1. Transportation Savings
- Subway: Only ¥3-7 per ride (cheaper than taxis).
- Bus: Flat fare of ¥2 (use “Beijing Public Transport” app for routes).
- Shared Bikes: ¥1.5⁄30 mins (ideal for short distances).
- Avoid: Rush-hour taxis (surcharges apply).
2. Affordable Eats
- Street Food:
- Jianbing (¥8-15)
- Zhajiangmian (¥15-30)
- Local Markets:
- Niujie Muslim Market: Halal snacks under ¥20.
- Guijie (Ghost Street): Mala Tang hotpot for ¥25-50.
- Avoid: Tourist traps like Wangfujing Snack Street (overpriced).
3. Free/Low-Cost Attractions
| Attraction |
Cost |
Tip |
| Tiananmen Square |
Free |
Visit at sunrise for fewer crowds |
| Temple of Heaven Park |
¥15 (off-peak) |
Free with Beijing Culture Pass |
| Houhai Lake |
Free |
Rent bikes (¥10/hr) to explore |
| 798 Art Zone |
Free |
Free exhibitions on weekdays |
4. Discounted Tickets
- Combo Deals:
- Student Discounts: 50% off with ISIC card (e.g., Summer Palace ¥15).
5. Budget Accommodation
| Option |
Price/Night |
Pros |
| Hostels (e.g., Peking Station Hostel) |
¥80-150 |
Free walking tours |
| Hutong Guesthouses |
¥200-300 |
Authentic local experience |
| Capsule Hotels (e.g., Xidan) |
¥150 |
Central location |
Comparison Chart: Budget vs. Regular Spending
| Category |
Budget Choice |
Cost (¥) |
Regular Choice |
Cost (¥) |
Savings |
| Transport |
Subway + Bike |
20/day |
Taxi |
100+/day |
80% |
| Food |
Street Food + Local Eateries |
50/day |
Hotel Restaurants |
200+/day |
75% |
| Attractions |
Free Parks + Discount Passes |
30/day |
Full-price Tickets |
150+/day |
80% |
| Accommodation |
Hostel Dorm |
100/night |
4-Star Hotel |
600+/night |
83% |
Pro Tips:
- Free Walking Tours: Join hutong tours by local volunteers.
- Off-Peak Visits: October-November has lower hotel rates.
- WeChat Mini-Programs: Book discounted tickets (e.g., “Beijing Cultural Heritage”).
More Beijing Travel Guides
