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

Should you visit Hongcun or Shenyang?

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 Shenyang 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 Shenyang?

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.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

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 Shenyang, we can see that Shenyang 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 Shenyang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenyang 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 Shenyang Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Shenyang?

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 Shenyang in the Summer?

Both Shenyang and Hongcun during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Hongcun is generally a little warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 29°C (85°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Shenyang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Shenyang. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Shenyang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Shenyang.

Hongcun is much warmer than Shenyang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In October, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hongcun or Shenyang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Shenyang.

The weather in Shenyang can be very cold. Hongcun can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hongcun is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hongcun in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Shenyang averages at about -11°C (13°F).

Hongcun usually gets more rain in January than Shenyang. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Shenyang in the Spring?

Both Shenyang and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Hongcun is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 17°C (62°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

It's quite rainy in Hongcun. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Hongcun