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

Should you visit Beijing or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo 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. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Sapporo

Sapporo is a vibrant, laid-back, and park-filled city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include skiing, nightlife, and food.

Beijing and Sapporo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Sapporo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Beijing than Sapporo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Beijing is very popular for its museums, food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sapporo attracts visitors for its skiing. Beijing is more touristy than Sapporo and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also well known for The Forbidden City. Sapporo is famous for its skiing, winter activities, and the yearly Sapporo Snow Festival.

How is Beijing different from Sapporo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Beijing or Sapporo Better for Skiing?

Sapporo is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Beijing is not a skiing destination.

Sapporo is a well-known ski destination which attracts visitors from far and wide. There are many great ski areas that are an easy day trip from the center of town. Very close by you'll find Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort and Sapporo Teine is where the 1972 Winter Olympics were held. It's divided into the family-friendly Olympia Zone and the more advanced Highland Zone.

Beijing is not a skiing destination.

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

Beijing is a world-class destination for its historical sights. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Beijing has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Sapporo. There are a number of shrines and museums in the city. Make sure you check out Hokkaidō Shrine, Sapporo TV Tower, Sapporo Clock Tower, and the Sapporo Science Center.

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

Beijing is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sapporo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sapporo makes for a great culinary experience. The local cuisine focuses on the world class fishing in the area as well as the great agriculture. Pork is a common meat ingredient and many dishes include ramen, vegetables, or grilled seafood.

Is Beijing or Sapporo Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Sapporo has a better nightlife 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.

The nightlife in Sapporo has something for everybody. The city's nightlife scene is laid back and mostly concentrated in the Susukino area. In particular, King Xmhu is famous for its party nights and wild decor.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Sapporo?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Sapporo and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Sapporo. Shopping malls are the most popular places to enjoy browsing the stores. This is particularly nice during the snowy winter months when you can escape into the heated malls.

Is Beijing or Sapporo Better for Families?

Sapporo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Sapporo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has many activities for families, any time of year. There's skiing and winter sports in the winter and theme parks and camping in the summer. There's also a Puppet Theater and indoor play areas for when the weather is poor.

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 Sapporo Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Sapporo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples will enjoy the parks, gardens, museums, and winter sports in the area. A highlight for everyone is a visit to the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, which features many ice sculptures.

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 Sapporo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Sapporo are great 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.

Sapporo is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There are a number of hostels around town and many fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Beijing or Sapporo Better for Students?

Beijing and Sapporo are great places to visit for 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.

Many students visit Sapporo. The city is welcoming to international students and many people enjoy studying at Sapporo International University.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Sapporo.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Sapporo. Most visitors use the subway system to get around. There are three lines - the Namboku Line, Tozai Line, and Toho Line- all of which pass through Odori Station. The city also has a streetcar and buses.

Is Beijing or Sapporo a more walkable city?

Sapporo is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Sapporo is a very walkable destination. The city center, where you'll find many of the attractions, is walkable. Susukino Station is about a 20 or 30 minute walk from JR Sapporo Station.

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 Sapporo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sapporo or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Sapporo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Beijing and Sapporo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than in Sapporo. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sapporo.

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

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

One day in Beijing or Sapporo?

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 Sapporo, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo, you'll find museums and skiing. 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 Sapporo has to offer.

Five days in Beijing or Sapporo?

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.

Sapporo 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Sapporo. 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, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Beijing and Sapporo, we can see that Sapporo is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Sapporo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Sapporo 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 Sapporo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Sapporo?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Sapporo. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Sapporo, 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 Sapporo?

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 Sapporo in the Summer?

Both Sapporo and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sapporo this time of year.

Beijing is a little warmer than Sapporo in the summer. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Sapporo fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 179 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Sapporo. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Sapporo in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Sapporo. 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 Sapporo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Beijing is a little warmer than Sapporo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Beijing in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Sapporo averages at about 11°C (52°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 156 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sapporo receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Sapporo in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Sapporo. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Sapporo in the winter for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Sapporo can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In January, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Sapporo. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around -4°C (26°F), and Sapporo fluctuates around -5°C (24°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Sapporo. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sapporo receives 99 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sapporo. Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Sapporo. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Sapporo in the Spring?

Both Sapporo and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Sapporo for the activities around the city during these months.

Beijing is much warmer than Sapporo in the spring. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Sapporo fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Sapporo during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Sapporo receives 183 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Sapporo. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Sapporo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sapporo and Beijing