A Travel Price Comparison for China Dali vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dali or Shenyang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dali and Shenyang can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dali or Shenyang?

Dali

Dali is a city in southern China with a long and glorious history dating back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). The Xiaguan neighborhood of the city is the modern industrial center where most public transportation arrives; however, the Old Town of Dali is the place that draws the most visitors. Being one of China's ancient cities, Dali is said to have been a gateway to the Silk Road, and still attracts attention with its traditional architecture, beautiful scenery, ethnic cultures, and nightlife.

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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Dali?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dali is $48, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $71. 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 Dali and Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dali $17
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dali $34
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Dali and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Dali 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.

Hotels in Dali


Hotels in Shenyang


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.
    Dali $9.26
    Shenyang $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Dali

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


  • Local Bus
    $0.42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dali

Also for Dali, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang/Shuhe hotel and Stops at Shaxi Old Town: $160
  • Private Transfer from Dali to Lijiang/Shuhe hotel: $149
  • Dali Airport Chauffeur Service,Dali Airport Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Dali or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang and Dali 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
    Dali $18
    Shenyang $18
Typical Food Prices in Dali

For Dali, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch
    $4.45
  • Breakfast
    $3.47

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dali $18
    Shenyang $7.74

Tours and Activities in Dali

For Dali, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 1 day Dali Highlights Mini Group Tour: $140
  • 1-Day Dali tour with the Daili old town, Xizhou Village and Three Pagodas: $195
  • 1-Day Erhai Sightseeing in Dali: $129
  • 1-Day Tie Dye Experience Tour in Dali: $160
  • 2-Days Self-Guided tour from Dali to Lijiang and overnight in Shaxi old town: $205
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Dali: $213
  • Dali Private Tour to Xizhou Ancient Town and Erhai Lake : $186
  • Dali Yunnan Local Market + Pottery Making Eco Tour: $220
  • Private Customized Tour: Dali City Highlights in One Day: $213
  • Private Day Tour of Dali Explore the Ancient City: $175
  • Private hiking and trekking tour to Cangshan Mountain from Dali: $175
  • Private tour to Xizhou old town local market Erhai lake three Pagodas from Dali: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dali $11
    Shenyang $5.86


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dali and Shenyang, we can see that Shenyang is more expensive. And not only is Dali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Dali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Dali 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 Shenyang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenyang than you might in Dali.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dali Expensive? and Is Shenyang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dali or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Dali. When comparing the sizes of Dali 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.