Budget-Friendly 8-Day Cultural and Nature Tour Across China

Day 1: Beijing Exploration

Beijing, China on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at a Local Noodle Shop

Start your day with a filling bowl of traditional Beijing noodle soup at a local eatery. It’s affordable and energising for city exploring.
CNY15, 0h30m

9:00am

Forbidden City

Explore the vast historical imperial palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to immerse yourself in Chinese history and architecture.
CNY60, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at a Local Dumpling Restaurant

Enjoy economical and authentic Beijing dumplings, popular among locals, offering a taste of genuine flavours without overspending.
CNY30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Temple of Heaven Park

Stroll around this serene ancient park and temple complex where locals practice Tai Chi and traditional exercises – peaceful and free.
CNY15, 2h0m

5:00pm

Wangfujing Street Night Market

Explore this lively market famous for street food and shopping. Sample inexpensive snacks and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.
Costs depend on purchases, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at a Local Hotpot Restaurant

Experience an affordable local hotpot meal where you cook your own food a la minute. It’s filling and perfect for sharing.
CNY50, 1h30m
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Day 2: Great Wall Visit

Beijing, China on May 20, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hostel

Have a simple but hearty breakfast at your accommodation to prepare for the outdoor excursion.
Included in accommodation, 0h30m

8:00am

Mutianyu Great Wall

Take a public bus or shared shuttle to Mutianyu, a less crowded and scenic section of the Great Wall, perfect for budget travellers.
CNY45 entrance + transport approx CNY40, 5h0m

2:00pm

Lunch Picnic Near the Wall

Bring snacks or grab takeaway to enjoy a low-cost picnic with fantastic views of the Great Wall.
CNY20, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Beijing and Rest

Travel back to Beijing and relax to refresh for the evening.
Included in transport, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at a Local Street Food Stall

Enjoy affordable skewers and snacks from street vendors near your hostel to end the day economically.
CNY25, 1h0m
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Day 3: Historic Xi'an

Xi'an, China on May 21, 2025

6:00am

Early Train to Xi'an

Take a budget overnight train or early morning train from Beijing to Xi’an, saving on accommodation and travel costs.
CNY150, 6h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Muslim Quarter

Savour inexpensive and delicious local snacks in the bustling Muslim Quarter, including lamb skewers and flatbread.
CNY30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Ancient City Wall

Rent a bike cheaply and cycle around this well-preserved Ming dynasty city wall for fantastic views and history.
CNY54 ticket + CNY30 bike rental, 2h0m

5:00pm

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Visit this ancient Buddhist pagoda and its peaceful surrounding gardens — modest entry fee keeps budget intact.
CNY50, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Local Noodle House

Try Shaanxi style noodles and dumplings at an affordable local restaurant near the city wall.
CNY25, 1h0m
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Day 4: Chengdu Panda Day

Chengdu, China on May 22, 2025

7:00am

Morning Train to Chengdu

Take an early budget train to Chengdu, the city famous for giant pandas and Sichuan cuisine.
CNY160, 3h0m

11:30am

Lunch at Sichuan Snack Street

Try affordable Chengdu street food including spicy noodles and dumplings to get local flavour on a budget.
CNY30, 1h0m

1:00pm

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

See adorable giant pandas and learn about their conservation at this well-maintained and fairly priced park.
CNY58, 3h0m

5:00pm

Relax in People's Park

Enjoy local teahouse culture watching daily life and social activities with a low-cost cup of tea.
CNY15, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner - Mapo Tofu at a Local Restaurant

Savour spicy, iconic Sichuan Mapo tofu, available in many budget-friendly eateries in the city.
CNY35, 1h0m
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Day 5: Chengdu Culture & Travel

Chengdu, China on May 23, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Enjoy local pastries and tea in a quaint café, affordable and energising for the day ahead.
CNY20, 0h30m

9:00am

Wuhou Shrine Museum

Discover impressive relics and stories of the Three Kingdoms period at this historically rich, affordable museum.
CNY60, 2h0m

11:30am

Jinli Ancient Street

Wander along this lively pedestrian street showcasing crafts, snacks and souvenir shopping without high prices.
Free to explore, small costs for snacks or souvenirs, 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Local Eatery

Try Chengdu’s famous Dan Dan noodles for a budget-friendly but tasty meal near the street.
CNY25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Travel to Guilin (Evening Train)

Take an evening train from Chengdu to Guilin saving accommodation and maximizing daytime activities.
CNY180, 5h0m
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Day 6: Guilin Nature Day

Guilin, China on May 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Guesthouse

Eat a simple and affordable breakfast within your accommodation to prepare for outdoor activities.
Included, 0h30m

9:00am

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Take a scenic budget-friendly boat ride along the Li River famed for stunning karst landscapes.
CNY150, 4h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in Yangshuo Market

Eat simple regional dishes in Yangshuo’s affordable market stalls to enjoy local tastes on a budget.
CNY30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Yangshuo Countryside by Bike

Rent a bike cheaply to explore nearby villages and scenic countryside for an immersive rural experience.
CNY30, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Street Food Stalls

Try inexpensive street foods such as rice noodles and grilled items, ideal for budget travellers.
CNY25, 1h0m
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Day 7: Guilin Mountain Views

Guilin, China on May 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Local Cafe

Try local congee and steamed buns as inexpensive morning fuel before hiking.
CNY20, 0h30m

9:00am

Elephant Trunk Hill

Visit Guilin’s famous limestone hill shaped like an elephant, an iconic and affordable natural landmark.
CNY75, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at a Local Din Tai Fung

Enjoy budget-friendly and tasty dumplings and noodles that offer local and Taiwanese favourites.
CNY35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Reed Flute Cave

Discover spectacular stalactite formations in this naturally lit cave, a popular and inexpensive attraction.
CNY90, 2h0m

5:00pm

Relax at Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area

Stroll around the lakes and rivers with beautiful night lighting making it a free or very low cost evening activity.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Night Market

Enjoy affordable local snacks and pick up some souvenirs from this lively market.
CNY25, 1h0m
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Day 8: Shanghai Final Day

Shanghai, China on May 26, 2025

6:30am

Early Train to Shanghai

Take an early high-speed train from Guilin to Shanghai to cover the longest distance in the morning.
CNY250, 7h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Yuyuan Garden Bazaar

Enjoy inexpensive Shanghainese snacks like steamed buns and soup dumplings at the picturesque garden bazaar.
CNY40, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore The Bund

Walk the iconic waterfront promenade with stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline for free.
Free, 2h0m

5:30pm

Nanjing Road Shopping

Browse shops and soak in the buzzing atmosphere along Shanghai’s famous shopping street at your leisure.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at a Local Noodle Shop

Finish with an affordable bowl of traditional Shanghai-style noodles before departure or accommodation.
CNY30, 1h0m
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