A Travel Price Comparison for China Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) vs. Dalian for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Dalian?

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 Dalian. 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 Dalian?

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.

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Dalian or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57, while the average daily cost in Dalian is $103. 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 Dalian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
    Dalian $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
    Dalian $108
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Dalian

Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Dalian? 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.

Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)


Hotels in Dalian


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10
    Dalian $41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):


  • Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two
    $3.59

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

Also for Dalian, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
  • Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33
  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40

Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Dalian?

Prices for flights to both Dalian 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19
    Dalian $27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
    Dalian $4.79
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $64
  • Two Cable Car Passes
    $22

Tours and Activities in Dalian

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dalian.

  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
    Dalian $6.32


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



When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Dalian?

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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Dalian in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Dalian.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Dalian in the summer. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Dalian. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in July than Dalian. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F) 
    Dalian 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Dalian in the Autumn?

Both Dalian and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In the autumn, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Dalian averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Dalian. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F) 
    Dalian 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Dalian in the Winter?

Both Dalian and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the winter are popular places to visit.

Dalian can be very cold during winter. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 4°C (40°F), and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F) 
    Dalian -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Dalian in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Dalian.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much warmer than Dalian in the spring. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Dalian. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F) 
    Dalian 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Dalian and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Dalian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in) 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)