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

Should you visit Hefei or Dalian?

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

Should I visit Hefei or Dalian? 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: Hefei or Dalian?

Hefei

While most would consider the city of Hefei a pass-through destination, there are plenty of things to see in the capital city of China's Anhui province.

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.

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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Hefei or Dalian?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Hefei. When comparing the sizes of Hefei and Dalian, 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 Hefei or Dalian?

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 Hefei or Dalian in the Summer?

Both Dalian and Hefei during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Hefei is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hefei in July average around 29°C (83°F), and Dalian averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hefei. Hefei usually gets less rain in July than Dalian. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hefei or Dalian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Dalian.

In October, Hefei is generally a little warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 18°C (64°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In October, Hefei usually receives more rain than Dalian. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hefei or Dalian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Dalian.

Dalian can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Hefei. Hefei is much warmer than Dalian in the winter. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Hefei usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hefei or Dalian in the Spring?

Both Dalian and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Hefei is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hefei in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Dalian averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In April, Hefei usually receives more rain than Dalian. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dalian and Hefei