Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou. 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 Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $57Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25Hangzhou $23
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Hangzhou? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10Hangzhou $8.13
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
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
-
Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
- Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
- Hangzhou Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $34
- Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41
Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19Hangzhou $18
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
-
Breakfast Pastries$2.35
-
Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27Hangzhou $20
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 Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
- Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
- Half-Day Hangzhou Tianzhu Buddhist Mountain Hiking Tour with Green Tea Village : $89
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
- Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
- Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
- Hangzhou Impressoin West Lake- Enduring Memory of Hangzhou Show Tour: $100
- Songcheng Park & Lengend of Song Dynasty Show Ticket: $100
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15Hangzhou $10
When comparing the travel costs between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Hangzhou, we can see that Hangzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
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 Hangzhou Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Hangzhou.
In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 29°C (85°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Hangzhou 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 more rain than Hangzhou. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Hangzhou.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in October than Hangzhou. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Hangzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In the winter, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is cooler than Hangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 5°C (41°F).
In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Hangzhou in the Spring?
Both Hangzhou and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 17°C (62°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Hangzhou. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
| Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 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.