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A land that unites ancient traditions and modern flair, China offers visitors an intense cultural and historical experience that's extremely affordable.

Transportation: Air China flights from the United States can run as low as $700 round trip. Check for online travel promotions, such as Gate 1 travel, which advertises flights for $969 from LAX and includes five nights of hotel accommodation. May, September and October are the most desirable months to visit due to the temperate, dry climate, while early spring and late fall offer tourists budget prices with slightly cooler temperatures.

From ice festivals in the North to the South's tropical beaches, China's diverse land mass is comparable to the size of the United States: It would be virtually impossible to visit each region of the country without extensive time and money for domestic flights. The best budget travel strategy is to choose several specific destinations that are accessible by train, such as the popular "Golden Route" that includes the cities of Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai and Guilin. The domestic transportation system in China is modernized, priced reasonably and caters to tourists, as most offer information in English. Your route can also be determined by a selecting a group tour, where most expenses are covered in the cost of the package.

Lodging: Aside from affordable transportation within the country, Chinese cities offer luxury accommodation for budget prices. Five-star hotels in Beijing and Shanghai can be as low as $70 a night. During your stay in one of these urban areas, meals and entertainment also will not break the bank; the most expensive meals cost from $10-25 on average. China is also a shopper's paradise since luxury goods like silk and jewelry cost much less than in the States. Areas of western China are even cheaper than the eastern cities, where you can get by on as low as $25 a day.

Activities: China's diverse historical and cultural attractions are also money-savers, as most entry fees to landmarks range from $4 to $7. Consider exploring Beijing's Forbidden City, Liulichang Street and Tiennamen Square, where you can ascend the tower for only $2. For a taste of traditional theater, the Chinese classical opera offers an unforgettable visual experience that showcases impressive costumes and folkloric customs. Sections of China's legendary Great Wall are as close as 100 km from Beijing and can be visited in a day trip by bus or train. In Shanghai, check out the gorgeous Yuyan Classical Gardens and the Jing'an Temple. For further exploration, Yangtze River cruises are as cheap as $300 for four full days of travel.

If you have ample time, discover the mythical landscapes and culture of Tibet in Western China. The Tibet Railway opened in 2006, so many once remote villages and attractions are now accessible. Stop in the town of Lhasa to experience the culture first-hand from its very hospitable people and be sure to visit surrounding monasteries to see Tibet's spiritual side. Visit the park that surrounds Mount Everest for a day of unforgettable sightseeing and breathtaking views.

See China's National Tourist Office website for tour operator and visa information.

Ready for more? See our Insider's Guide to China.