Suitable for a family of four, budget travel in Chengdu for 3 days and 2 nights

For a family of four (assuming two adults and two children) traveling on a budget in Chengdu, you can experience the city's highlights while controlling costs by following this plan:

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✅【Itinerary】3 days 2 nights (suitable for weekends/short holidays)
Day 1: Free attractions + local street food**
- Morning
- ⛰ People's Park (free): Experience old Chengdu life, drink tea (the cheapest plain tea is 10 RMB/cup, you can sit for half a day), watch performances at Heming Teahouse, children can row boats (30 RMB/boat).
- 🛰 Sichuan Science and Technology Museum (free, reservation required 3 days in advance): Great for kids to interact and learn science.

- Noon:
- 🍜 Citang Street / Xiaonan Street: Eat affordable snacks, recommended combo "Pork Intestine Noodles + Guokui" (flatbread), about 15 RMB per person.

- Afternoon:
- 🌲 Kuanzhai Alley (free): Just stroll and take photos, no need to buy. Nearby Kuixinglou Street has cheaper food (e.g., "Er Niang Chicken Feet" 5 RMB each).
- 👉 Qingyang Palace (10 RMB ticket, half price for children): The oldest Taoist temple in Chengdu, peaceful environment.

- Evening:
- 🥞 Jianshe Road Night Market (about 20 RMB per person): Try grilled sweet potato skin (6 RMB), egg cake (3 RMB), and ice jelly (5 RMB).

Day 2: Cultural experience + natural scenery
- Morning:
- 🛰 Chengdu Museum (free): Learn about Bashu history, fun interactive area for children.
- 🌲 Wenshu Monastery (free): Quiet ancient temple, free incense available at the entrance.

- Noon:
- 🌲 Near Wenshu Monastery "Dongzikou Zhang Laoer Liangfen": Sweet water noodles 8 RMB/bowl, cold jelly 5 RMB.

- Afternoon:
- 🦩 Huanhuaxi Park (free): Chengdu’s most beautiful park, take a walk with kids and watch egrets.
- 🎡 Du Fu Thatched Cottage (outer area free): Walk from Huanhuaxi to the south gate of the cottage, take photos by the red walls outside to save the 50 RMB entrance fee.

- Evening:
- 🌲 Jiuyanqiao Night View (free): Walk along Funan River, take photos at Anshun Lang Bridge.

Day 3: Get close to animals + university visit**
- Morning:
- 🐻 Panda Base (55 RMB ticket, half price for students): Arrive before 7:30 to see active pandas, children under 1.2 meters free.
- 🐻 Alternative: Beihu Park (free) to spot wild panda sculptures and red pandas.

- Noon:
- 🏞 University of Electronic Science and Technology of China Shahe Campus Canteen: Open to the public, about 10 RMB per person for a full meal.

- Afternoon:
- 🎡 Dongjiao Memory (free): Industrial style cultural and creative park, good for photos, kids can play on slides.
- 🌲 Shopping before departure*: Buy hotpot base sauce (15 RMB/package) at Hongqi Chain Supermarket as souvenirs.

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【Accommodation Recommendations】
- 🏡 Hostels / Homestays: Near Chunxi Road "Backpack Ten Years" hostel (family room about 120 RMB/night), or homestays near Southwest Jiaotong University metro station (80-100 RMB/night).
- 💰 Money-saving tip: Choose locations along metro lines within the second ring road, such as Niuwangmiao or Yulin Road, for convenient transportation.

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【Transportation Costs】
- 🚌 Within the city: Metro + bus (Tianfu Tong app offers 10% discount), children under 1.3 meters ride free, about 20 RMB per day per family.
- 🚋 Airport/train station: Metro lines 10 or 7 direct, saves about 50 RMB compared to taxi.

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【Total Budget Reference】(4 people, 3 days 2 nights)
- Accommodation: 200 RMB (2 nights family room)
- Food: 400 RMB (mostly snacks, occasional small restaurants)
- Tickets: Panda Base 110 RMB (2 adults + 1 child, 1 child free) + Qingyang Palace 15 RMB = 125 RMB
- Transportation: 60 RMB
- Total: about 785 RMB, less than 200 RMB per person!

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【Money-saving Tips】
1. Free guided tours: Chengdu Museum / Wuhou Shrine (outside) allow joining tour groups for free.
2. Student ID: Half price tickets for primary, secondary, and university students.
3. Bring your own snacks: Drinks inside attractions are double the price, prepare food in advance.
4. Shared bikes: Ride along Jinjiang River, save money and enjoy the scenery.

The key to budget travel in Chengdu is: free attractions + local snacks + public transportation, allowing you to experience Bashu culture without hurting your wallet!