Over the years, I’ve traveled all over, both domestically and internationally, and my wallet has experienced many different forms of shrinking.
But if I had to pick a city where my wallet could stay calm, even smiling, it would definitely be Chongqing.
This magical 8D city is simply a paradise for budget travelers!
Here’s a fun fact: During last year’s National Day, 38.6 million people flooded into Chongqing, the highest in the country. Yet, the average per capita expenditure was only 486 yuan!
Chongqing ranks at the bottom of the list for tourist city spending, much more considerate compared to those trendy cities that’ll have you emptying your pockets at every corner.
What does that mean? In other cities, the money might only cover a one-night stay in a budget hotel, but in Chongqing? You can enjoy several days of fun!
Attractions? Free! Absolutely Free!
Chongqing is perhaps the “philanthropist” of tourist destinations in China.
Those viral landmarks you’ve seen on short videos, in reality, are free to visit!
The Hongya Cave, sparkling golden at night like something straight out of Spirited Away, is free to enter with just an ID card. No tickets required.
Jiefangbei, the heart of Chongqing, is comparable to Chengdu’s Chunxi Road or Shanghai’s Nanjing Road.
The Victory Memorial Monument sits right in the center of this bustling commercial district, blending history with modern commerce. You can wander and snap photos freely, with no one asking you to open your wallet.
And at night, when the lights come on, fashion-forward locals gather. How about watching a free fashion show? Sounds better than any paid event!
Want more? The perfect viewing platform for the confluence of the two rivers and the stunning cityscape of the mountain city is also free!
Hua Yan Temple, a famous Zen monastery in the southwest, used to charge a small fee for incense offerings, but now the entrance is free, and they even give you free incense!
Ciqikou Ancient Town? Go! Mountain City’s Third Trail? Hike! Chaotianmen Dock to see the confluence of the two rivers? Go! Ciyun Temple, Qianfo Temple, and the old streets of Danzi Stone? All free!
I stood at the top of E’ling Park, gazing at the sea of lights beneath me, with the Jialing and Yangtze rivers glowing like two giant dragons. I thought to myself: this city really has a heart.
Eating Out? Only 6 Yuan for a Full Meal!
Free attractions are just the beginning of Chongqing’s hospitality. The real surprise for budget travelers is the incredibly low cost of living, especially when it comes to food!
In cities like Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou, 30 yuan might only get you a bowl of bland “beef noodle concept soup.” In Chongqing?
6 yuan! Yes, you heard me right, just 6 yuan for a bowl of authentic, spicy, and flavorful Chongqing noodles!
A small portion is enough to fill you up, and if you’re a big eater, for just 1 extra yuan, you can get a larger portion. That’s 8 yuan for a hearty meal!
When I sat down at a street vendor and saw the price on the menu—“Small noodles 6 yuan”—I almost thought the owner had missed a zero.
When that bowl, topped with chili oil and peas, arrived, I tasted the perfect balance of numbing spice and freshness. It instantly clicked in my mind what “life is worth living” really means.
If you love spicy food, you’ll be overjoyed by Chongqing’s sour and spicy noodles. Hot, spicy, and tangy, you’ll be sweating with pleasure, all for just 6 yuan.
Hotpot? Who says hotpot has to burn a hole in your wallet? Find a local skewered hotpot stand in an alley, where each skewer costs just a few cents. For 15 yuan, you’ll be full and satisfied.
Even night markets offer authentic local snacks like roasted sweet potato skins, tofu flower rice, and cold desserts—only a few yuan each!
During my stay in Chongqing, I felt like my stomach was a bottomless pit. I was either eating or on my way to eat, and when I calculated it, my daily food expenses didn’t exceed 40 yuan!
The prices here would make people from Hangzhou and Xi’an speechless, and Shanghai and Beijing folks would be in tears.
Transportation? A Magical Experience at a Low Price!
In Chongqing, even transportation feels like a scenic adventure—and it’s ridiculously cheap.
Want to try the “sky bus”? The Yangtze Cable Car stretches across the river, offering stunning views of the city and river. The price for a single ride is only 5 yuan!
This is about the same price as a subway ride for just a couple of stops in other cities.
Think elevators are just for going up and down? Chongqing’s Crown Elevator will teach you a lesson. It’s the longest slope elevator in Asia, with a length of 112 meters and an elevation of 52.7 meters. It costs only 2 yuan!
I was laughing when I paid. This experience feels like a vertical roller coaster ride, and in any amusement park, it would cost at least 30 yuan!
Don’t forget about the Li Zijia Building, where you can catch the light rail passing through the building! Want the best view? It’s not from a paid observation deck, but from an old residential building nearby—totally free!
Where to Stay? Affordable Hostels Everywhere!
Enjoying yourself and eating well is great, but you can’t compromise on your accommodation, right? Don’t worry, Chongqing has affordable lodging options.
In central areas like Jiefangbei and Hongya Cave, you can find highly rated hostels with dorm beds costing only 30-50 yuan per night.
If you want a bit more privacy, a budget hotel for around 100 yuan per night is also widely available. The rooms are clean, safe, and comfortable.
When you think about the usual prices for staying in the center of popular tourist cities, Chongqing is a breath of fresh air in the accommodation scene.
So, if you’re on a budget but still want to have an amazing time, eat delicious food, and capture magical moments for your social media, take my advice—buy a ticket, head straight to Chongqing!
You don’t need to spend a lot to experience the most exciting local culture, fascinating cityscapes, and authentic street food. This city, where you can “enjoy without spending much,” is definitely the king of budget travel destinations!
And don’t forget, a 6 yuan noodle—add more spice!
