Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Nanchang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nanchang or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Nanchang and Beijing can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Nanchang or Beijing?
Nanchang
Capital of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang is a city of southern China with a significant history. Landmarks like the Tengwang Pavilion represent the city's distant past, while its nickname - "the city of Heroes" - comes from the 1927 Nanchang Uprising when the Communist Party began. Today the city serves as a center for politics, economy, culture, science, education, commerce, and transportation.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanchang $58Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanchang is $58, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Nanchang and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanchang $20Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanchang $40Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Nanchang and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Nanchang or Beijing? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Nanchang $11Beijing $7.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
- Beijing to Zun Hua Explore Qing Emperor's Tombs By Car Transfer : $285
- Private Transfer to Beidaihe Summer Resort from Beijing: $272
- Private Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace with A Guide: $259
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- Beijing Layover Private Tour: City Highlights With Airport Transfer: $250
- Private Day Tour of Beijing City Overview with Airport Transfer: $245
- Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $240
- Beijing Hutong Culture Experience with Airport Transfer: $236
- Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing with stop at Great Wall : $221
- Private Airport Transfer: Beijing Airport to Hotel up to 15 Pax: $220
- Visit Great Wall With Beijing Capital Airport Round-Way Transfer : $215
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanchang or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Nanchang 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 dayNanchang $32Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanchang $4.57Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1-Day Mutianyu Great Wall and Beijing Airport Drop off Tour: $235
- 4 hours Deep Forbidden City Private Tour by Knowledgeable Guide.: $80
- 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
- All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
- All Inclusive Private Tour: Juyongguan Greatwall, Sacred Road, MingTombs : $176
- Beijing 2 Summer Palace Private Garden Tour: $140
- Beijing Art Tour: Seeing Fantastic Ming Murals at Fa Hai Temple : $220
- Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $100
- Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
- Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $260
- Forbidden City Tour : $110
- Lama temple -Confucius temple - DongYue temple Private Cultural Tour: $156
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanchang $6.32Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- Private Tour-Bejing Old Hutong Food Tasting+Local Brewery Beer: $165
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanchang and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. And not only is Nanchang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nanchang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanchang 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 Beijing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beijing than you might in Nanchang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanchang Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Nanchang or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nanchang. When comparing the sizes of Nanchang and Beijing, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Nanchang or Beijing?
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 Nanchang or Beijing in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Nanchang as well as Beijing. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Nanchang is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanchang in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nanchang this time of the year. In the summer, Nanchang often gets more sunshine than Beijing. Nanchang gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Beijing. Nanchang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanchang usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Nanchang gets 121 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanchang 30°C (86°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Nanchang or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Nanchang are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
In October, Nanchang is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Nanchang average around 20°C (68°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. Nanchang usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during autumn. Nanchang gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Nanchang usually receives more rain than Beijing. Nanchang gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanchang 20°C (68°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Nanchang or Beijing in the Winter?
Both Beijing and Nanchang during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Beijing can be very cold. Nanchang is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanchang averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Nanchang often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Nanchang gets 103 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun.
Nanchang usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Nanchang gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanchang 6°C (43°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Nanchang or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanchang and Beijing. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In the spring, Nanchang is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanchang in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Nanchang usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during spring. Nanchang gets 116 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun in the spring.
Nanchang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Nanchang usually receives more rain than Beijing. Nanchang gets 229 mm (9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanchang 18°C (64°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Nanchang
| Nanchang | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 6°C (43°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 7°C (45°F) | 99 mm (3.9 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 12°C (53°F) | 158 mm (6.2 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 18°C (64°F) | 229 mm (9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 23°C (73°F) | 232 mm (9.1 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (79°F) | 266 mm (10.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 121 mm (4.8 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 98 mm (3.9 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 26°C (78°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 20°C (68°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 14°C (57°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 8°C (47°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.