How Much is China Golf Cost? Full 2025 Guide

Thinking about playing golf in China but not sure how much to budget? With a growing list of world-class courses and scenic spots across the country, China is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for golf lovers, but costs can vary more than you think. In this guide, we break down for you detailed China golf cost, from green fees and accommodations to transportation, equipment rentals and more, so you can plan smarter and golf with confidence.

Overview of Golf in China

China is currently one of the most attractive and largest golf tourism destinations in Asia. In addition to its long history, culture and famous majestic landscapes, it is also famous among international golfers for its rapidly increasing number of golf courses. Possessing a huge number of more than 600 golf courses, China offers a diverse experience from landscape to playing conditions, meeting the needs of every golfer. Mainland China’s golf course system with international quality is distributed throughout the country, not just concentrated in central cities, from tropical coastal areas like Hainan to highlands like Kunming or large cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

China is also the country that owns the Mission Hills Golf Club system, famous as the largest golf resort complex in the world. Compared to countries in the region such as Thailand or Korea, Chinese golf has advantages in scale, investment in facilities and accompanying services. This gives golfers a more classy experience, suitable for many different playing styles, and at the same time helps China become an ideal destination for golf tourism in Asia.

Main Costs of Golf in China

On-course Fees

Golf course rental costs in China vary widely depending on the location of the course, the type of course, and your playing time. At top golf courses like Mission Hills Haikou or Shenzhen, world-famous golf courses, the cost of renting a course can be up to $150-$350 for a round of golf. You will experience luxury and privacy with top-notch facilities, professional service, and many other amenities. Mid-range golf courses are often more popular, with a cost of about $85 – $120 for a round. You will still experience all the services, but of course, they will not be as complete and high-end as the top courses.

In addition to the green fee, you will need to pay for a caddie and golf cart. At mid-range golf courses, caddie service is mandatory, many courses will require 1 caddie for 1 player, with a general price of about $20 – $35 per round. While some golf courses may allow walking, most will require you to rent a golf cart, especially on larger, hilly courses. The cost is usually around $15-$30 per round, depending on whether you choose a shared or private cart. If you are staying at a golf resort, transportation is usually included in your room rate, so check before booking.

Accommodation Fees

After green fees, accommodation is the second largest expense, and it also has a significant impact on your overall golf experience. Golf course hotels and resorts are definitely the most convenient option. You can directly travel to the course, comfortably book early tee times and use private facilities such as spas, saunas, restaurants, etc. Prices will range from $150 – $300 per night with famous resorts such as Mission Hills, Spring City Golf & Lake Resort, etc.

If you are looking for cheaper accommodation but still comfortable, 3-4 star hotels are the perfect choice with prices from $60 – $100 per night, providing rooms with basic amenities, stable service and only about 15 to 30 minutes drive from the golf courses. If golf is your top priority and you just need a clean place to stay, China also offers plenty of cheap hotels and guesthouses for $25-$35 a night. These accommodations are clean and safe but will have limited amenities, and the staff may not speak much English so be prepared with translation apps to communicate with them.

Transportation Fees

With China’s well-developed infrastructure, you will have many options for transportation for your golf trip. China is a very large country, so traveling by plane will help you save the most time. Ticket prices will depend on how early or late you book, the airline and the tourist season, generally around $70 – $180 for a leg. An alternative is the high-speed train, which is especially economical if you are golfing at many different locations. One-way tickets are usually only around $15 – $40, first class is a little more expensive at $30 – $70. There will rarely be delays and you can also enjoy the natural scenery outside the window.

If you’re traveling to golf courses that are closer, you can use ride-hailing apps ($10-$40 per ride depending on distance) or rent a private car with a driver ($60-$100 per day), especially if you’re traveling in a group or playing multiple courses. Or, you can simply book a hotel shuttle (if available), many of which may be free.

Additional Costs

While green fees and accommodations can be important factors when budgeting for a golf trip to China, off-course expenses can have a significant impact on your overall experience and your expenses. These extra costs can easily add up if not planned for.

Food costs vary depending on where you eat. At most golf resorts or country club restaurants, you can expect to spend around $10 to $25 per person for a casual lunch or dinner, and up to $50 or more for a full buffet or fine dining experience at a luxury resort. If you head to the local towns, a meal at a mid-range restaurant will typically cost between $7 and $15, while street food such as dumplings, noodles or BBQ skewers can be as cheap as $2 to $5. Exploring local eateries not only saves money, but also gives you a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.

For those who like to combine golf with culture, local tours and excursions are good options. Entrance fees to temples, museums and scenic parks typically cost between $3 and $10, while half-day guided tours can cost around $20 to $40. In scenic areas like Lijiang, Guilin or Hangzhou, these additional cultural experiences are well worth the money. Shopping and souvenirs are also a highlight. If you are exploring the city, local markets are a great place to pick up tea, silk scarves, handicrafts or jade jewelry, which typically cost between $5 and $50. Tailored clothing, available in cities like Shanghai or Beijing, can cost anywhere from $40 to $150, depending on the material and style.

> > > If you’re looking to simplify planning and get the best value for your trip, our China golf packages are a great way to combine world-class courses, comfortable accommodations, and local experiences, all in one seamless itinerary.

Good Quality and Budget-Friendly Golf Courses in China

Yalong Bay Golf Club, Hainan

Just a 45-minute drive from Sanya Phoenix Airport in southern Hainan Island, Yalong Bay Golf Club is one of China’s top 10 golf courses and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., debuting at the turn of the millennium. Yalong Bay Golf Club has hosted 13 professional tournaments, including the APGA Sanya Open from 2003 to 2007. With nine floodlit holes for night golf, the course stretches nearly 7,200 yards from the back tees, a par-72. The course is shaped like a dragon’s claw, with undulating fairways and bunkers, with mountains behind it, stretching out into the open, facing the beach in a links-style course, giving golfers more hazards to avoid.

Orient Xiamen Golf & Country Club, Xiamen

With a total development area of 246 hectares, Orient (Xiamen) Country Club is the first PGA Asia tournament venue in China, located in a beautiful location between the coast and the mountains, just a 10-minute drive from the city center. Designed by Ronald Fream and developed and operated by Orient Golf, the club is one of two clubs recognized by the Finest Golf Clubs of the World in China, and is currently the only golf course in Fujian Province to offer night golf.

The highlight of the design is the green. The designer focused on the most difficult and challenging part of the green, which is a challenge even for professional golfers. The fairways are quite spacious but are surrounded by beautiful old trees, some of which are over 500 years old. The course also boasts excellent recreational facilities such as a clubhouse with luxury suites and standard rooms, American-style villas, restaurants serving Chinese and Western cuisine, a shopping mall, a conference hall, tennis courts, etc.

Kunming Lakeview Golf Club, Yunnan

Awarded the “Top 100 Golf Courses in China” multiple times, Kunming Lakeview Golf Club is now considered one of the most popular golf courses in the region. It is certainly one of Faldo Design’s most successful projects in Asia to date. Renowned for its strategic sandbanks and lakeside greens, it hosts international tournaments while maintaining ecological harmony. The course’s dramatic terrain, lakes, streams, landscaping and excellent maintenance make it both mentally challenging and visually stimulating. Strategically placed bunkers, fairways and contoured greens provide golfers with a truly championship golf course. Lakeview also has the only night-lit course in Kunming, allowing those with busy lifestyles to enjoy a round after dark.

Zhang Lianwei Course at Mission Hills Haikou, Hainan

A world-class golf course – China’s first par-3 – designed by the first Chinese golfer to compete in the Masters, Zhang Lianwei Course features design elements and green complexes borrowed from many of the world’s most famous golf courses. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the “Redan” green pattern, Royal Troon’s “Postage Stamp” hole, the “Road Hole” at St. Andrews and the Donald Ross-style “turtleback” green complex. The course is an ideal setting for introducing beginners to the game. It also provides players with a variety of bunker styles, making it a fun and challenging game for golfers of all levels.

Guangzhou Nanhu Golf & Country Club, Guangzhou

Guangzhou Nanhu Golf & Country Club is an 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, located in the most beautiful location in Guangzhou with a wonderful natural and ecological environment. Mr. Nicklaus incorporated the towering mountains of the Baiyun Mountains, the beautiful Nanhu Lake and luxurious villas into the golf course. Covering an area of 180 hectares, Nanhu Country Club has two courses, each of 18 holes, meeting international standards. It is a challenging golf course for golfers of all levels, and the scenery is stunning. The first nine holes are located next to the lake, while the last nine holes wind along the mountains in the valley covered with trees.

Tips to Budget Your China Golf Costs

While the courses are world-class and the scenery unforgettable, costs can add up quickly if you’re not prepared. To help you make the most of your experience without overspending, here are some smart, practical tips to keep your golf budget on track.

• Choose your golf destination wisely: Golf costs vary widely and depend largely on where you play. Major cities like Beijing or Shanghai will certainly cost more than less popular areas like Yunnan or Hunan. To save money, choose from a variety of golf courses at different price points, such as a high-end course and a mid-range course nearby, so you don’t go over budget but still get to experience a variety of courses.
• When to play: Golf courses and most other services are very crowded and have additional fees on weekends and holidays. If possible, plan your golfing on a weekday, especially during the low season, to get the best deals. This will save you money and allow you to play golf in a quieter, more private space.
• Bring your own golf gear: While renting golf equipment may be reasonable if you’re only going to play one round, it can quickly add up if you play more than that. Club rentals can cost around $30–$60 per round, and pro shops also charge high prices. Make sure you bring your own gear to avoid additional costs.
• Look for all-inclusive packages: You can choose stay-and-play packages that include accommodation, breakfast, and 1–2 rounds of golf. This option is convenient and will save you about 20–30% compared to booking each service separately.
• Book transportation: Since most courses are on the outskirts of the city, renting a private car for the day can be cheaper if you’re visiting multiple courses on your trip. For courses that are not too far away or you are only going to play 1-2 rounds of golf, book a car through a car booking app or ask the hotel if they provide shuttle service.
• Eating at local restaurants: Although most golf courses have their own clubs and fancy restaurants, the food there will be much more expensive than outside. Take the time to move outside the golf course to explore more traditional and authentic cuisine.
• Set a daily spending limit: to better control your expenses, set a daily budget. In big cities, it can cost about $200-$250 a day, other regions only about $100-$150 a day. Besides, use domestic applications such as Alipay or WeChat to pay because you may get discounts or extra vouchers.

Planning a golf trip to China doesn’t have to be complicated, and knowing your budget can make a big difference. Whether you’re aiming for a world-class course in Shanghai or a picturesque round in Yunnan, this guide will help you budget wisely and enjoy your experience to the fullest. Need help customizing your golf itinerary or finding the best value golf course? Contact us today and we’ll help make your golfing trip smooth and memorable.

Read more:

• Your 2025 Guide to Golf in Shanghai: Top Courses and Travel Advice
• Top 12 Best Golf Courses in China For Elite Golfers in 2025/2026
• Golf in Beijing: Best Courses and Travel Tips