A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) vs. Katoomba for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Katoomba?

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 Katoomba. 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 Katoomba?

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.

Katoomba

Designated an UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, the Blue Mountains are located just west of Sydney in the highlands of New South Wales, Australia.

This area can be generally expensive, but is on par with other destinations in Australia and around Sydney. Plenty of luxury places can be found here that cost more than average, but plenty of cheaper places to stay can be found here, too. Expect to pay for various activities such as tours and entrance fees, too.

The landscape is sprawling with majestic scenery over a rugged terrain of steep cliffs, forests, waterfalls, and villages. Whether you come to hike, climb, bike, or drive to the scenic viewpoints, a curtain of tranquility falls upon the mountains in a blue haze from which they get their name.

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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Australia, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Katoomba, we can see that Katoomba is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is in Asia and Katoomba 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 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 Katoomba would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Katoomba 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 Katoomba Expensive?.

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

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

Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Katoomba in the Summer?

Both Katoomba and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Katoomba this time of year.

In the summer, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Katoomba. Typically, the summer temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Katoomba averages at about 24°C (74°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Katoomba. It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Katoombain January. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 105 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Katoomba and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Katoomba for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally around the same temperature as Katoombain April. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 19°C (65°F), and Katoomba fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Katoombain April. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Katoomba. Also, many visitors come to Katoomba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much colder than Katoomba in the winter. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Katoomba fluctuates around 11°C (51°F)in July.

In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Katoombain July. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Katoomba. Also, most visitors come to Katoomba for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Katoomba. Typically, the spring temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Katoomba averages at about 18°C (64°F)in October.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Katoombain October. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Katoomba receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Katoomba and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)