Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Longsheng?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Longsheng or Harbin?
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 Longsheng and Harbin. 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: Longsheng or Harbin?
Longsheng
A county of the city, Guilin, Longsheng is a hub of several ethnic cultures that thrive on farming and tourism. It is located about 50 or so miles north of the Guilin city center. The region is perhaps most known for the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces located in Heping Township. These, along with many other natural features like hot springs, waterfalls, and meadows are a few of the main attractions that draw visitors to Longsheng.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayLongsheng $78Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Longsheng is $78, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Longsheng and Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personLongsheng $20Harbin $21
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomLongsheng $40Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Longsheng and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Longsheng or Harbin? 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.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Longsheng $41Harbin $1.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $114
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Harbin Railway Station to City Hotel: $29
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Longsheng or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin and Longsheng 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 dayLongsheng $35Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Longsheng $8.39Harbin $53
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- All-Inclusive Harbin Jewish Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Customized Harbin City Day Tour by Public Transportation: $220
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
- Private Harbin City Day Tour of Russian Historical Sites and Culture: $157
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayLongsheng $7.90Harbin $7.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Longsheng and Harbin, we can see that Longsheng is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Longsheng would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Longsheng than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Longsheng Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Longsheng or Harbin?
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 Longsheng or Harbin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Longsheng and Harbin.
Longsheng is a little warmer than Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Longsheng averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Harbin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Longsheng gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Longsheng usually receives more rain than Harbin. Longsheng gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyLongsheng 30°C (86°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Longsheng or Harbin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Longsheng as well as Harbin.
In the autumn, Longsheng is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Longsheng in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Longsheng usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Longsheng gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberLongsheng 23°C (73°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Longsheng or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin and Longsheng are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
The weather in Harbin can be very cold. In January, Longsheng is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Longsheng average around 10°C (49°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Longsheng usually receives more rain than Harbin. Longsheng gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryLongsheng 10°C (49°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Longsheng or Harbin in the Spring?
Both Harbin and Longsheng during the spring are popular places to visit.
Longsheng is much warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Longsheng averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Longsheng. Longsheng usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Longsheng gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilLongsheng 20°C (68°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Longsheng
| Longsheng | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.