Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Beijing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Beijing or Shenyang?
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 Shenyang 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.
Where Should I go: Beijing or Shenyang?
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
Shenyang
Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
-
Beijing Prices
China PricesShenyang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayBeijing $89Shenyang $83
The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $89, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $83. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Beijing and Shenyang in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personBeijing $39Shenyang $40
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomBeijing $78Shenyang $80
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Shenyang
Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Shenyang? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Beijing $7.68Shenyang $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
-
Taxi$4.69
-
Train from Airport for Two$6.88
-
Taxi to Hotel$8.25
-
2 Metro Passes$2.20
-
Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Visit Great Wall With Beijing Capital Airport Round-Way Transfer : $233
- Ultimate Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall Discovery with Airport Transfer: $186
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Beijing HTL-APT (PEK): $41
- Transfers to Jinshanling Great Wall with professional driver: $95
- Transfer: Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) to Beijing City: $38
- Transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport : $35
- Transfer from Daxing International Airport : $60
- Tianjin Port Private transfers to Beijing Hotel&optionals: $214
- Tianjin International Cruise Port to Beijing Capital Airport by private transfer: $148
- Tianjin International Cruise Port Transfer from Beijing: $130
- Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing Daxing Airport by Private Transfer: $148
- Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Private Tour With Airport Transfer: $249
Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Shenyang?
Prices for flights to both Shenyang and Beijing change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayBeijing $33Shenyang $31
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
-
Popcorn$0.83
-
Hot Pot Dinner$6.88
-
Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.75
-
Watermelon$1.93
-
Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
-
Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- Dumpling Cooking Class and Local Market Tour: $65
- Shichahai Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Tour: $68
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $72
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $75
- Hidden Gems Guided Food Tour with Beer and Tastings: $75
- Private | Shichahai Hutong Dinner and Beer Walking Tour: $75
- Cooking Class in Old Beijing Hutong with Lunch & Morning Market: $78
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Beijing $24Shenyang $7.66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
-
Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.25
-
Two Opera Tickets$58
-
Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.63
-
Forbidden City (for 2)$17
-
Forbidden City Tickets$17
-
Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $180
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
- China National Museum Ticket Pre-booking and Tiananmen Square : $9.50
- Forbidden City Private Walking Tour with Optional Sights: $90
- Lama temple -Confucius temple - DongYue temple Private Cultural Tour: $156
- Mutianyu Great Wall and Ming Tomb Private Tour: $190
- Private Day to T-Square, Forbidden city, Temple of heaven, Summer palace Tour : $177
- 1 Day Romantic Tour in Oriental Provence Lavender Manor and Mutianyu Great Wall: $208
- 1-Day Beijing Private Tour to Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall : $150
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayBeijing $11Shenyang $5.80
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $99
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $158
When comparing the travel costs between Beijing and Shenyang, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Beijing Expensive? and Is Shenyang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Beijing or Shenyang?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Shenyang. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?
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 Shenyang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Shenyang. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the summer, Beijing often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Shenyang. Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Shenyang. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyBeijing 27°C (80°F)Shenyang 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Shenyang in the Autumn?
Both Shenyang and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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.
Beijing is a little warmer than Shenyang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).
It's quite sunny in Shenyang. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Shenyang. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberBeijing 14°C (56°F)Shenyang 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Shenyang in the Winter?
Both Shenyang and Beijing during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
The weather in Shenyang can be very cold. Beijing can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Beijing is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Shenyang averages at about -11°C (13°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Shenyang. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun.
Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Shenyang. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryBeijing -4°C (26°F)Shenyang -11°C (13°F)
Should I visit Beijing or Shenyang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Shenyang. The spring months attract visitors to Beijing because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang 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 Shenyang during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Shenyang. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilBeijing 14°C (57°F)Shenyang 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Shenyang and Beijing
| Beijing | Shenyang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -11°C (13°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Sep | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Dec | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.