Which place is cheaper, Harbin 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 Harbin?
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 Harbin. 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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) $57Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Harbin? 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) $10Harbin $1.50
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
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Harbin Railway Station to City Hotel: $29
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Departure Transfer to Harbin West Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $114
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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) $19Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27Harbin $53
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
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
- Private Harbin City Day Tour of Russian Historical Sites and Culture: $157
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $198
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Private Harbin Ice Festival Night Tour: $209
- Private Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum in Harbin: $209
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Small Group Tour to Harbin Volga Manor with Entrance Fee and Lunch: $261
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15Harbin $7.85
When comparing the travel costs between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Harbin, we can see that Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Harbin Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Harbin?
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 Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the summer are popular places to visit.
In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 29°C (85°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Harbin 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 July than Harbin. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Harbin in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Harbin.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much warmer than Harbin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Harbin. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Harbin.
The weather in Harbin can be very cold. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Harbin averages at about -18°C (-0°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Harbin in the Spring?
Both Harbin and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 17°C (62°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Harbin. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
| Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.