A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Hongcun vs. Sado for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Hongcun or Sado?

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 Sado 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 Sado?

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.

Sado

Sado Island, Japan is located just off the coast of Niigata and is an old gold mining town that has since developed into a quiet summer holiday destination. The island is home to two mountain ranges, O-Sado in the north and Ko-sado in the south, with the popular Kuninaka plain in between the mountain ranges. With the remoteness of the island, it has become a popular destination for tourists to experience old Japan and get away from the busy mainland.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

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

When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Sado?

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 Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Sado in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Hongcun is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hongcun in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Sado averages at about 23°C (74°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In July, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Sado. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Hongcun or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado and Hongcun during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Sado for the hiking trails and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 19°C (65°F), and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Hongcun usually gets less rain in October than Sado. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Sado in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Sado. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sado because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Sado can be very cold. Hongcun can be very cold during winter. Hongcun is much warmer than Sado in the winter. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Sado fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Sado receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Sado. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Hongcun or Sado in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Sado.

In the spring, Hongcun is much warmer than Sado. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hongcun in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Sado averages at about 10°C (51°F).

It's quite rainy in Sado. Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hongcun usually gets more rain in April than Sado. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sado and Hongcun