- Hostels/Guesthouses: ¥80-150/night near Chunxi Road or Wuhou Shrine.
- Mid-Range Hotels: ¥200-400/night (e.g., Meju Hotel near Kuanzhai Alley).
- Tip: Book via local contacts (like “Yuanyuan”) for 20% discounts.
Cheap Eats**
- Street Food: Dandan noodles (¥10-20), Guokui pancakes (¥6-12).
- Local Restaurants: *Maojiao Huola*串串 (¥60/person) vs. Chuan Chuan Xiang (¥30-80).
- Avoid: Overpriced tourist spots like Jinli Street.
Free/Low-Cost Attractions**
- Free: Jinli Street (night lanterns), People’s Park (¥12 tea).
- Discounted Tickets: Book Wuhou Shrine + Du Fu Cottage联票 (save ¥45).
- Panda Base: Arrive by 7:30 AM (¥55) to avoid crowds.
Transport Savings**
- Metro Day Pass: ¥20 (unlimited rides).
- Buses/Shared Bikes: ¥2-4 per trip.
- Airport Transfer: Metro Line 18 (¥10) vs. taxi (¥80).
Smart Shopping**
- Taikoo Li: Window-shop luxury brands, then buy souvenirs at Panda Bookstore.
- Chunxi Road: Local boutiques > touristy宽窄巷子.
Cost Comparison Chart**
| Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option | Splurge Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | Hostel (¥80) | Meju Hotel (¥300) | Niccolo Hotel (¥1,500) |
| Food | Street eats (¥20/meal) | Local串串 (¥60) | The Bridge (¥200/meal) |
| Attractions | People’s Park (free) | Panda Base (¥55) | VIP川剧变脸 (¥180) |
| Transport | Metro day pass (¥20) | Taxi (¥50/day) | Private car (¥300/day) |
Pro Tips:
- Student Discounts: Show ID for 50% off at Wuhou Shrine.
- Avoid Holidays: Hotel rates drop 30% in off-season.
- Local Help: Contact guides like “Yuanyuan” for hidden deals.
Enjoy Chengdu without breaking the bank! 🐼💰