The ultimate budget travel guide for 8 cities! Explore popular spots for 0-50 yuan, perfect for students and workers to dive in without hesitation

Highlights All free or low-cost hidden gems, avoiding overpriced traps! Covering mountain cities, ancient towns, seaside, and landscapes, with transportation relying on buses and shared bikes. Enjoy 3 days with 500 yuan per person for food and fun, with less crowded unique photo spots~ City check-in guides (3 days per city) Chongqing 🚠 • Check-in time: 16:00-22:00 (amazing night views) • Route: Jiefangbei (free shopping district) → Bayi Food Street (10 yuan for noodles) → Liziba Viewing Platform (free light rail passing through building) → Shancheng Trail (free old Chongqing photos) → Qiansimen Bridge (free panoramic shots of Hongyadong) • Must-visit: Ciqikou Ancient Town (free, try Chen Mahua snack), Nanbin Road (free river views) Chengdu 🐼 • Check-in time: 9:00-17:00 (avoid crowds) • Route: Jinli Ancient Street next to Wuhou Shrine (free) → People’s Park (free tea in a gaiwan) → Kuanzhai Alley (free ancient alley photos) → Sichuan Museum (free reservation, see Shu embroidery) → Yulin Road (free check-in at lyric wall) • Must-visit: Huanhuaxi Park (free, near Du Fu Thatched Cottage), Jianshe Road Snack Street (20 yuan per person to eat until full) Changsha 🍵 • Check-in time: 10:00-23:00 (lively night market) • Route: Orange Isle (free reservation, see Mao Zedong statue) → Yuelu Mountain (free hiking, sightseeing bus 20 yuan) → Hunan Songya Lake National Wetland Park (free, lake views) → Taiping Street (free stroll, drink Tea Yan Yue Se) • Must-visit: Xu Teli Park (free, memorial for martyrs), Yangfan Night Market (30 yuan per person to try all snacks) Nanchang 🚢 • Check-in time: 8:30-18:00 (comfortable historical sites) • Route: Tengwang Pavilion (student ticket 25 yuan, climb for Gan River views) → Nanchang Han Dynasty Haihunhou Kingdom Ruins Park (combo ticket 80 yuan) → Shengjin Pagoda (free ancient temple visit) → Ganjiang Citizen Park (free river views) • Must-visit: Bayi Square (free, see memorial tower), Wanshou Palace Historical and Cultural Street (free food and shopping) Yibin 🍜 • Check-in time: 9:30-21:00 (bustling market) • Route: Daguan Tower (free ancient tower photos) → Guanyin Ancient Street (free check-in) → Cuiping Mountain (free hiking) → Hejiangmen Wharf (free view of three rivers confluence) → Dongjie Night Market (free stroll, eat Ran noodles) • Must-visit: Liubei Pool Park (free, stone carvings), Yangtze River Park (free river breeze) Lijiang 🏔️ • Check-in time: 7:30-18:00 (avoid tour groups) • Route: Lijiang Ancient Town (free, stroll Sifang Street) → Heilongtan Park (50 yuan, snow mountain reflections) → Shuhe Ancient Town (free, quiet and less crowded) → Qingxi Reservoir (free, distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) • Must-visit: Yuhe Corridor (free, ancient town stream photos), Zhongyi Market (free, buy local specialties) Yangshuo 🏞️ • Check-in time: 6:30-17:30 (scenic landscapes) • Route: Yulong River Trail (free, walk along the stream) → Xingping Ancient Town (free, old street stroll) → 20 Yuan RMB Scenic Spot (free check-in) → Ten-Mile Gallery (rent electric bike 20 yuan/day, free scenic views along the way) • Must-visit: Fuli Bridge (free, ancient bridge reflections), Yangshuo Park (free, hike and enjoy views) Yantai 🌊 • Check-in time: 14:00-20:00 (comfortable seaside) • Route: Jinshatan Beach (free, wade in waves) → Yantai Mountain Park (free, see lighthouse) → Yangma Island (free, island stroll) → Chaoyang Street (free, retro district stroll) • Must-visit: East Battery Seaside Scenic Area (50 yuan, sea view battery), Fisherman’s Wharf (free, European architecture photos) Budget Travel Tips Choose second-class high-speed rail tickets, buy in advance for discounts; stay in youth hostels (50-100 yuan/night) or guesthouses near attractions; bring student ID for half-price tickets at most sites~