My buddy recommended spending four days in Shenyang, but my expenses skyrocketed and I was crushed

💸 Your money might have been spent on these "high-crash points"

Accommodation pitfalls

High-end hotel premiums: such as Shenyang Grand Hyatt and Shangri-La (1000-2000 RMB/night), while budget hotels like Ji Hotel and Home Inn (200-500 RMB/night) can save you 70%.

Location misconception: Although homestays near Zhongjie Street/Imperial Palace are convenient, prices fluctuate greatly (300-800 RMB), and accommodations of the same grade outside the core area are 30% cheaper.

Dining "follow-the-trend check-ins"

Internet-famous restaurant premiums: Laobian Dumplings (50-80 RMB per person), Lumingchun (over 150 RMB per person) are famous, but similar taste experiences at local community old shops cost only 30-50 RMB per person.

Night market impulse spending: Snacks at the TV Tower Night Market seem cheap (grilled chicken rack 8 RMB, grilled cold noodles 10 RMB), but buying multiple items easily pushes the per capita cost over 100 RMB.

Hidden costs of tickets & transportation

Combo ticket trap: Shenyang Imperial Palace + Zhang’s Marshal Mansion combo ticket is about 110 RMB, but non-history buffs can choose just one (Imperial Palace 50 RMB or Marshal Mansion 48 RMB).

Taxi dependence: Shenyang Metro covers major attractions (Shengjing Tong 2 RMB per ride), but daily taxi fares of 100 RMB far exceed bus budgets.

Experience project overspending

High spending at bath centers: such as Qinghe Peninsula Hot Spring (159 RMB ticket), ordinary community bathhouses cost 30-50 RMB including scrubbing.

Cultural and creative impulse spending: Imperial Palace stamps (minimum consumption 38 RMB), customized ice cream (25 RMB+ per stick), and other small items add up to big expenses.

💡 "Money-saving emergency kit" for a four-day itinerary

Accommodation: Choose location > luxury

Best value: "Ji Hotel Select Shenyang Zhongjie" along Metro Line 2 (about 250 RMB/night), 10-minute walk to the Imperial Palace, saving transportation costs.

Students/backpackers: Hostel beds (60-80 RMB/night), such as "Shenyang Lazy Hive Youth Hostel" near Taiyuan Street.

Dining: Eat authentic > eat famous

Save big on breakfast: Xiaoheyan Morning Market (arrive before 7:00) donkey roll 3 RMB, fried cake 2 RMB, tofu pudding 5 RMB, full for 10 RMB.

Affordable alternatives for main meals:

Replace Laobian Dumplings → Laosi Season Hand-pulled Noodles Main Store (chicken soup noodles + chicken rack + Lao Xue beer = 15 RMB);

Replace internet-famous barbecue → Zao Ma’er on Xita Street (50 RMB per person for cold noodles + barbecue).

Snack lovers budget: At TV Tower Night Market, choose only 1-2 signature items (e.g., grilled chicken rack + steamed jelly = 18 RMB) to avoid the "try everything" mentality.

Tickets: Free + selected combos

Must-visit free attractions:

September 18th Historical Museum (reservation required)

China Industrial Museum (impressive machinery exhibition free)

Xiaonan Church (Gothic style photo spot)

Careful spending on paid attractions:

Skip AR guide at Shenyang Imperial Palace (30 RMB), use QR code audio guide (free);

Beiling Park ticket 40 RMB, but outer gardens are free, no need to enter Zhaoling Mausoleum.

Transportation: Bus card + walking

Shengjing Tong e-card (available via Alipay): Metro 2 RMB/ride + bus 1 RMB, four-day transport cost <50 RMB;

Walk between Zhongjie - Imperial Palace - Marshal Mansion area to save taxi fares.

⚠️ Key tips to avoid crashing

Avoid peak times to save time and money: Enter the Imperial Palace right at 8:30 opening to avoid tour groups after 9:30 (ticket price unchanged, experience doubled);

Avoid souvenir traps: Buy at Bulaolin Sugar Supermarket (15 RMB/box), don’t be a "sucker" in scenic spots;

Make good use of student ID: Half-price tickets for Imperial Palace, Marshal Mansion, Beiling Park, saving hundreds is not a dream.

High spending during travel is often the price of "information gaps." The charm of Shenyang is not in expensive tickets and internet-famous restaurants, but in the local street life and warmth. Adjust your strategy and set off again; the warmth and affordability of this city will surely change your perspective!