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Beijing, China
Start in Beijing — visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu (cheaper than Badaling), explore the Forbidden City, and wander the Hutong alleyways near Nanluoguxiang for cheap street food like jianbing and lamb skewers. Stay in a budget hostel in the Qianmen or Dongcheng area for around ¥60–100/night per person. Take the Airport Express train (¥25) from Capital Airport into the city center.
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Kashgar, China
Fly from Beijing to Kashgar (KHG) via Urumqi — budget airlines like China Southern or Xinjiang Air often have fares around ¥500–900 if booked in advance on Trip.com or Qunar. Explore the ancient Id Kah Mosque, the Old City bazaars, and the famous Sunday livestock market for a truly unique Silk Road experience. Eat lagman noodles, samsa pastries, and grilled lamb at the local night market for under ¥30 a meal — very cheap and filling.
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Shanghai, China
Fly from Kashgar back to Shanghai (PVG or SHA) via Urumqi or Chengdu — expect fares around ¥600–1200 per person on budget carriers. Explore the free Bund waterfront promenade, the historic French Concession neighborhood, and the lively Yu Garden area for cheap street snacks like xiaolongbao and shengjianbao. Stay in a hostel dorm in the Jing'an or Hongkou district for ¥80–120/night per person, and use the metro (¥3–6 per ride) to get everywhere affordably.