Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Beijing. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Beijing?
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $57Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Beijing? 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.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10Beijing $7.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
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Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.59
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Private Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour w/ Optional Guide/Transfer: $15
- From Mutianyu Great Wall Transfer with Pick-Up: $17
- Private Arrival Transfer: Beijing Train Stations to Hotel: $22
- Beijing Railway Station Departure Transfer: Hotel/Apartment to Railway Station: $23
- Private Airport Pick Up or Drop Off Transfer: $26
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Beijing Airport (PEK or PKX): $27
- Private One Way Transfer Services from Train Stations in Beijing to Your Hotels : $27
- Private One Way Transfer Service from Your Hotels to Train Stations in Beijing: $27
- Private Beijing Airport Transfer To Beijing Downtown Hotel: $28
- One-Way Private Transfer to Beijing Airport: $28
- Private Beijing Airport Transfer From hotel to Airport: $29
Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$64
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Small Group Temple of Heaven Walking Tour: $5.00
- Small Group Hutongs Walking Tour : $5.00
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
- Forbidden City Ticket : $9.90
- Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket Pre Booking Service: $9.98
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Temple of Heaven OR Summer Palace Entry Ticket: $12
- The Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace Entry Ticket: $13
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- Private Tour-Bejing Old Hutong Food Tasting+Local Brewery Beer: $165
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Beijing?
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Beijing in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Beijing. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Beijing in the summer. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
Beijing receives a lot of rain in the summer. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Beijing. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Beijing in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Beijing. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In the autumn, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (56°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. It's quite cold in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 4°C (40°F), and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Beijing. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Beijing in the Spring?
Both Beijing and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Beijing in the spring. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
| Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.