A Family of Three's Budget-Friendly 3-Day Travel Guide to Jiaozuo

Accommodation

- Choose a homestay or budget hotel: Consider Jiaozuo Xizhilang Homestay, which offers affordable standard rooms with a queen-size bed. Alternatively, Hongyunju Homestay offers couple's suites with queen-size beds and complete facilities for just over CNY 100.

Transportation

- Public transportation: Opt for trains or long-distance buses for external transportation to Jiaozuo, as they are relatively inexpensive. Within the city, buses can take you to most attractions. For example, bus route 3 goes near Yuntai Mountain. To visit other attractions, consider ride-sharing or taking a direct shuttle bus to the scenic area to reduce transportation costs.

Attractions

- Day 1: In the morning, visit the Jiaozuo City Museum, which is free to the public and allows children to learn about Jiaozuo's history and culture. For lunch, sample local delicacies such as fried jelly and spicy tofu in the city center. In the afternoon, head to Jiaozuo People's Park to enjoy the natural scenery and experience the recreational facilities. Admission to the park is free.

- Day 2: Spend the whole day exploring Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area. You can purchase relatively inexpensive tickets. In the morning, visit Tanpu Gorge, which has beautiful scenery and is suitable for families with children. For lunch, choose a reasonably priced restaurant within the scenic area. In the afternoon, visit Hongshi Gorge, where the unique Danxia landform canyon landscape is amazing.

- Day 3: In the morning, head to the Tai Chi Sports Center to see its magnificent exterior. Admission is free. Then, go to Jiaozuo Movie City, a theme park that integrates film and television shooting, tourism, and cultural experiences. Ticket prices are relatively low. Have lunch in Movie City and watch exciting performances. In the afternoon, visit free attractions such as Jiaozuo Zoo and Jiaozuo Botanical Garden, where children can have fun.

Dining

- Sample local snacks: Such as Wuzhi Youcha and Mengzhou Shaobing, which are affordable and have local characteristics. You can choose to eat at snack stalls or small restaurants in the city center to avoid spending too much in the scenic area.