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

Should you visit Beijing or Los Angeles?

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 Los Angeles 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 massive, jam-packed, and cultural city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling, energetic, and dynamic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Other popular activities here include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Beijing and Los Angeles: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Los Angeles?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Los Angeles than Beijing. While Beijing is larger than Los Angeles, Los Angeles has more sights and attractions for tourists. Los Angeles is very popular for its theatre productions, nightlife, music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Beijing attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Beijing is famous for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Los Angeles is famous for is many A-list celebrities, its world-famous clubs and venues, its glamourous beaches, and being the location of the iconic Hollywood. It is also well known for Hollywood.

How is Beijing different from Los Angeles?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Beijing or Los Angeles.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Beijing on the map. 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.

Travelers visit Los Angeles from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has an eclectic list of monuments and museums. Notable landmarks include the famous Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, the Getty Center, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Theater?

Los Angeles is a great destination for its shows and theatre. However, Beijing is not a theatre destination.

Los Angeles attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. While most people think of Hollywood when they think of LA, the city also has a thriving stage presence. Musicals and plays are popular throughout the city.

Beijing is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Los Angeles can be an enjoyable experience.

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.

Eat your way through Los Angeles, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As a huge and diverse city, there is no shortage of amazing food options around town. There are a wide range of cuisines represented and many different neighborhoods that specialize in specific types of food. Popular dishes around town include Cobb Salads, Mexican Tacos, and the French Dip Sandwich.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Nightlife?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Los Angeles is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city's nightlife scene is as diverse as the city itself. There are glamorous clubs where you might spot a celebrity, as well as local dives with a more down-to-earth vibe. Some of the most famous clubs in the city include Academy, Avalon, and Boardner's.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. 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.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Music?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.

In Los Angeles you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Music, movies, and show business - it's all part of what Los Angeles is known for. Several famous music venues include The Greek Theatre, Whiskey a Go Go, and The Roxy Theatre.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Resorts?

Los Angeles is a great destination for its resorts. However, Beijing is not a resort destination.

In Los Angeles, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The city is home to a number of high end resorts including The Beverly Hill Hotel, The Langham Huntington Pasadena, and The Ritz-Carlton.

Beijing is not a resort destination.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Los Angeles is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Los Angeles. The coastal setting means that there are a number of places where you can put on a mask and hop in the water. Popular snorkeling or diving spots near the city include Santa Catalina Island, Diver's Cove, and Crystal Cove State Park. Many visitors find the water to be a bit chili, but the wildlife is unique and beautiful.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Beaches?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

Los Angeles is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Ranging from beaches with stunning natural beauty to those with glamourous and fun atmospheres, this city has a number of beaches to choose from. There are many fun and high-energy urban beach settings, and there are also beaches that are lined with parks and offer a more natural environment. Some of the most popular are Santa Monica, Malibu, Huntington Beach, and Redondo Beach.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Hiking?

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

Around Los Angeles visitors will find world-class hiking trails. In and around the city you'll find world class urban hiking with views of the mountains and the ocean. Some of the most well-known hikes include the Charlie Turner Trail to Mount Hollywood, Runyon Canyon, and the Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Los Angeles is a world class destination for shoppers. Although it's most famous for the high end shopping at Rodeo Drive, there are actually many different shopping venues throughout the city. Other famous shopping areas include Robertson Blvd and the Grove.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Beijing. 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.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Families?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is an extremely popular city to visit for families. With its many amusement parks, including nearby Disneyland, and its countless family-friendly parks and playgrounds, there is no shortage of things to do with kids around the city. Favorite activities include the amusement parks, exploring Venice Beach, a trip to the California Science Center, and taking a Warner Brothers Studio Tour.

Beijing offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Couples?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Los Angeles is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. It is a large, sprawling city with tucked away romantic scenes that are perfect for a couple's getaway or a dream honeymoon. There are also trendy nightclubs, world-class restaurants, and high-energy beaches that make for iconic date activities.

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 Los Angeles Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Los Angeles are very good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Los Angeles is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The city is a major travel destination for all types, and backpackers will find no shortage of hostels or budget friendly accommodation around town.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles Better for Students?

Los Angeles is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Los Angeles is a very popular city for students. International students have long flocked to this for its major universities and diverse setting. Major universities in the area include UCLA, the University of Southern California, and the California Institute of Technology.

Many students visit 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.

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

Beijing is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Los Angeles is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Beijing. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Los Angeles, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Many of the public transit options are overlooked by visitors for a number of reasons, but options include the subway, light rail, and buses.

Is Beijing or Los Angeles a more walkable city?

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

Los Angeles is a somewhat walkable city. The city is sprawling, but some of the neighborhoods are more walkable than others. Some of the more walkable neighborhoods include Hollywood, Koreatown, Downtown, and MacArthur Park.

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 Los Angeles Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Los Angeles or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Los Angeles?

Both Beijing and Los Angeles have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Los Angeles has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Los Angeles than Beijing. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 5-7 days is enough time in Los Angeles.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Los Angeles than Beijing 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 Los Angeles.

One day in Beijing or Los Angeles?

Beijing is a jam-packed city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Los Angeles, you'll find live music and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Beijing or Los Angeles?

Beijing is a massive big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

In Los Angeles, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Beijing or Los Angeles?

Beijing is a historic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Los Angeles is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Los Angeles has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Los Angeles?

Beijing is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Los Angeles. In Los Angeles, you'll find shopping and museums. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best 2-Week Tours from Los Angeles, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Los Angeles?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Los Angeles. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Beijing or Los Angeles in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Los Angeles. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Los Angeles for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Beijing is a little warmer than Los Angeles in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 72°F (22°C).

Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Los Angeles. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0 inches (0 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Los Angeles in the Autumn?

Both Los Angeles and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Los Angeles in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In the autumn, Beijing is cooler than Los Angeles. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Los Angeles averages at about 64°F (18°C).

In October, Beijing usually receives more rain than Los Angeles. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Los Angeles in the Winter?

Both Los Angeles and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Los Angeles for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months.

Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Beijing is generally much colder than Los Angeles. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Los Angeles fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Los Angeles. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 3.1 inches (79 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Los Angeles in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Los Angeles. Most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Los Angeles because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

Beijing is cooler than Los Angeles in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Los Angeles fluctuates around 61°F (16°C).

In April, Beijing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Los Angeles. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Los Angeles receives 1 inches (25 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Los Angeles and Beijing