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:
- Forbidden City + Jingshan Park: ¥80 (saves ¥20).
- Great Wall (Mutianyu) + Round-trip bus: ¥120.
- 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”).