China has become one of the most talked-about destinations for Indian travellers. You get futuristic skylines in Shanghai, the Great Wall outside Beijing, the karst hills of Guilin, and some of the world's best shopping in Guangzhou and Yiwu. The first question almost everyone from Kolkata asks is simple: how much will it actually cost?

This guide breaks down every rupee, from your China visa in Kolkata to the last dumpling in Chengdu, so you can plan a trip that fits your budget.

1. China Visa Cost: Your First Expense

Indian passport holders need a visa before entering mainland China. There's no visa on arrival and no e-visa, so this step comes first.

Good news for 2026: China has extended its reduced visa fees for Indian applicants until 31 December 2026. Here's the current government fee structure:

A service charge from the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre is added on top. For a regular single-entry visa, that brings the total to roughly ₹5,000. Express processing costs more.

The fee is the same whether you apply for a China Tourist Visa in Kolkata (L visa) or a China Business Visa in Kolkata (M visa). Business travellers visiting the Canton Fair or factories often go for multiple-entry visas, since they usually return within the year.

The application now involves an online document review before you submit your passport. Small mistakes, like a mismatched hotel booking or the wrong photo size, can cause delays or rejection. That's why many travellers work with an experienced China Visa Agent in Kolkata. A reliable China Visa Consultant in Kolkata checks your documents, fills the form correctly and handles the submission, saving you repeated trips to the visa centre.

Budget for visa: ₹5,000 to ₹9,000 per person (including service charges and consultant support)

2. Flights from Kolkata to China

Flight prices depend on season, route and how early you book.

• Economy return (Kolkata to Guangzhou or Kunming): ₹22,000 to ₹35,000

• Economy return (Kolkata to Beijing or Shanghai, with one stop): ₹30,000 to ₹50,000

• Peak season (October holidays, Chinese New Year): add 20 to 40%

Tip: Book 6 to 8 weeks ahead and avoid China's Golden Week (1 to 7 October), when domestic travel inside China spikes and hotel prices rise sharply.

3. Accommodation Costs

China has options for every budget, and hotels are generally clean and well-run.

• Budget hotels and hostels: ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per night

• Mid-range 3 to 4 star hotels: ₹4,000 to ₹7,000 per night

• Luxury 5 star hotels: ₹9,000 to ₹20,000+ per night

For a 7-night trip, a mid-range traveller should plan around ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 for stays. Note that hotels register foreign guests with the local police, so always book properties that accept international passports.

4. Food Expenses

Food in China is affordable if you eat where locals eat. Vegetarian travellers should plan a little, since many dishes use meat-based stock, but big cities have Indian restaurants and plenty of vegetarian options.

• Street food and local eateries: ₹300 to ₹600 per meal

• Mid-range restaurants: ₹800 to ₹1,500 per meal

• Indian restaurants: ₹1,000 to ₹2,000 per meal

Daily food budget: ₹1,500 to ₹3,000 per person

5. Local Transport and Sightseeing

China's transport network is excellent. Metros are cheap (₹30 to ₹80 per ride), and bullet trains connect major cities quickly. A high-speed train from Beijing to Shanghai costs roughly ₹7,000 to ₹8,000 one way.

Popular entry fees:

• Great Wall (Mutianyu, with cable car): ₹2,500 to ₹3,500

• Forbidden City: ₹700 to ₹800

• Shanghai Tower observation deck: ₹2,000 to ₹2,500

• Li River cruise, Guilin: ₹3,000 to ₹5,000

Budget for transport and sightseeing: ₹15,000 to ₹30,000 for a week.

6. Other Costs People Forget

• Travel insurance: ₹800 to ₹2,000

• International SIM or eSIM (with VPN access, since Google and WhatsApp are restricted): ₹1,500 to ₹3,000

• Shopping and souvenirs: entirely up to you

• Forex conversion charges: 1 to 3%

Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you land. Most shops in China prefer mobile payments over cash or cards.

Total China Trip Cost from Kolkata (7 Days, Per Person)

Is a China Tour Package from Kolkata Cheaper?

For first-timers, often yes. A China Tour Package from Kolkata bundles flights, visa, hotels, transfers, meals and sightseeing, usually at group rates you can't get on your own. Most China Tours from Kolkata for 6 to 8 days fall between ₹85,000 and ₹1,60,000 per person, depending on cities and hotel category.

A China Group Tour from India is even more cost-effective. China offers a discounted group visa rate, and shared transfers and guides bring per-person costs down. Groups also solve the biggest worries for Indian travellers: language barriers, vegetarian food and navigating apps that work differently from home.

When comparing China Travel Packages India operators offer, check what's included. Some headline prices exclude visa fees, tips or train tickets, which can add ₹10,000 or more later.

Choosing the Right China Travel Agency in Kolkata

Not every travel agent understands China well. A good China Travel Agency in Kolkata should offer:

• Complete China Visa Services in Kolkata, from documentation to passport collection

• Customised itineraries for families, business travellers and groups

• Clear pricing with no hidden charges

• On-ground support in China

Working with an established International Travel Agency in Kolkata that also acts as a Visa Consultant in Kolkata means one team handles your visa and your trip, which reduces errors and saves time.

Plan Your China Trip with Pragati Tour and Travels

At Pragati Tour and Travels, we've helped Kolkata travellers, families and business owners explore China with confidence. As a trusted Visa Agency in Kolkata and Tour Operator in Kolkata, we handle everything: your China visa, flights, hotels and complete tour packages.

Looking for a Travel Agency in Burrabazar Kolkata that understands China inside out? Visit our office or reach out to our team. As your Overseas Travel Consultant in Kolkata, we'll build a trip that matches your budget, whether it's a quick business visit to Guangzhou or a two-week holiday across Beijing, Shanghai and Guilin.

Your China journey starts in Kolkata. Let's plan it together.