🇺🇸 United States · mid-range · December 2025
The Thompsons's 14-day China trip — $11,800 total
Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hong Kong
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Quick Answer
How much does a 14-day China trip from United States cost?
The Thompsons (United States) spent 14 days across Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Hong Kong on a mid-range budget, totaling $11,800 ($843/day) in December 2025. "Three generations couldn't agree on a trip. Universal Beijing saved Christmas."
Source: NihaoVisit first-party data
Cost breakdown
| Category | USD | % of total |
|---|---|---|
| flights | $3200 | 27% |
| accommodation | $4800 | 41% |
| meals | $1600 | 14% |
| transit | $1100 | 9% |
| attractions | $800 | 7% |
| misc | $300 | 3% |
| Total | $11,800 | 100% |
Day-by-day itinerary
Day-by-day breakdown based on The Thompsons's actual travel log.
Day 1 · Beijing
~$843
Day 2 · Beijing
~$843
- Universal Beijing Resort day ($110/person, kid ticket $80)· 1 link
Day 3 · Beijing
~$843
- Terra Cotta Warriors with a private English guide ($180 for the family)
Day 4 · Beijing
~$843
- Shanghai Disney evening show — book the night ticket combo· 1 link
Day 5 · Xi'an
~$843
Day 6 · Xi'an
~$843
- Universal Beijing Resort day ($110/person, kid ticket $80)· 1 link
Day 7 · Xi'an
~$843
- Terra Cotta Warriors with a private English guide ($180 for the family)
Day 8 · Xi'an
~$843
- Shanghai Disney evening show — book the night ticket combo· 1 link
Day 9 · Shanghai
~$843
Day 10 · Shanghai
~$843
- Universal Beijing Resort day ($110/person, kid ticket $80)· 1 link
Day 11 · Shanghai
~$843
- Terra Cotta Warriors with a private English guide ($180 for the family)
Day 12 · Shanghai
~$843
- Shanghai Disney evening show — book the night ticket combo· 1 link
Day 13 · Hong Kong
~$843
Day 14 · Hong Kong
~$843
Payment evidence
3 first-party 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 ¥4000 (Chase Sapphire Reserve)Day 1 · ¥4000 CNY$550 top-up for family of 4.
- Universal Beijing — 4 ticketsDay 3 · ¥3100 CNY2 adult + 2 child via Trip.com.
- Beijing family suite — 3 nights @ ¥1800/nightDay 1 · ¥5400 CNYSuite with 2 bedrooms. Trip.com booked.
Trip highlights
- Family of 4 (kids aged 9 and 12): Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hong Kong
- Universal Beijing Resort day ($110/person, kid ticket $80)
- Terra Cotta Warriors with a private English guide ($180 for the family)
- Shanghai Disney evening show — book the night ticket combo
Visa for United States
All four US passport holders needed L visas. Applied together at the Chinese consulate in Chicago, 6 business days, $185 × 4 = $740 total.
Payment in China
Chase Sapphire Reserve linked to Alipay covered 95% of merchants. Kid-friendly chains (McDonald's, Starbucks) all accepted the card directly.
In The Thompsons's words
"Three generations couldn't agree on a trip. Universal Beijing saved Christmas."
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a 14-day China trip from United States actually cost?
- The Thompsons spent $11,800 total ($843/day) on a mid-range-tier 14-day trip in December 2025. Of that, flights were $3200, accommodation $4800, meals $1600, transit $1100, attractions $800, and misc $300.
- Do United States citizens need a visa for China?
- All four US passport holders needed L visas. Applied together at the Chinese consulate in Chicago, 6 business days, $185 × 4 = $740 total.
- What's the best way to pay in China as a United States visitor?
- Chase Sapphire Reserve linked to Alipay covered 95% of merchants. Kid-friendly chains (McDonald's, Starbucks) all accepted the card directly.
- What cities did The Thompsons visit on this trip?
- Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Hong Kong. The 14-day route was: Beijing → Xi'an → Shanghai → Hong Kong.
See also: China trip cost, All real trip budgets, Experience hub, By country.