Hunan is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Hunan?
A typical traveler spends $77 (¥550) per day on a trip to Hunan. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Hunan based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $36 (¥257) on meals
- $15 (¥104) on local transportation
- $57 (¥407) on hotels
A one-week trip to Hunan for two people costs, on average, $1,079 (¥7,700). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$540
¥3,850
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,079
¥7,700
-
One Month
Per person
$2,313
¥16,500
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,079
¥7,700
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,159
¥15,400
-
One Month
For a couple
$4,626
¥33,000
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Hunan cost?
A one week trip to Hunan usually costs around $540 (¥3,850) for one person and $1,079 (¥7,700) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Hunan on average costs around $1,079 (¥7,700) for one person and $2,159 (¥15,400) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Hunan will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Hunan on average costs around $2,313 (¥16,500) for one person and $4,626 (¥33,000) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Hunan expensive to visit?
In Hunan, budget travelers spend $34 (¥239) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $77 (¥550) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $150 (¥1,068) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Hunan.
Hunan is a smaller destination that attracts a broad range of travelers, encompassing various travel styles, spending practices, and budget options. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
If you're not cautious, Hunan can become costly, but you can save with strategies like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Hunan is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to many other destinations.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Hunan Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Hunan?
The average Hunan trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Hunan travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Hunan cost?
Hunan on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$12
(¥89)
|
$29
(¥204)
|
$55
(¥391)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$6
(¥45)
|
$15
(¥104)
|
$28
(¥198)
|
|
Food2
|
$16
(¥111)
|
$36
(¥257)
|
$71
(¥505)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$9
(¥66)
|
$21
(¥152)
|
$41
(¥293)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$3-10
(¥24-71)
|
$8-23
(¥55-164)
|
$15-46
(¥108-325)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. Many people think they can visit Hunan on a tight budget, but most travelers aren't comfortable with a low "shoestring" budget. Think about what you enjoy during your vacations and how you typically travel. Do you prefer resorts, vacation rentals, or hostels? Do you want to visit museums, sights, and participate in activities? Is dining out a priority? These factors will shape both your budget and your itinerary.
Hunan on a Shoestring Budget?
While you might think you're a budget traveler, without giving up many of your usual comforts, you'll likely need to spend more than the $34 per day that backpackers often spend.
Backpackers often work within this tight budget by staying in hostel dorms, eating fast food or street food, using public transit, and mainly visiting free attractions.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
Couples and families enjoying a vacation will probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at popular dining spots, and explore the key museums and attractions that have entry fees. A trip to Hunan wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Keep in mind that most activities cost money. Thus, it's reasonable to expect your daily budget to be around $77 per person, per day.
Want to Escape the Daily Grind in Style?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $150 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Private tour to Nan Xi river bamboo rafting and Lishui old street - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Hunan
In Hunan, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $ and peak season rising to an average of $. Prices typically range from $ to $, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Hunan for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $57 (¥407). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $29 (¥204) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Hunan? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
If you avoid and go during the low or shoulder season, you'll find better hotel deals and fewer tourists.
Transportation Budget in Hunan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $15 (¥104) per person, per day, on local transportation in Hunan. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Hunan is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$15
¥104
It is important to note that there are only domestic airports in this province, although international airports are, for the most part, within an hour's drive to major cities in Hunan. You can also get in by train or bus, the trains can be extremely efficient and often very low cost.
Getting around each city varies depending on its size. For the most part, walking and taking taxis are the easiest options. When taking a taxi, try to have the address written in Chinese so that the driver knows exactly where to go. Public transport is often readily available, although buses do become extremely crowded, so do prepare for limited breathing room!
How much does it cost to go to Hunan? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Hunan will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Hunan
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Hunan can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Hunan is $36 (¥257) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$36
¥257
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Hunan is around $36 (¥257) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $71. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Hunan are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $11
- Lunch: $5 to $14
- Dinner: $11 to $25
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Hunan is famous for their spicy food, adding a kick to everything from their grilled meats to fried potatoes. For a combination of local and international fare, head to Changsha which has options ranging from street food vendors to five star restaurants. Specialties across the province include: stick tofu, spicy freshwater snails, and fish head stewed with tofu.
Changsha is also a hot spot for night life, with Jifang West Road being the spot for nightclubs while Taiping Street has more relaxed bars. Fenghuang is also a fun spot for nightlife, with the streets along the river coming to life at night as the karaoke bars open.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Pack a water bottle to save on drinks. It's also a way to help protect the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Hunan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Hunan typically cost an average of $21 (¥152) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
¥152
One of the more popular sights in Hunan is the birth place of Mao Zedong in the village of Shaoshan. You can visit his ancestral family home, see the Mao statue I the center of town, and tour the museum dedicated to him. In Hengyang, you'll find Mount Heng, one of China's Five Sacred Mountains. Spend a day exploring the mountain then head over to Dongzhou Island for to relax in a peaceful atmosphere while taking in stunning views.
In Changde, you'll find the famous Poem Wall which stretches for miles along the river bank and is especially beautiful at night when it is lit up with multicolored lights. The city of Fenghuang is a beautifully preserved ancient city where you can explore the stunning Hong Rainbow Bridge, the ancient East Gate Tower, and the traditional stilt houses. You can purchase a "through ticket" which is essentially a pass to get you into each attraction. There are three different price levels for the passes, with the cheapest getting you into the smaller attractions and the most expensive including every site in the city, and even some outside of it.
One of the most popular activities is exploring Wulingyuan Scenic Area, located inside the Zhangjiajie National Park. You can hike one of the many trails or even take a cable car up to the look out spots for some truly breathtaking views. Continue enjoying the natural beauty of Hunan by taking a relaxing boat ride on the river in Fenghuang where you will get beautiful views of the city from the water.
If you're around in September, check out the Orange Isle Music Festival which features bands mostly from China or Taiwan during a two-day long music extravaganza. While in Changde, definitely check out Bin Lake Park which is home to a variety of carnival games and rides, including bumper cars and paddle boats.
Nightlife Budget in Hunan
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $15 (¥109) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Hunan per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$15
¥109
While nightlife is a key part of many trips, scaling back on drinks can help free up some extra cash in your budget.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 10, 2025
Traveling in Hunan
Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China
The Hunan Province, China is a large, mountainous, land locked province on the eastern side of the country. Hunan is most famous for being the Province where Mao Zedong was born in 1893 and for their incredibly beautiful Wulingyuan Scenic Area. There are many different dialects, though the most common is the Changsha dialect that stretches from the cities of Chnagsha to Xiangtan.
The climate in the Hunan Province is generally very hot and humid in the summers, with temperatures in the 90's Fahrenheit from June to September. Spring and winter can get into the low 30's with some snow in the winter. Autumn is the best time to visit, from October to November, as temperatures are cool and there is not much rain.
Regions
The capital city of the Hunan Province is Changsha, a lively city where Mao Zedong began his political career. Changsha is a fantastic place to begin your exploration of the province as you get a mix of both urban and natural landscapes. Hengyang is the second largest city in Hunan with a lengthy history dating back six thousand years and a lot of natural landscape.
Fenghuang is a beautiful city with plenty of well-preserved ancient sights to see, including the Southern Great Wall. Shaoshan is a small town famous for being the birthplace of Mao Zedong, hence the dozens of buildings and monuments dedicated to him. Changde is a large city known for their high fashion walking street called Buxingjie.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.