Which place is cheaper, Nara 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 Nara?
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 Nara. 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 Nara?
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.
Nara
As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.
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 Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $57Nara $86
The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57, while the average daily cost in Nara is $86. 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 Nara in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25Nara $52
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50Nara $104
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nara
Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nara? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nara Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $9.99Nara $5.83
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 Nara
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nara:
- Kansai Airport (KIX)：Private One-Way Transfer to/from Nara: $240
Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nara?
Prices for flights to both Nara 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) $19Nara $28
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nara.
- Eel Fishing and Cooking Experience in Kyoto: $72
- Cooking class, learning how to make authentic sushi: $111
- Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $189
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27Nara $7.81
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$63
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
Tours and Activities in Nara
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nara are as follows:
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- Nara Heijyo-Kyo Bike Tour in UNESCO World Heritage Site: $16
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $22
- A completely private tour to meet your favorite tea: $23
- Nara Craft Tours - local Craft beers tour experience in Nara City: $27
- Guided Uji Anime Walking Tour: $31
- Private Bike Tour in Nara with Japanese Guide: $36
- All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $42
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $55
- Nara Like a Local: Customized Guided Tour: $55
- Eigo Tour - Walk in Nara City: $65
- Kyoto Uji Matcha Incense Making Experience (Reservations available for 2 people or more): $69
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15Nara $11
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nara, we can see that Nara 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 Nara would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nara 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 Nara Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nara?
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 Nara in the Summer?
Both Nara and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Nara for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally around the same temperature as Nara. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 29°C (85°F), and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Nara. It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nara. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)Nara 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nara in the Autumn?
Both Nara and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Nara in the autumn. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Nara fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)Nara 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nara in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nara. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nara for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Nara can be very cold during winter. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Nara. Typically, the winter temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Nara averages at about 4°C (40°F).
In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Nara. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)Nara 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nara in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Nara. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Nara because of the natural beauty.
In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally a little warmer than Nara. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 17°C (62°F), and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
It's quite rainy in Nara. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Nara. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)Nara 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Nara and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
| Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | Nara | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 60 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 127 mm (5 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 128 mm (5.1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 214 mm (8.4 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 186 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 24°C (74°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 110 mm (4.3 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 41 mm (1.6 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.