Your ultimate guide to budget travel in April and May

💗 Yunnan, Kunming Recommended because: The climate of the Spring City is pleasant, and flights are as low as CNY 290 (from Chengdu). Attractions such as Dianchi Lake and Cuihu Park are free, and the ticket prices for scenic spots such as the Stone Forest are moderate. April and May are the peak season for jacarandas, and streets such as Jiaochang Middle Road are like a purple sea of flowers. You can also experience ethnic activities such as the Water Splashing Festival. Budget highlights: Accommodation and dining costs are low, making it suitable for budget travelers. --- 💗 Yunnan, Xishuangbanna Recommended because: The Water Splashing Festival in mid-April is the liveliest time of the year. You can participate in folk activities such as releasing sky lanterns and dragon boat races. Flights from Chengdu are about CNY 300, and attractions such as Manting Park and the Starry Night Market are full of exotic customs. The cost of visiting the Tropical Botanical Garden and Dai villages is low. Budget highlights: Night market snacks cost CNY 20–30 per person, and the prices of B&Bs are affordable. --- 💗 Jiangsu, Yangzhou Recommended because: It is the best season to visit Yangzhou in March when the mist and flowers are at their best. The ticket prices for gardens such as Slender West Lake and Geyuan Garden are about CNY 50–100. In spring, Chinese viburnum blooms, and you can stroll through the ancient lanes to experience the poetic beauty of the Jiangnan region. Yangzhou brunch costs CNY 20 per person, which is cost-effective. Budget highlights: The city is small, and transportation is mainly by walking or shared bicycles, which saves on transportation expenses. --- 💗 Guangxi, Guilin Recommended because: The landscape of the Li River is picturesque in April and May. You can cycle in Yangshuo or go rafting on a bamboo raft (CNY 50–100 per person). After the Longji Rice Terraces are filled with water, they form a mirror-like landscape. Tickets cost about CNY 80. Flights from Beijing are as low as CNY 520. It is advisable to snap up discounted tickets in advance. Budget highlights: Accommodation in youth hostels and farmhouses costs CNY 50–100 per night, and local rice noodles cost CNY 10 per person. --- 💗 Shandong, Qingdao Recommended because: There are fewer tourists in April and May, and the coastal scenery is pure. The Zhan Bridge and Badaguan Scenic Area are free. You can avoid the crowds at the end of the cherry blossom season (end of April), and seagulls still stay on the coast. Air ticket prices are lower than in the summer, such as about CNY 300 from Beijing. Budget highlights: It costs CNY 50 per person to buy and process your own seafood at the seafood market, and there are many youth hostels or budget hotels to choose from. --- 💗 Tips for budget travel: - Flights: Pay attention to special air tickets from departure points such as Chengdu and Beijing, such as Xiahe (CNY 200) and Dalian (CNY 270). - Accommodation: Choose a youth hostel or B&B, which costs CNY 50–100 per person per night. - Food: Give priority to trying local snacks (such as Kunming Xiaoguo Rice Noodles and Yangzhou brunch), which costs CNY 20–40 per person per meal. - Tickets: Use your student ID or purchase discount tickets online in advance. Some attractions are free (such as Dianchi Lake in Kunming and Zhan Bridge in Qingdao).