2025 Budget Travel Gems! 9 Cities to Explore the World Affordably

Beijing Day 1 morning: Witness the solemn flag-raising ceremony at Tiananmen Square, then explore the National Museum to immerse in history. Afternoon: Travel through Ming and Qing dynasties at the Forbidden City. Evening: Sample street food at Nanluoguxiang. Day 2 morning: Admire the scenery at Summer Palace, afternoon: reflect on history at Old Summer Palace. Day 3: Hike the Badaling Great Wall to "be a true hero", then savor delicacies at Qianmen Street before returning. Xiamen Day 1: Catch breathtaking sunrise at Huangcuo Beach, then begin a culinary journey at Baishi Market. Experience artsy vibes at Shapowei Art Zone, pray at Nanputuo Temple while enjoying vegetarian cuisine. Afternoon: Wander through Botanical Garden, evening: watch sunset from Zhonggu Cableway and night views from Yanwu Bridge Viewing Deck. Day 2: Explore Gulangyu Island - stroll through Lovely Corner, enjoy panoramic views from Sunlight Rock, return to Zhongshan Road for oyster omelets. Day 3: Ride Metro Line 1's "sea train", visit Jimei School Village, taste local food at Shigu Road. Wuhan Morning: Start with breakfast at Liangdao Street - hot dry noodles with mianwo and egg wine. Snap photos at Yellow Crane Tower's red wall, wander through artsy Tanhualin. Afternoon: Bike across Yangtze River Bridge to admire its grandeur, feel the river breeze at Hanyangmen. Take 1.5 yuan ferry to Jianghan Pass for retro architecture, explore Lihuangpi Road and Jianghan Road Pedestrian Street. Evening: Feast on braised prawns at Wansongyuan. Chongqing Day 1 morning: Feel the city's pulse at Liberation Monument, visit nearby Kuixing Tower and Zuoying Overpass to experience mountainous terrain. Afternoon: Taste sour-spicy noodles at Bayi Food Street, evening: marvel at Hongya Cave's nightscape resembling Spirited Away. Day 2 morning: See light rail passing through buildings at Liziba Station, afternoon: stroll ancient flagstones at Ciqikou Old Town. Day 3: Visit Wulong Tiankeng Three Bridges for breathtaking karst landscapes. Suzhou Day 1: Admire Jiangnan garden artistry at Humble Administrator's Garden, then wander ancient Pingjiang Road with its canalside houses. Afternoon: Experience architectural fusion at Suzhou Museum. Evening: Cruise Qili Shantang under lantern lights. Day 2: Hear ancient bells at Hanshan Temple, visit Tiger Hill's millennium-old leaning pagoda. Afternoon: Savor Lingering Garden's unique charm. Jiaxing Day 1 morning: Cruise South Lake for revolutionary history, then explore Yuehe Historic Block's ancient streets and food. Afternoon: Relax at Xiangjiadang Resort. Day 2: Discover traditional waterscapes at Wuzhen East Sector, try indigo fabric making. Evening: Enjoy West Sector's night views by paddleboat. Day 3: Walk Xitang Ancient Town's misty corridors, ride awning boats for tranquility. Xi'an Day 1 morning: Book ahead for Shaanxi History Museum's treasures. Afternoon: Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda landmark, evening musical fountain show. Day 2 morning: Bike along City Wall, then experience ancient charm at Bell & Drum Towers. Evening: Try mutton paomo at Muslim Quarter. Day 3: Marvel at Terracotta Army's ancient formations, afternoon: uncover history at Huaqing Palace. Changsha Day 1 morning: See Mawangdui Han relics at Hunan Museum. Afternoon: Eat rice noodles at Rice Noodle Street with Changsha Wall photo op. Evening: Shop and dine at Wuyi Square. Day 2: Enjoy nature at Yuelu Mountain (visit Aiwan Pavilion), feel campus vibes at Hunan University. Afternoon: See Mao's youth statue at Orange Isle Head. Evening: Sample stinky tofu at Pozi Street and Taiping Old Street. Chengdu Day 1 morning: Explore Three Kingdoms culture at Wuhou Shrine, then snack and watch performances at Jinli Ancient Street. Afternoon: Experience poet Du Fu's thatched cottage. Evening: Enjoy nightlife at Jiuyanqiao Bar Street. Day 2 morning: See pandas at Breeding Center, afternoon: pray and eat vegetarian at Wenshu Monastery. Then try grilled sweet potato skins at Jianshe Road Food Street. Day 3: Hike Qingcheng Mountain for Taoist culture immersion.