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

Should you visit Beijing or Washington?

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 Washington 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 cultural, fascinating, and historic 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.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Beijing and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Washington?

You'll generally find more things to do in Beijing than Washington. Beijing is bigger than Washington, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Beijing is better known for its big city activities, while Washington is more popular for its theatre productions, music, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Beijing is more touristy than Washington 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. Washington is well known for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums.

How is Beijing different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Washington from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

Is Beijing or Washington Better for Theater?

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

Washington attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Beijing is not a theatre destination.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Washington 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 Washington, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

Is Beijing or Washington Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Beijing or Washington 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 Washington has something for everybody. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Beijing or Washington Better for Music?

Washington is a city with good options for its music scene. However, Beijing is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Beijing is not a live music destination.

Is Beijing or Washington Better for Hiking?

Washington is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Hiking is a fun activity while in Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Beijing is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Washington?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Washington 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 Washington. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Beijing or Washington Better for Christmas?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Beijing does not offer Christmas activities.

Washington is a world class destination for shoppers. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Beijing does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Beijing or Washington Better for Families?

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

Washington is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

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 Washington Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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 Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

Beijing is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Beijing or Washington Better for Students?

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

Washington is a very popular city for students. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

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 Washington Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Washington 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 Washington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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 Washington a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Washington on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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 Washington Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Washington or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Washington?

Both Beijing and Washington have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Washington has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Washington than Beijing. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

One day in Beijing or Washington?

When visiting Beijing, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

When visiting Beijing, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Washington, you'll find shopping and museums. 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.

Five days in Beijing or Washington?

Beijing, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Washington 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 Washington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Washington?

Beijing is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. In Washington, you'll find theater and nightlife. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Washington?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Washington. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Washington, 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 Washington?

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 Washington in the Summer?

Both Washington and Beijing during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Washington for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Beijing is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the summer temperatures in Beijing in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Washington averages at about 79°F (26°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Beijing. In the summer, Beijing often gets less sunshine than Washington. Beijing gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually gets more rain in July than Washington. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Washington. Most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Washington because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Beijing is generally cooler than Washington. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (56°F), and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Washington during autumn. Beijing gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Beijing usually receives less rain than Washington. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Beijing or Washington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Washington. The winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

It's quite cold in Washington in the winter. The weather in Beijing can be very cold. Beijing is much colder than Washington in the winter. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around -4°C (26°F) in January, and Washington fluctuates around 35°F (1°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. In the winter, Beijing often gets more sunshine than Washington. Beijing gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Beijing usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Beijing is around the same temperature as Washington. Typically, the spring temperatures in Beijing in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Washington averages at about 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Washington. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. Beijing usually receives more sunshine than Washington during spring. Beijing gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Beijing usually receives less rain than Washington. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Washington and Beijing