5-Day Western Sichuan Trip for Only 800 RMB! Free Hidden Gems This Summer

Budget travel guide for a 5-day Western Sichuan adventure under 800 RMB—maximizing value and photo opportunities! Perfect for students and young travelers (see Figure 8 for viral photo tips). 🗺️ 5-Day Itinerary (800 RMB/person) Day 1: Chengdu → Kangding → Honghaizi → Yuzixi → Xinduqiao Transport: Bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Kangding (120 RMB), carpool from Kangding hostel (80 RMB/person/day) Highlights: - Honghaizi (10 RMB entry): Capture snow-capped mountain reflections + prayer flags. Avoid traffic via S434 Provincial Highway. - Yuzixi sunset (free): Secure your spot by 18:30. Bring a windproof jacket! Shoot the Milky Way at night (stay at Xinduqiao hostel, 30 RMB/bed). Day 2: Xinduqiao → Gunong Village → Mo’erduo National Geological Park → Bamei Town Free gem: Gunong Village (free, accessible by sedan)—panoramic views of Yala Snow Mountain + riverside camping (bring your own tent at no cost). Viral spot: Mo’erduo Park (60 RMB, 20% off with student ID). Wear pink/yellow scarves for aerial shots of "alien terrain" on the skywalk. Stay: Bamei Town hostel (40 RMB/bed). Try yak yogurt pancakes (10 RMB). Day 3: Bamei → Shuangqiao Valley (Siguniang Mountain) → Stay near the valley Must-do: Shuangqiao Valley (150 RMB ticket + shuttle, 110 RMB for students). Nianyuba drift (90 RMB): Summer highlight—gentle currents perfect for vlogging. Budala Peak: Best light at 3 PM for epic road + mountain shots. Stay: Tibetan guesthouse near the valley (50 RMB/person shared room). Day 4: Horseback ride in Changping Valley → Danba Tibetan Village Budget option: Hike to Dead Tree Beach (free) or share a horse to Yao’mei Peak viewpoint (bargain to 50 RMB/hour). Cultural experience: Free Danba Zhonglu Tibetan Village. Climb the viewpoint for watchtower + sea of clouds shots. Learn to make pickle buns at a homestay (10 RMB). Day 5: Danba → Chengdu (scenic return via S303 Highway) Free stops: Yak Valley, Yala Snow Mountain viewpoint. Lunch in Wolong Town (15 RMB for tofu rice). 💰 Ultra-Saving Tips Transport: Buses + hostel carpools (60% cheaper than private cars). Free photo stops along G318 Highway. Tickets: Bring student IDs! Discounts at Mo’erduo Park/Siguniang Mountain. Yuzixi, Gunong Village, and Tibetan villages are free. Food: 5 RMB butter tea + 2 RMB barley bread fill you up. Buy raw yak meat (30 RMB/jin) at markets and pay restaurants to cook it. Lodging: Hostels/Tibetan homestays (avg. 40 RMB/night). Xinduqiao’s "Dengba Inn" organizes stargazing groups. Avoid: Oxygen cans cost 60 RMB in scenic areas! Buy in Chengdu pharmacies for 20 RMB. Prevent altitude sickness with Rhodiola oral liquid (5 RMB/box). ⚠️ July Travel Notes Weather: 20°C daytime (T-shirt + sun protection), 5°C mornings/evenings (fleece needed). Pack disposable raincoats (afternoon showers). Safety: Zheduo Mountain/Yuzixi are 4,200m+—no showers upon arrival! Bring glucose oral liquid for altitude adjustment. Crowds: Skip packed Jiuzhaigou/Daocheng Yading. Opt for free hidden spots (Honghaizi, Gunong Village). 💡 Youth knows no price—hard seats straight to Western Sichuan! This route’s base cost (transport + lodging + tickets) is just 500 RMB. Spend the extra 300 RMB on food, and your social media will overflow with content. Charge into summer now!