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

Should you visit Beijing or Cardiff?

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 Cardiff 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 jam-packed, cultural, and fascinating city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Beijing travel costs.

Cardiff

Cardiff is a up-and-coming, green, and industrial city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Cardiff offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and shopping. See Cardiff travel costs.

Beijing and Cardiff: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Cardiff?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Cardiff, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more touristy than Cardiff and is known for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Cardiff is popular for having the most castles per square mile of any city in Europe.

How is Beijing different from Cardiff?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Cardiff. The most notable landmark of the city is the famous and well-preserved Cardiff Castle. Visitors also enjoy seeing the Victorian arcades, museums, and cathedrals around town.

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

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Beijing is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Cardiff may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Welsh cuisine is known for its stews and hearty vegetable dishes. The national dish is cawl, which is a stew made with lamb and vegetables. Other local favorites include Welsh rarebit, which is a type of cheese toast, and Glamorgan Sausage, which is actually made with vegetables.

Is Beijing or Cardiff Better for Nightlife?

Beijing is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Beijing know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Cardiff has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is all about fun and most of the activities are driven by the large and diverse student population.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Cardiff?

Beijing is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Beijing is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Cardiff has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Shopping options include shopping malls and boutique lined streets. There is a nice mix of independent shops and major chains to choose between.

Is Beijing or Cardiff More Beautiful?

You'll find a similar quality of good scenery and beauty in both Beijing and Cardiff.

Beijing offers plenty of beauty for visitors. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Cardiff is a gorgeous place to visit. The city has more parks and green space than you'd expect from a place with such an industrial history.

Is Beijing or Cardiff Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Cardiff are good 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.

Cardiff offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of climbing and play areas, museums, and playgrounds that can keep the little ones entertained. There are also plenty of outdoor parks and trails to wander around.

Is Beijing or Cardiff Better for Couples?

Beijing is a popular place for its romantic activities. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for couples.

Beijing makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Cardiff is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The most romantic experiences involve a night out dining at nice restaurants, enjoying a cocktail at a classy bar, and strolling through neighborhoods and soaking up the atmosphere.

Is Beijing or Cardiff Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is a great destination for backpackers. However, Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Cardiff is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Beijing or Cardiff Better for Students?

Beijing is a great destination for students. Also, Cardiff is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Beijing is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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.

It's common for students to visit Cardiff. Most students come to study at Cardiff University, which is a leading university in Great Britain.

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

Beijing is a great destination for its public transit. However, Cardiff is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Beijing can get you around easily. 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 mostly limited in Cardiff. There is a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Beijing or Cardiff a more walkable city?

Cardiff is a city with good options for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Cardiff is a somewhat walkable city. There are pedestrianized areas and the waterfront is nice to walk around but there is still room for improvement when it comes to walkability.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Cardiff or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Cardiff?

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

Families should spend more time in Beijing than Cardiff. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Beijing than Cardiff. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beijing that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Cardiff 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 Cardiff?

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Cardiff, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Cardiff?

Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Cardiff, you'll find nightlife and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cardiff has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Cardiff?

Beijing is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Beijing has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Cardiff is a great place to explore. 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 Cardiff?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beijing. Because Beijing is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cardiff. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cardiff. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in United Kingdom, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Cardiff, we can see that Cardiff 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 Cardiff is in Europe, 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 Cardiff would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cardiff 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 Cardiff Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Cardiff?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Cardiff. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Cardiff, 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 Cardiff?

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 Cardiff in the Summer?

Both Cardiff and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cardiff in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Beijing is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Cardiff. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cardiff during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 220 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Beijing. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Cardiff. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Cardiff in the Autumn?

Both Cardiff and Beijing during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cardiff for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Beijing is a little warmer than Cardiff in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Cardiff fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 95 hours of full sun.

Cardiff gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Cardiff. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Cardiff in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Cardiff. Most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cardiff because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Cardiff can be very cold. Beijing can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Cardiff. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Cardiff averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Cardiff during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Cardiff receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Cardiff. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Cardiff in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Cardiff. The spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cardiff this time of year.

In April, Beijing is generally much warmer than Cardiff. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Cardiff fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Cardiff. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cardiff receives 183 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Cardiff. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Cardiff receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cardiff and Beijing