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Thandi's South Africa trip: 10 days across China
A 10-day mid-range trip through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai, budgeted at $1,900 (≈ $190/day).
real-trip-budgets2026-10-27
At a glance
- Traveler
- Thandi
- Nationality
- South Africa
- Travel style
- mid-range
- Month of travel
- October 2026
- Total cost
- $1,900
- Per day
- $190
- Days
- 10
Visa note
South African citizens are 30-day visa-free since 2024. Thandi entered with no prior application.
Paying your way
Standard Bank Visa linked to Alipay worked at all major merchants. ZAR card, no FTF.
Highlights
- Beijing 3 nights: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutong
- Xi’an 2 nights: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter
- Chengdu 2 nights: Panda Base, Jinli Street
- Shanghai 3 nights: Bund, French Concession, Yu Garden
Cost breakdown
| Flights | $700 |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $580 |
| Meals | $280 |
| Transit | $180 |
| Attractions | $100 |
| Misc | $60 |
Day by day
Day 1 — Beijing
≈ $190- Arrived in Beijing
- Beijing 3 nights: Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutong
Day 2 — Beijing
≈ $190- Hutong walk
Day 3 — Beijing
≈ $190- Temple of Heaven morning visit
Day 4 — Xi’an
≈ $190- HSR/transit from Beijing to Xi’an
- City Wall evening walk
Day 5 — Xi’an
≈ $190- Bell and Drum Tower area walk
Day 6 — Xi’an
≈ $190- Xi’an 2 nights: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter
Day 7 — Chengdu
≈ $190- HSR/transit from Xi’an to Chengdu
- Chengdu 2 nights: Panda Base, Jinli Street
Day 8 — Chengdu
≈ $190- People's Park teahouse afternoon
Day 9 — Chengdu
≈ $190- Kuanzhai Alleys stroll
Day 10 — Shanghai
≈ $190- HSR/transit from Chengdu to Shanghai
- The Bund evening walk