My three days in Chengdu: A real breakdown of expenses and a reshaped perspective on spending

I just got back from Chengdu, and as I rub my full belly and empty wallet, I've finally cracked the code to enjoying this city—those who know how to have fun can stretch $100 into $300 worth of enjoyment, while those who don't might only get $50 worth of experience for their $300! 🚕 Transportation savings that add up to hot pot money Choosing between the two airports is as nuanced as picking your hot pot dipping sauce! Don't bother waiting for a taxi if you land late at night. The Tianfu Airport shuttle bus will take you directly to Chunxi Road for $1.50, saving you $18.50—enough for two hot pot meals in a local alleyway. For getting around the city, a combination of shared bikes and the subway is the best. It's a 20-minute bike ride from Taikoo Li to Kuanzhai Alley, and you might even stumble upon some tempting Tanghulu (candied fruit) stalls along the way 🚲 Attention drivers ⚠️ Parking fees at attractions can be more expensive than the entrance tickets! Parking at the foot of Qingcheng Mountain is $3 per day. It's better to take the direct shuttle bus to and from the scenic area, and you can even catch up on some sleep on the ride 💤 🌶️ A guide to avoiding overpriced food Those trendy Tiao Pi (steamed rice rolls) at Jianshe Road Snack Street cost $1.50 each? Turn into the next-door market and find a local vendor's mobile stall, and you can unlock the same deliciousness for $0.60. You can even get extra houttuynia cordata for free. For hot pot, look for established restaurants tucked away in residential areas. "Hidden Alley," a place I discovered three years ago, still maintains its budget-friendly price of $6 per person, and refills of duck blood are still free! Exclusive tip 🔑: The Zhong dumplings stall that appears at 3 p.m. in Yulin Market offers freshly made dumplings drenched in sweet and spicy red oil for $0.50 per 50 grams. The price made me wonder if the lady running the stall was doing charity work 🥟 🐼 The best and worst of attraction spending Get your money's worth by arriving at the Panda Base when it opens at 7:30 a.m.! The $5.50 entrance ticket lets you see more than 20 pandas, offering ten times the value of a zoo visit. Avoid the $3 bamboo tube milk tea at Kuanzhai Alley. Instead, head to Zhijishi Street and enjoy unlimited refills of tea at an old teahouse for $0.80. As the bamboo chairs creak, you'll feel the essence of Chengdu seep into your bones 🍵 Capture the free blue light show at Dujiangyan at night! Enjoy the evening breeze on South Bridge with a Guyan beer. The romance you'll experience for $2 is comparable to a $10 bar. Don't buy the $1.50 novelty ice cream at the scenic spot; it tastes like frozen sugar water 😅 🧳 Equipment savings that build your travel fund • Folding kettle: Save on bottled water costs at the hotel • Reusable food containers: Save $0.30 per meal on packaging fees when taking away snacks • Power bank: Renting one at the scenic spot for $0.60 per hour is painful • Waterproof shoe covers: No need to buy overpriced plastic shoe covers if it suddenly rains • Selfie stick tripod: Save $20 per hour on hiring a photographer 📝 A foolproof itinerary Day 1: Panda Base ($5.50) → Boating at People's Park ($2) → Dinner at Kuixinglou Street ($4) → Jiuyanqiao night view (free) Day 2: Qingcheng Mountain ($8 including shuttle bus) → Dujiangyan blue light show (free) → South Bridge night market ($3) Day 3: East Suburb Memory (free) → Jianshe Road snacks ($5) → 339 TV Tower night view (free) Prices in Chengdu are like a seesaw—high at tourist attractions and trendy streets, but down-to-earth joy is hidden in the alleyways and markets. I managed to keep my total expenses for this three-day, two-night trip under $80, and here's the secret: 1️⃣ Transportation savings covered two big meals 2️⃣ Found market alternatives for trendy snacks 3️⃣ Always found free spots to enjoy the night views 4️⃣ Packed the right gear to avoid last-minute expenses 5️⃣ Learned to avoid peak times (half the crowds at the Panda Base on working days)