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

Should you visit Dalian or Shenyang?

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

Should I visit Dalian or Shenyang? 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 Shenyang?

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.

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 The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, and The Best 10-Day Tours in China.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dalian and Shenyang, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang 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 Shenyang.

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

Which is Bigger, Dalian or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 73% larger than the population of Dalian. When comparing the sizes of Dalian 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.

When is the best time to visit Dalian or Shenyang?

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 Dalian or Shenyang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dalian and Shenyang.

In July, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 24°C (75°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Shenyang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Dalian usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Dalian gets 202 mm (8 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dalian or Shenyang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dalian as well as Shenyang.

Dalian is a little warmer than Shenyang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dalian averages around 15°C (58°F) in October, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

Dalian usually gets less rain in October than Shenyang. Dalian gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dalian or Shenyang in the Winter?

Both Shenyang and Dalian are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Shenyang can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. In the winter, Dalian is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dalian in January average around -4°C (25°F), and Shenyang averages at about -11°C (13°F).

In January, Dalian usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Dalian gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dalian or Shenyang in the Spring?

Both Shenyang and Dalian during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Dalian is generally around the same temperature as Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Dalian average around 11°C (51°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Dalian usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Shenyang. Dalian gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Dalian