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

Should you visit Hongcun or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

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.

Wollongong

Wollongong is south of Sydney in New South Wales. It is also the third largest city in the state. Wollongong has a unique geography in that it is only six kilometers wide at its widest point and is forty kilometers long. It is squeezed in between the mountains and the ocean and in the process of growth, has swallowed several coastal towns between Dapto and Port Kembla. Wollongong is home to the University of Wollongong and has a diverse population that includes people of Serbian, Croatian, Italian, and Turkish descent among other nationalities. The influence of these cultures is obvious in the city's restaurant and entertainment options. Throughout the city you'll find some wonderful beaches with few crowds and some decent surfing opportunities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Hongcun is in Asia and Wollongong is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Wollongong would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Hongcun or Wollongong?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Wollongong is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Hongcun has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Hongcun or Wollongong in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Wollongong. Additionally, many visitors come to Wollongong in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Hongcun is a little warmer than Wollongong in the summer. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Wollongong fluctuates around 23°C (74°F)in January.

Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Hongcun is around the same temperature as Wollongong. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hongcun in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Wollongong averages at about 18°C (64°F)in April.

In October, Hongcun usually receives around the same amount of rain as Wollongongin April. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hongcun or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Hongcun during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Wollongong because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Hongcun can be very cold during winter. In January, Hongcun is generally much colder than Wollongongin July. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 4°C (40°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Hongcun usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hongcun or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Wollongong. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Wollongong this time of year.

Hongcun is around the same temperature as Wollongong in the spring. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Wollongong fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in October.

Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Hongcun usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Hongcun