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

Should you visit Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Whitsundays?

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 Whitsundays. 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 Whitsundays?

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.

Whitsundays

Just off the coast of Queensland, Australia is a cluster of 74 different islands. These islands, the Whitsunday Islands, welcome over a half a million visitors every year to see one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Barrier Reef.

As one of the most famous destinations in the world, it's not uncommon to see expensive yachts sailing around among the private ferries. Most of the islands are designated as national parks with access to snorkeling and diving in the coral reefs, or just to lay in the sand on the famous Whitehaven Beach.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays is $132. 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 Whitsundays in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
    Whitsundays $69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
    Whitsundays $138
Compare Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Whitsundays

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


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) $9.99
    Whitsundays $55
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 Whitsundays

Also for Whitsundays, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Whitsunday Islands: Whitehaven Beach Camping Transfer: $124

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

Prices for flights to both Whitsundays 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
    Whitsundays $30

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Whitsundays

For Whitsundays, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Hamilton Island: Whitsundays Sunset BBQ Dinner Cruise: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
    Whitsundays $25
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
    $63
  • Two Cable Car Passes
    $22

Tours and Activities in Whitsundays

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Whitsundays.

  • From Daydream Is.: Whitsundays & Whitehaven Half-Day Cruise: $91
  • Whitsundays Camira Sailing Adventure from Daydream Island: $150
  • Daydream Island: Great Barrier Reef Adventure Cruise: $195
  • Airlie Beach: Private Guided 2-Night Yacht Sailing Cruise: $4,941

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
    Whitsundays $12


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



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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Whitsundays 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 Whitsundays in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) as well as Whitsundays.

In the summer, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is a little warmer than Whitsundays. Typically, the summer temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It's quite rainy in Whitsundays. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the summer. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets less rain in July than Whitsundaysin January. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 331 mm (13 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F) 
    Whitsundays 26°C (79°F)

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

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

In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is generally cooler than Whitsundaysin April. Daily temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) average around 19°C (65°F), and Whitsundays fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Whitsundays. In October, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives less rain than Whitsundaysin April. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

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

Both Whitsundays and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) during the winter are popular places to visit.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can get quite cold in the winter. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is much colder than Whitsundays in the winter. The daily temperature in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Whitsundays fluctuates around 16°C (62°F)in July.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Whitsundaysin July. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F) 
    Whitsundays 16°C (62°F)

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

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Whitsundays.

In the spring, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is cooler than Whitsundays. Typically, the spring temperatures in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Whitsundays averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) usually receives more rain than Whitsundaysin October. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) gets 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Whitsundays receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F) 
    Whitsundays 23°C (73°F)

Typical Weather for Whitsundays and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Whitsundays
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 26°C (79°F) 331 mm (13 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 26°C (78°F) 377 mm (14.8 in)
Mar 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 312 mm (12.3 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 143 mm (5.6 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 16°C (62°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in) 18°C (65°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in) 20°C (68°F) 15 mm (0.6 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 25°C (77°F) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 26°C (78°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)