Top 5 Budget-Friendly Destinations for Students This May Day Holiday

Hey guys! Don't want to spend your May Day holiday lying around, but worried about your wallet? Here's a "cost-effective travel list" exclusively for students! We've personally tested 5 cities that are super fun and budget-friendly. Follow this guide to maximize your joy and save your living expenses! 👇 📍 NO.1 Chengdu, Sichuan 🌶️ "Stroll through the streets of Chengdu and stuff your belly with hot pot!" ✔️ Budget-friendly guide: Student tickets to the Panda Base are half price at CNY 40. Get up early to see the cubs drinking milk—it's adorable! Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li are free to explore, perfect for street photography. In the evening, head to Jianshe Road Snack Street for CNY 10/3 skewers of Bobo Chicken and CNY 8 for a bowl of Bingfen. After sweating from the spice, gulp down some sour plum juice—it's incredibly refreshing! ✔️ Accommodation recommendation: Hostels are CNY 50-80 per person, and you can even team up for hot pot! 💡 Must-try for students: Potato flowers and roasted brain flowers on Jianshe Road are so cheap you can have three servings without breaking the bank! 🔥 📍 NO.2 Xi'an, Shaanxi 🥙 "Travel back to Chang'an and unlock all the carb happiness!" ✔️ Budget-friendly guide: Student tickets for cycling on the city wall are CNY 25. Rent a bike, enjoy the evening breeze, and watch the sunset paint the city walls—it's breathtaking! You can eat your fill at the Sajinqiao morning market for CNY 10: Youcha Mahua, Zenggao, and Persimmon Pancake, all in! Enjoy free performances at the Datang Everbright City and dance along with the locals to "Xi'an People's Song"—you won't want to leave! ✔️ Hidden gem: Book in advance for free entry to the Shaanxi History Museum. Students can also get a free audio guide with their student ID! 🍜 Foodie alert: Biangbiang noodles are CNY 15 for a large bowl, and the belt noodles are super chewy. Don't forget to add a fried egg! 📍 NO.3 Chongqing, Mountain City 🌉 "A 3D magical city where climbing hills is like free exercise!" ✔️ Budget-friendly guide: Enjoy the free night view of Hongyadong. Remember to use flash when taking photos at the Qiansimen Bridge for amazing shots. See the "light rail passing through buildings" at Liziba Light Rail Station and check in at the Eling Second Factory Cultural and Creative Park for some industrial-style photos! Have dinner at a Jiu Gong Ge hot pot restaurant in a residential building for around CNY 60 per person, enjoying tripe and aorta. ✔️ Transportation tip: Subway + walking is the most economical. Check your navigation for "uphill" or "downhill" routes! 🌶️ Must-eat list: Bingfen with Ciba and street-style sour and spicy noodles. Even if it's spicy, you have to finish it! 📍 NO.4 Xiamen, Fujian 🌊 "A small, fresh seaside city where even the air is sweet." ✔️ Budget-friendly guide: Watching the sunrise at Huangcuo Beach is free! Bring some bread to feed the seagulls, and your phone snaps will be picture-perfect. Explore the cultural and creative shops in Shapowei Art West District, where students love to find CNY 10 postcards. In the evening, enjoy Shacha noodles at Zhongshan Road for CNY 20 a bowl, packed with ingredients. Add some Youtiao (fried dough sticks) for the ultimate experience! ✔️ Hidden gem: Jimei School Village is free to explore. Watching the sunset by the Dragon Boat Pond feels like stepping into an anime! 🍢 Sweet tooth alert: A-Jie Five-Spice Rolls at the Eighth Market are CNY 15 for 3, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Dip them in sweet and spicy sauce! 📍 NO.5 Yanji, Jilin 🥘 "Travel to 'Little Korea' without leaving the country!" ✔️ Budget-friendly guide: Hike for free at Mount Maoer National Forest Park. Reach the summit in half an hour for a panoramic city view. Photos from the top will have everyone asking, "Are you in Seoul?" Get a CNY 5 serving of Dateguk (pounded rice cake) at the West Market morning market—a glutinous rice lover's dream! Enjoy a CNY 20 stone pot bibimbap for lunch, mixed with spicy sauce, so good you'll lick the plate clean. In the evening, head to the university town night market for CNY 10/3 skewers of grilled beef tendon skin, bursting with flavor. Top it off with a CNY 5 cup of creamy rice wine for a perfect, slightly tipsy evening. ✔️ Shopping guide: Buy Korean face masks and snacks at the West Market—students can shop blindly without any regrets! 💡 Money-saving tips for students: 1. Choose hostels/B&Bs for accommodation, CNY 50-80 per person, and you can share rides and meals. 2. Check for "student tickets" in advance and bring your student ID! Many places offer half-price or even free admission. 3. Look for small restaurants with long lines of locals. Avoid tourist traps in scenic areas for delicious and affordable food! This May Day holiday, let's students explore the most stunning scenery, savor the most delicious food, and spend the least amount of money! Remember to plan ahead, avoid pitfalls, and invite your roommates along!