Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Dalian?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Dalian can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hongcun or Dalian?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Dalian $103
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $103. 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 Hongcun and Dalian in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Dalian $54
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Dalian $108
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Dalian
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun or Dalian? 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.Hongcun $12Dalian $41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian
Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
- Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
- Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33
- Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38
- Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Dalian?
Prices for flights to both Dalian and Hongcun 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 dayHongcun $19Dalian $27
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.84
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.07
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Dalian $4.79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Tours and Activities in Dalian
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.
- Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Dalian $6.32
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Dalian, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Dalian Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun or Dalian in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Dalian.
Hongcun is a little warmer than Dalian in the summer. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Dalian. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun usually gets less rain in July than Dalian. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Dalian 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Dalian in the Autumn?
Both Dalian and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Hongcun is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hongcun in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Dalian averages at about 15°C (58°F).
In October, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Dalian. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Dalian 15°C (58°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Dalian in the Winter?
Both Dalian and Hongcun during the winter are popular places to visit.
The weather in Dalian can be very cold. Hongcun can be very cold during winter. In January, Hongcun is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 4°C (40°F), and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).
Hongcun usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Dalian -4°C (25°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Dalian in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Dalian.
Hongcun is much warmer than Dalian in the spring. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Dalian. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Dalian 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Dalian and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Dalian | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -4°C (25°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | -2°C (28°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 4°C (38°F) | 14 mm (0.6 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 21°C (69°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 202 mm (8 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 132 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -0°C (32°F) | 6 mm (0.2 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.