Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Beijing. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Beijing?
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $65Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Hangzhou and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Beijing? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.13Beijing $7.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown Transfer To Hangzhou East Railway Station: $32
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Shaoxing City : $84
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- Private Transfer to Daxing International Airport : $35
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $65
- Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $72
- transfer from the airport to the hotel: $65
- Beijing Acrobat Show Night Tour with Private Transfer and Optional Seats: $107
- Beijing Airpotrs Private Transfers: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Hangzhou 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
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Food Meals for one dayHangzhou $18Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
- Hangzhou Private Tour to Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town with Dinner and Boat Ride: $282
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- Hangzhou Private Amazing English Tour Guide Service: $90
- Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
- Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
- Songcheng Park & Lengend of Song Dynasty Show Ticket: $100
- Hangzhou Impressoin West Lake- Enduring Memory of Hangzhou Show Tour: $100
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Small Group Hutongs Walking Tour : $5.00
- Small Group Temple of Heaven Walking Tour: $5.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Forbidden City Ticket : $9.90
- Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket Pre Booking Service: $9.98
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Temple of Heaven OR Summer Palace Entry Ticket: $12
- The Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace Entry Ticket: $13
- Summer Palace Tickets Booking: $13
- Tiananmen Square Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hangzhou and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Hangzhou.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Beijing, 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 Hangzhou or Beijing?
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 Hangzhou or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Beijing. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Hangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In October, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Beijing. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. Hangzhou is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Beijing. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Beijing. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.