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

Should you visit Hongcun or Hefei?

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 Hefei 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 Hefei?

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.

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.

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.

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

When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Hefei?

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 Hefei in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Hefei.

In July, Hongcun is generally around the same temperature as Hefei. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 29°C (83°F).

Hefei 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 Hefei. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hongcun or Hefei in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Hefei.

Hongcun is around the same temperature as Hefei in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Hefei fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Hongcun usually gets more rain in October than Hefei. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Hefei in the Winter?

Both Hefei and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Hefei can be very cold. Hongcun can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hongcun is a little warmer than Hefei. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Hefei averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In January, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Hefei. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hongcun or Hefei in the Spring?

Both Hefei and Hongcun during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Hongcun is generally around the same temperature as Hefei. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Hefei fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Hefei. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Hefei receives 95 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hefei and Hongcun