A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Anchorage for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Beijing or Anchorage?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Anchorage can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Anchorage

Anchorage is a nature-oriented, outdoorsy, and scenic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Beijing and Anchorage: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Anchorage?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Anchorage. Beijing is bigger than Anchorage, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its museums & sights, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Anchorage is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Anchorage and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Anchorage is well known for its breathtaking natural beauty, impressive wildlife, stunning hiking trails, and unique local culture.

How is Beijing different from Anchorage?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Anchorage and Beijing. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Anchorage?

Beijing is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Beijing that are not to be missed. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Anchorage offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. While most people visit for the outdoor experiences, there are a few museums where you can learn about the local culture and wildlife. Popular museums include the the Alaska Native Heritage Center, the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, the Alaska Aviation Museum, and the Alaska Museum of Science and Nature.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Anchorage? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beijing is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Anchorage has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food is expensive in town, but there are some unique local specialties that you must try. Many restaurants offer fresh seafood and local meats. Favorites include yak meat, king crab, and fresh oysters.

Is Beijing or Anchorage Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is a well-known place for nightlife. However, Anchorage is not a good city for nightlife and partying.

Beijing offers plenty to do in the evening. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Anchorage. The town's nightlife mostly consists of local bars where you can hang out. Check out Koot's, which is a longstanding favorite.

Is Beijing or Anchorage Better for Hiking?

Anchorage is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Around Anchorage visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The town is surrounded by wilderness and it's not hard to escape into nature. You can choose between short walks, long day trips, and multi-day treks, with everything in between available as well. There are more than 300 miles of hiking trails near town and several favorites include Byron Glacier Trail, Thunderbird Falls Trail, and Flattop Mountain.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Anchorage?

Beijing is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Beijing is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Anchorage. There are plenty of local gift shops and boutiques where you can pick up local Alaskan crafts and products. There's no sales tax, but prices can still be a bit steep. But if you're looking for something uniquely local to remember your trip, you don't have to look hard.

Is Beijing or Anchorage Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Anchorage are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Anchorage offers lots of family activities. Kids who appreciate nature will appreciate this unique setting. Everyone will enjoy a glacier cruise, but you can hang out with the locals in Westchester Lagoon, see the animals at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and learn about the area at the Anchorage Museum.

Is Beijing or Anchorage Better for Couples?

Anchorage is a great destination for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Anchorage frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city makes a good base for couples who want to explore the surrounding beauty. The landscapes make a beautiful backdrop for a romantic trip, and the adventure activities will make for an unforgettable experience. There are plenty of outdoor activities and adventure sports that couples can enjoy together and the beauty of the region is breathtaking.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Anchorage Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Anchorage is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Beijing. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Plenty of backpackers visit Anchorage. There are a few good budget places to stay, and backpackers will also have plenty of outdoor wilderness to explore near town. It's important to remember that Alaska is known for its challenging wilderness so, unless you're experienced, you should take a guide.

Is Beijing or Anchorage Better for Students?

Beijing is a well-known place for students. However, Anchorage is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Anchorage is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Anchorage Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Beijing is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Anchorage is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Beijing is fairly effecient and thorough. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Public transit is quite limited in Anchorage. There is the People Mover bus system that transports riders around town, but to truly experience the region, you must have a car.

Is Beijing or Anchorage a more walkable city?

Beijing and Anchorage both are respectable when exploring on foot.

Beijing is generally not very walkable. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

Anchorage is generally not a very walkable city. The downtown area is compact so you can wander to the nearby shops and restaurants on foot, but most people visit with the goal of exploring outside of town. For that you need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Anchorage Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Anchorage or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Anchorage?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beijing and Anchorage. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Anchorage. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 1-3 days is enough time in Anchorage.

Families should spend more time in Beijing than Anchorage. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Beijing, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Anchorage if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Anchorage?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Anchorage, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Beijing or Anchorage?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Anchorage, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Anchorage has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Anchorage?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Anchorage is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Anchorage?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Anchorage. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Anchorage. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Historical Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Anchorage, we can see that Anchorage is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Anchorage is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Anchorage would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Anchorage than you might in Beijing.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Anchorage Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Anchorage?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Anchorage. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Anchorage, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Beijing or Anchorage?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Anchorage in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Anchorage. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Anchorage this time of year.

In the summer, Beijing is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Anchorage averages at about 59°F (15°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Anchorage this time of the year. In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 240 hours of full sun in the summer.

Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Anchorage. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 1.7 inches (44 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Anchorage in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Anchorage. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Anchorage for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Anchorage. In October, Beijing is generally much warmer than Anchorage. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Anchorage fluctuates around 35°F (2°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Anchorage. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 118 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Anchorage. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 2.1 inches (53 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Anchorage in the Winter?

Both Anchorage and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Anchorage in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Anchorage can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Beijing is much warmer than Anchorage in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Anchorage fluctuates around 15°F (-9°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Anchorage during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Anchorage receives 80 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Anchorage. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (19 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Anchorage in the Spring?

Both Anchorage and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Anchorage for the natural beauty during these months.

Anchorage can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Beijing is much warmer than Anchorage. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Anchorage averages at about 36°F (2°C).

In Anchorage, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Anchorage. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Anchorage receives 233 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets more rain in April than Anchorage. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Anchorage receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Anchorage and Beijing