Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou?
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.
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.
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 $52Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun or Hangzhou? 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 $12Hangzhou $8.13
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:
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Downtown Transfer To Hangzhou East Railway Station: $32
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport To Hangzhou downtown city one way private transfer: $35
- Transfer from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to City Center: $39
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer to City Hotels or Railway Station: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $19Hangzhou $18
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
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Hangzhou $20
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 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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Hangzhou $10
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Hangzhou?
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 Hongcun or Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Hangzhou.
In July, Hongcun is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Hangzhou. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Hangzhou.
Hongcun is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Hangzhou. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. Hongcun can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Hongcun is cooler than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou and Hongcun during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Hongcun is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Hangzhou. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.