Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Shenyang?
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 Shenyang. 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 Shenyang?
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.
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 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 $65Shenyang $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $65, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $70. 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 Shenyang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $23Shenyang $41
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $46Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Shenyang
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou 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.
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 $8.13Shenyang $19
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:
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Wuzhen Water Town Self-Guided Tour with Private Transfer from Hangzhou : $87
- VIP Seated Impression West Lake Show with Private Hassel-Free Transfer Service: $85
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show with Private Transfer: $83
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show VIP Seat Ticket with Pick-up Transfer: $82
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
- Private Transfer to Hengdian World Studios from Hangzhou: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Shenyang?
Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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 $18Shenyang $18
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Shenyang $7.70
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Shenyang $5.83
When comparing the travel costs between Hangzhou and Shenyang, we can see that Shenyang is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Shenyang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Shenyang?
Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 87% larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou or Shenyang?
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 Hangzhou or Shenyang in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Shenyang.
Hangzhou is a little warmer than Shenyang in the summer. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).
It's quite rainy in Shenyang. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in July than Shenyang. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Shenyang 25°C (77°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Shenyang in the Autumn?
Both Shenyang and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Hangzhou is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hangzhou in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (51°F).
In October, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Shenyang 10°C (51°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Shenyang in the Winter?
Both Shenyang and Hangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit.
Shenyang can be very cold during winter. Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hangzhou is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 5°C (41°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Shenyang. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Shenyang -11°C (13°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Shenyang in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Shenyang.
Hangzhou is much warmer than Shenyang in the spring. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Shenyang 10°C (50°F)
Typical Weather for Shenyang and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Shenyang | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | -11°C (13°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -7°C (19°F) | 10 mm (0.4 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.