
  • Panda base Chengdu at 7am — pandas most active

Visa for New Zealand

New Zealand citizens are 30-day visa-free. Liam entered without prior application, passport scanned at PEK immigration.

Payment in China

ANZ Visa linked to Alipay covered most. Some rural Yangshuo shops wanted WeChat Pay; co-pay with Alipay was the workaround.

In Liam's words

Five cities in 14 days, HSR for most legs. The Li River cruise was the highlight.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a 14-day China trip from New Zealand actually cost?
Liam spent $2,400 total ($171/day) on a mid-range-tier 14-day trip in September 2026. Of that, flights were $700, accommodation $700, meals $400, transit $320, attractions $200, and misc $80.
Do New Zealand citizens need a visa for China?
New Zealand citizens are 30-day visa-free. Liam entered without prior application, passport scanned at PEK immigration.
What's the best way to pay in China as a New Zealand visitor?
ANZ Visa linked to Alipay covered most. Some rural Yangshuo shops wanted WeChat Pay; co-pay with Alipay was the workaround.
What cities did Liam visit on this trip?
Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, Shanghai. The 14-day route was: Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Guilin → Shanghai.

See also: China trip cost, All real trip budgets, Experience hub, By country.