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

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nagano?

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 Nagano. 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 Nagano?

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.

Nagano

Nagano city and its surrounding prefecture of Japan is a temple region built around Zenkoji, a 7th century Buddhist temple that overlooks the city. Nagano was also home to the Winter Olympic Games in 1998, with some facilities still existing around town. And then there is the forested mountain Togakushi area to the northwest, which is another draw of Nagano, known for its shrines and status as the home of the Togakure Ninja School.

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 Japan, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan.

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

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

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 Nagano in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Nagano. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nagano because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 29°C (85°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Nagano. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in July than Nagano. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Nagano and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nagano this time of year.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Nagano in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Nagano fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Nagano. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 227 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

Both Nagano and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Nagano. It's quite cold in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. In the winter, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much warmer than Nagano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Nagano averages at about 2°C (36°F).

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in January than Nagano. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nagano. Also, many visitors come to Nagano in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Nagano. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 17°C (62°F), and Nagano fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Nagano. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nagano receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nagano and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)