A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hefei vs. Nagano for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hefei or Nagano?

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

Should I visit Hefei or Nagano? 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hefei and Nagano, we can see that Nagano 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 Nagano would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nagano 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 Nagano Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Hefei or Nagano?

Hefei has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Hefei and Nagano, 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 Nagano?

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 Nagano in the Summer?

Both Nagano and Hefei during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Hefei is a little warmer than Nagano in the summer. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 29°C (83°F) in July, and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Nagano 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 Nagano. Hefei gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hefei or Nagano in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hefei and Nagano. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hefei is a little warmer than Nagano. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hefei in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Nagano averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Hefei usually receives less rain than Nagano. Hefei gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hefei or Nagano in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hefei as well as Nagano. Additionally, the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

It's quite cold in Nagano in the winter. The weather in Hefei can be very cold. In January, Hefei is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Hefei average around 3°C (38°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Hefei usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Hefei gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hefei or Nagano in the Spring?

Both Nagano and Hefei are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Hefei is a little warmer than Nagano in the spring. The daily temperature in Hefei averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In April, Hefei usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nagano. Hefei gets 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Hefei