November to December is perfect for budget travel, with 6 low-cost cities to explore.
November to December is a great time for off-peak travel, with cool weather and fewer tourists, ideal for travelers on a budget who want to experience city vibes. Here are 6 low-cost cities, each with unique features and affordable expenses for your reference:
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1️⃣ Hunan · Changsha
- Why visit: A food paradise with rich cultural atmosphere, many free attractions, and affordable prices.
- Budget reference: About 200-300 RMB per day (including accommodation, meals, and transportation).
- Must-see spots: Orange Isle (free), Yuelu Mountain (free), Taiping Old Street, Hunan Provincial Museum (free).
- Food recommendations: Stinky tofu, Chayan Yuese tea, sugar oil baba, with 30-50 RMB per person to enjoy the snack street.
- Accommodation advice: Hostels/economy hotels near Wuyi Square, about 80-150 RMB per night.
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2️⃣ Sichuan · Chengdu
- Why visit: A slow-paced city with low prices, high cost-performance at the Panda Base, and rich street snacks.
- Budget reference: About 250-350 RMB per day.
- Must-see spots: Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (ticket 55 RMB), Kuanzhai Alley (free), Jinli, People’s Park (free tea experience).
- Food recommendations: Hotpot and skewers about 50 RMB per person, snacks like Dan Dan noodles and Long Chao Shou 10-20 RMB per serving.
- Accommodation advice: Hostels in Chunxi Road or Qingyang District, about 100-200 RMB per night.
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3️⃣ Yunnan · Dali
- Why visit: Mild winter climate, free views of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake, perfect for relaxation and cycling.
- Budget reference: About 200-300 RMB per day (avoiding high-end homestays).
- Must-see spots: Erhai Lake cycling (bike rental 30-50 RMB/day), Dali Ancient Town (free), Xizhou Ancient Town.
- Food recommendations: Grilled milk fan cheese, rice noodles, Bai ethnic home-style dishes, 30-50 RMB per person for a full meal.
- Accommodation advice: Hostels or guesthouses inside the ancient town, about 80-150 RMB per night.
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4️⃣ Shaanxi · Xi’an
- Why visit: Deep historical heritage, many free attractions, and affordable snacks.
- Budget reference: About 250-350 RMB per day.
- Must-see spots: City Wall (ticket 54 RMB, but surrounding free streets are great for strolling), Big Wild Goose Pagoda (free to view outside), Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum (free with reservation).
- Food recommendations: Roujiamo (meat sandwich), cold noodles, lamb stew with bread, 20-40 RMB per meal.
- Accommodation advice: Hostels near Bell Tower, about 100-180 RMB per night.
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5️⃣ Guangxi · Guilin
- Why visit: Stunning mountain and water scenery, fewer tourists in winter, low cost of living.
- Budget reference: About 200-300 RMB per day.
- Must-see spots: Elephant Trunk Hill (ticket 55 RMB, but free surrounding trails offer good views), Two Rivers and Four Lakes (free for walking), West Street in Yangshuo.
- Food recommendations: Guilin rice noodles 5-10 RMB per bowl, beer fish at local small restaurants about 40 RMB per person.
- Accommodation advice: Hostels in Guilin city or Yangshuo, about 80-120 RMB per night.
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6️⃣ Fujian · Quanzhou
- Why visit: A low-key treasure ancient city with dense World Heritage sites, snacks averaging from 10 RMB.
- Budget reference: About 200-300 RMB per day.
- Must-see spots: Kaiyuan Temple (free), West Street (free to stroll and eat), Qingjing Mosque (ticket 3 RMB), Xunpu Village (experience flower hairpin weaving).
- Food recommendations: Mianxian porridge, tusun jelly, ginger duck, 15-30 RMB per person to eat well.
- Accommodation advice: Homestays or hostels in the old town, about 100-200 RMB per night.
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💡 Money-saving tips
- Transportation: Prioritize train hard sleepers or night buses, use public buses/shared bikes in the city.
- Tickets: Take advantage of free open days or student discounts.
- Dining: Avoid tourist area restaurants, explore alleys to find local favorite small eateries.
Hope these recommendations help you plan a cost-effective trip from late autumn to early winter! If you have specific needs (like itinerary details), feel free to ask for more tailored advice~