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

Should you visit Beijing or Vancouver?

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 Vancouver 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. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Vancouver

Vancouver is a scenic, diverse, and friendly city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Beijing and Vancouver: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Vancouver?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Vancouver. Beijing is bigger than Vancouver, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its food, while Vancouver is more popular for its hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty. Beijing is more touristy than Vancouver and is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. Also, Beijing is famous for The Forbidden City. Vancouver is well known for its beautiful setting, sweeping views, and welcoming atmosphere.

How is Beijing different from Vancouver?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Vancouver from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. There are tons of museums and sights around town such as the Vancouver Aquarium, the Museum of Anthropology, the Museum of Vancouver, and Science World. Also make sure you take a walk over the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

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

Beijing is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Vancouver is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Beijing, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Vancouver. You'll find diverse restaurants and fresh ingredients. Local seafood is a staple in many restaurants so make sure you try the prawns, salmon, and even sea urchin. Asian food is also excellent around town. Sushi, Japanese hot dogs, and dim sum are all worth sampling.

Is Beijing or Vancouver Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Vancouver 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 Vancouver has something for everybody. The city has a vibrant nightlife scene. Most of the activity is centered around The Granville Entertainment District in the downtown area. It runs along Granville Street between Robson Street and Davie Street. In the area you'll find a high concentration of bars and nightclubs.

Is Beijing or Vancouver Better for Hiking?

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

Around Vancouver visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city is surrounded by water and mountains, making it one of the best hiking cities in the world. You don't have to go far to enjoy spectacular vistas, serene rainforests, and rugged coastline. The trails range from casual strolls to more strenuous day long hikes.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Vancouver?

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

Vancouver is a world class destination for shoppers. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. You can enjoy strolling through Chinatown, hitting up a public market, or wandering around a large shopping mall.

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 Vancouver Better for Families?

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

Vancouver is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are great kid-friendly museums like the Science Museum, as well as outdoor markets, public parks, and easy access to the nearby nature. A visit to Grouse Mountain is a must for many families. You can see the bears, take a gondola, and see the a lumberjack show.

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 Vancouver Better for Couples?

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

Vancouver is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Most of the activities take advantage of the beautiful outdoor setting. You can take a carriage ride in Stanley Park or visit the Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden. Eat dim sum in Chinatown and then wander through the diverse neighborhood. End the day with a show at Orpheum Theater.

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 Vancouver Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing and Vancouver 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.

Vancouver is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a favorite city for backpackers who enjoy the many outdoor activities. There are also many hostels available around town.

Is Beijing or Vancouver Better for Students?

Beijing and Vancouver are very good 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 Vancouver. The cities friendly personality and fun energy make it a great place to study.

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

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Vancouver can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Public transit is efficient and comfortable. The Translink system includes buses, the SeaBus ferry, and the SkyTrain light rail system.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation 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.

Is Beijing or Vancouver a more walkable city?

Vancouver is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Vancouver on foot is easy. The downtown area is very compact and fun to explore on foot.

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 Vancouver Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Vancouver or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Vancouver?

In either Beijing or Vancouver, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Vancouver because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 3-5 days is enough time in Vancouver.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.

One day in Beijing or Vancouver?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Vancouver, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Vancouver?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Vancouver, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Vancouver?

People visit Beijing because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

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

A week in Beijing or Vancouver?

Beijing is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Beijing, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Vancouver. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Vancouver. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Vancouver?

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

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 Vancouver in the Summer?

Both Vancouver and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Vancouver for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Beijing is much warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Vancouver averages at about 18°C (64°F).

In Vancouver, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Vancouver. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 296 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Vancouver. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Vancouver in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Vancouver. Many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Vancouver in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Vancouver. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Vancouver fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 124 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Vancouver receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Vancouver in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Vancouver. Many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Vancouver for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Vancouver can be very cold during winter. Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. Beijing is much colder than Vancouver in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Vancouver fluctuates around 4°C (40°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 Vancouver. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Vancouver receives 55 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Vancouver. Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Vancouver. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Vancouver in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Beijing is a little warmer than Vancouver. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Vancouver averages at about 9°C (49°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Vancouver during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Vancouver receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Vancouver. In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Vancouver. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Vancouver receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Vancouver and Beijing