How to save money in China

It is best to fix your travel dates one to two months ahead, as discounted tickets usually have to be booked one to two months in advance. This is especially true for routes between popular destinations, where you can sometimes even find tickets at 10% of the full fare. Also compare prices across different airlines, as smaller carriers can sometimes be cheaper than larger ones.

If you cannot get a discounted ticket, booking a connecting itinerary can also save money. This means using a neighbouring city as a transfer point (for example, flying from Beijing to Lijiang via Kunming or Chongqing), which can cut costs by 20% or more. To promote sales, airlines offer some low-cost connecting tickets. If you need to stay overnight at the transfer city, airlines often arrange free accommodation. Keep an eye on connecting-flight offers on airline websites.

Besides flying, bullet trains (动车) and high-speed rail (高铁) are now convenient, fast options at moderate prices. If time allows, compare and weigh the options to choose the combination of transport that costs the least while remaining convenient and fast.

Once you reach your destination, you can save travel time by hiring a car with a driver. Agree on the price with the driver in advance. If the driver will pick up other passengers along the way, the fare can be lower. If your destination is the same as the driver's, it is essentially a free lift and will cost much less. If you are travelling alone or in a small group, you can also share a car with other travellers. There are also websites that offer chartered car services, so it is worth searching online.

Booking hotels online usually secures discounted rates. With fierce competition in the accommodation sector, travellers can read reviews from other guests and compare several options before choosing where to stay.

Some natural scenic areas and ancient towns or villages have hotels as well as local family homes that take guests. Staying in a local home is usually cheaper, is convenient for sightseeing, and lets you truly experience local customs. It is a two-for-one deal.

Travellers heading to Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan are best off booking hotels on local websites, where prices tend to be lower. Alternatively, visit www.hoteltravel.com or www.agoda.com and choose hotels marked 'most popular'.

Recommended websites for booking flights and hotels online:

Many travel websites now offer advance booking for scenic spot tickets. Tickets for most attractions across China can be booked online, often at lower prices than at the venue, so keep an eye on the promotions these sites run. You can also search group-buying websites for tickets to the attractions you want to visit.

Major cities are now competing to offer annual scenic passes. Examples include Xi'an's tourism discount card, Chengdu's Panda Card and Beijing's park annual pass, whose discounts are so generous they are almost like free admission. These cards can be bought on Taobao or in the respective cities.

This method works especially well for ancient towns. It is usually effective after 18:00, or early in the morning when ticket checkers are not yet on duty. You can enter then, stay overnight at a guesthouse in the old town and experience life among local families.

In Beijing, for example, joining a local day tour saves time on the road. Tour groups also get a combined ticket price covering several attractions, which is much cheaper than buying tickets individually.

Many travellers want to eat the most authentic local food for the least money. Before or during your trip, check food channels or apps, where diners post reviews of local restaurants. Top-ranked restaurants are generally both delicious and affordable. You can also ask locals along the way where to find something cheap, tasty and authentic. Night markets are often a good choice.

Shopping is an essential part of any trip, especially when you see souvenirs that are unique to the area and cannot resist buying them. Be aware, though, that many so-called souvenirs sold inside scenic areas are not actually local specialties. They are common across the country and not worth buying. If something is genuinely a local specialty, it is worth buying as a keepsake or a gift for friends and family, but it is best not to buy inside scenic areas, where prices are often several times higher than outside. Shops outside the scenic area can save you a lot of money.

Note: If your travel dates are fixed, consider following group-buying websites (choose only safe and reliable ones). They can help you book cheaper hotels or save on other travel expenses.