A Travel Price Comparison for China Beijing vs. Suzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Beijing or Suzhou?

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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou?

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.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Beijing?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Beijing is $78, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $102. 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 Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Beijing $40
    Suzhou $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Beijing $80
    Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Beijing and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Beijing or Suzhou? 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.

Hotels in Beijing


Hotels in Suzhou


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 $7.68
    Suzhou $57
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.74
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $6.95
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.34
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.22
  • Metro
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • Juyongguan Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Guide&Transfer Service: $11
  • Beijing Railway Station Departure Transfer: Hotel/Apartment to Railway Station: $23
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX) to Hotel: $27
  • Private One Way Transfer Services from Train Stations in Beijing to Your Hotels : $27
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
  • Departure Private Transfer: Beijing to Airport: $29
  • One way private transfer between Beijing railway station and downtown Beijing: $29
  • Beijing Capital Airport Transfer - Private transportation & Meet: $30
  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Beijing Railway Station: $30
  • [Airport Transfer] Beijing Capital Airport ⇔ Beijing City Transfer (one way) ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $30
  • Beijing Mutianyu Great Wall Entrance Ticket with Transfer Service: $34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
  • Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Exploration with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $227
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
  • Nanjing Downtown hotels to Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer: $33
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Suzhou Train Station to Hotels in Suzhou: $44
  • Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $214
  • Private Departure Transfer to Shanghai Airport from Suzhou City Hotel: $68
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Beijing or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 day
    Beijing $21
    Suzhou $32
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
    $6.95
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.78
  • Watermelon
    $1.95
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $17
  • 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
  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
  • Beijing Hutong Neighborhood: Food and Dinner Tour: $80
  • Private Nightlife Trip to See Wonderful Acrobatic Show Enjoy Delicious Barbecue Buffet Dinner: $96
  • Beijing Evening Guided Tour: Roast Duck Dinner and Acrobatic Show: $102
  • 4-hour Evening Tour: Jingshan Hill, Beihai Park & Hutongs Street Food Tour: $105
  • Beijing Evening Tour: Chaoyang Acrobatic Show with Dimsun Dinner: $115
  • Private Trip to Mutianyu Great Wall with Dumpling Cooking Class Experience : $116

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Beijing $24
    Suzhou $9.38
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
    $8.34
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $59
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.73
  • 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:

  • Small Group Temple of Heaven Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Small Group Summer Palace Walking Tour: $5.00
  • Beijing Tiananmen Square tickets: $7.00
  • Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
  • Summer Palace/Heaven Temple Private In-Depth Tour or Tickets Only: $8.00
  • Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
  • The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
  • Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
  • Summer Palace Ticket: $8.50
  • Forbidden City Ticket : $9.90
  • Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket Pre Booking Service: $9.98
  • Temple of Heaven Tickets Booking: $13

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
  • Wuxi Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car : $103
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $123
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Beijing $12
    Suzhou $6.44

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: $110
  • Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $163


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


Which is Bigger, Beijing or Suzhou?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?

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 Suzhou in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Suzhou. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Suzhou 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 Suzhou during summer. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Beijing 27°C (80°F) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Suzhou in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Suzhou. 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.

In October, Beijing is generally cooler than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the autumn, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Suzhou. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Beijing 14°C (56°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Suzhou in the Winter?

Both Suzhou 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.

Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Beijing is much colder than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during winter. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Suzhou. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Beijing -4°C (26°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Beijing or Suzhou in the Spring?

Both Suzhou 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.

In the spring, Beijing is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the spring, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Suzhou. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun.

Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Suzhou. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Beijing 14°C (57°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Beijing

Beijing Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -4°C (26°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb -1°C (30°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 9 mm (0.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 14°C (57°F) 26 mm (1 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 25°C (76°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 25°C (78°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 20°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 14°C (56°F) 19 mm (0.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 5°C (41°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec -1°C (29°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)