A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dalian vs. Matsue for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dalian or Matsue?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Matsue? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Dalian or Matsue?

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

Matsue

Matsue, Japan is located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji in the Shimane Prefecture. Matsue is the capital city of the prefecture and is known as the water city due to being located between Lake Shinji, Lake Nakaumi, and the Sea of Japan. This historically rich city is famous for being a laid back samurai village with stunning sunsets and traditional confectioneries.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dalian or Matsue?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Matsue. When comparing the sizes of Dalian and Matsue, 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 Dalian or Matsue?

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 Dalian or Matsue in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Matsue. Additionally, most visitors come to Matsue for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Matsue. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Matsue. Dalian receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian usually gets less rain in July than Matsue. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 268 mm (10.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dalian or Matsue in the Autumn?

Both Matsue and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Matsue because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Dalian is cooler than Matsue in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Matsue fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Matsue. In October, Dalian usually receives less rain than Matsue. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dalian or Matsue in the Winter?

Both Matsue and Dalian during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Matsue this time of year.

It's quite cold in Matsue in the winter. The weather in Dalian can be very cold. In the winter, Dalian is much colder than Matsue. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Matsue averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Matsue gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dalian usually gets less rain in January than Matsue. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dalian or Matsue in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Matsue. Also, many travelers come to Matsue for the natural beauty.

In April, Dalian is generally cooler than Matsue. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Matsue fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Matsue receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Dalian usually receives less rain than Matsue. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Matsue receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Matsue and Dalian