Spent 3 days in Mogan Mountain, and my spending mindset was completely shattered

Just got back from Mogan Mountain, and it totally overturned the prejudice that "popular spots must be expensive"! You can have a refined experience on a small budget—this tested guide teaches you how to unlock the romance of bamboo forests and sea of clouds at an affordable price. The beauty of Mogan Mountain isn’t in sky-high-priced inns or trendy gimmicks. With 800 RMB per person for 3 days, you can stay comfortably, eat authentically, and have a great time. Turns out the "Number One Mountain in Jiangnan" can be so down-to-earth! DAY 1: Bamboo Forest Stroll, Unlocking Poetry on a Budget 🎋 Yucun Market → Jianchi Pond → Free Secret Spots Morning: Take the high-speed train to Deqing Station, then a 30 RMB taxi to Yucun. Start by exploring the Yucun Cultural Market. In the creative zone converted from old factories, the 15 RMB bamboo tube rice smells deliciously glutinous, and the 20 RMB handmade bamboo dragonflies are super cute—half the price of souvenir shops in scenic areas. Noon: At a farmhouse restaurant next to the market, order a portion of dried bamboo shoots with braised pork for 58 RMB (enough for 2 people), paired with 3 RMB/bowl of brown rice. The fresh bamboo shoots are crisp and tender, and the pork is flavorful without being greasy. The owner says, "Our own bamboo shoots, no inflated prices." Afternoon: Take the scenic area shuttle bus up the mountain (40 RMB all-day pass is super cost-effective) straight to Jianchi Pond! The waterfall cascades surrounded by bamboo forest, free to enter yet breathtakingly beautiful. Avoid shooting photos at noon’s harsh light for double the photo success rate 📸. On the way, visit Luhuadang Park, sit on stone benches under bamboo shade, listen to the wind and watch the clouds—completely free and the most relaxing. Evening: Stay at a guesthouse at the foot of the mountain, 300 RMB/night with a small courtyard. Open the window to see the sea of bamboo, and the owner even gave homemade dried bamboo shoots. Much better value than trendy inns. DAY 2: Wild Fun, Enjoy Without Spending Much ⛰️ Dakeng Viewing Platform → Farmhouse Picking → Free Riverside Camping Early morning: Arrive at Dakeng Viewing Platform before the tour groups to watch the sea of clouds rolling for free. The bamboo forest glows green in the morning light, feeling like you own the entire view 🌄! Morning: Follow the guesthouse owner to pick bamboo shoots on the back mountain (free experience). Wearing gloves to dig fresh hairy bamboo shoots, the sense of achievement is full. At noon, the owner cooks them into oil-braised bamboo shoots, charging only 10 RMB for processing—ten times tastier than restaurants. Noon: Eat firewood stove chicken soup for 88 RMB. The whole chicken is stewed until tender, with local mushrooms added to the soup. Dip corn cakes in the soup for a warm and comforting meal. Afternoon: Play in the free riverside water area. Bring a folding chair to sit on the pebbles, watch kids catch small fish and have water fights. When tired, snack on freshly roasted corn for 5 RMB each—much more comfortable than paid water parks. Evening: Free barbecue in the guesthouse yard (bring your own ingredients). Grill the bamboo shoots picked during the day and chicken wings bought locally, paired with 10 RMB/bottle local beer. Chatting under the starry sky is super healing. DAY 3: Old Street Shopping, Bring Home Practical Souvenirs 🛍️ Mogan Mountain Old Street → Return Trip Morning: Stroll through Mogan Mountain Old Street, surprises hidden in the bluestone paths! Handmade bamboo baskets by aunties cost 25 RMB each, half the price of scenic area shops; the old tea shop sells Mogan Huangya tea for 80 RMB per jin, with live brewing and tasting—smiling faces even if you don’t buy. Noon: Eat a bowl of bamboo shoot tip noodles for 22 RMB. Handmade noodles with freshly stir-fried bamboo shoot cubes, chicken bone broth, sprinkled with scallions—so fresh you’ll lick the bowl. Afternoon: Buy local specialties with the "affordable" label—vacuum-packed dried bamboo shoots for 45 RMB per jin (direct from farmers), bamboo chopsticks for 10 RMB per pair (practical and memorable). Two big bags only cost 100 RMB, much more practical than trendy gift boxes. Money-saving Travel Tips 🚗 • Take the high-speed train to Deqing Station, then a 30 RMB taxi to Yucun, saving half the fare compared to going directly to the scenic area; • Buy the 40 RMB all-day scenic shuttle bus pass, cheaper than driving (fuel + parking fees, 50 RMB/day in the scenic area); • Rent an electric scooter at the foot of the mountain for 30 RMB/day, very convenient for exploring the market and old street, and you can stop anytime to enjoy the view. Must-eat List (No Risk, Just Enjoy) 🍜 • Bamboo tube rice at Yucun Market (15 RMB), dried bamboo shoots with braised pork at farmhouse restaurant (58 RMB) • Firewood stove chicken soup (88 RMB), bamboo shoot tip noodles at old street (22 RMB) High Cost-performance Tips ✨ • Avoid high-priced trendy spots like Naked Stables and XXX Campsite; free mountains and riversides are the true Mogan Mountain; • Stay at guesthouses at the foot of the mountain (200-300 RMB/night), half the price of mountain lodges, and you can join local activities with the owner; • Choose meals at "guesthouse shared meals" or small local eateries with clear menus and no tricks. The romance of Mogan Mountain is never built on sky-high expenses. It’s hidden in the free sea of clouds and bamboo forests, in the honest aroma of food, and in the smiling faces of old street aunties. You can have a great time on a small budget—that’s the most comfortable way to travel~