A Travel Price Comparison for China Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) vs. Suzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Suzhou?

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 Suzhou. 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 Suzhou?

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.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Suzhou or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $102. 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 Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
    Suzhou $38
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
    Suzhou $76
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Suzhou? 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.

Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)


Hotels in Suzhou


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) $10
    Suzhou $57
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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Suzhou Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Railway Station: $25
  • Suzhou Private Arrival Transfer:Railway Station to City Hotel: $27
  • Private Departure Transfer to Suzhou Train Station from City Hotel: $44
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Departure Transfer to Shanghai Airport from Suzhou City Hotel: $68
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $143
  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240

Is it cheaper to fly into Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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 day
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19
    Suzhou $32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Suzhou.

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
  • Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Lunch or Dinner Option: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
    Suzhou $9.34
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 Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • Suzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service : $65
  • Zhouzhuang and Tongli Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou with Drop-off Options : $70
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • Suzhou Private English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Suzhou Private Walking Tour with Panmen Gate, City Moat and Yiyuan Garden: $101
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • Private Suzhou City Amazing Day Tour in Your Way : $127
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Tour from Suzhou by Private Car with Drop-off Option : $137
  • Private Tour of Suzhou Museum, Humble Administrator's Garden and Pingjiang Road: $144
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
    Suzhou $6.41


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



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

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 Suzhou in the Summer?

Both Suzhou and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). In July, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

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

Both Suzhou and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the autumn are popular places to visit.

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

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in October than Suzhou. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Suzhou.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Suzhou. It's quite cold in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In January, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives around the same amount of rain as Suzhou. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

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

The spring brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Suzhou.

In the spring, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the spring. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets more rain in April than Suzhou. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)