A Travel Price Comparison for China Nanjing vs. Hongcun for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Nanjing or Hongcun?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Nanjing or Hongcun? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Nanjing or Hongcun?

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hongcun or Nanjing?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $53. 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 Nanjing and Hongcun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $46
    Hongcun $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $92
    Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Hongcun

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Hongcun? 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 Nanjing


Hotels in Hongcun


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.
    Nanjing $39
    Hongcun $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from City Hotels: $33
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $33
  • Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Nanjing Any Railway Station: $34
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Nanjing to Nanjing Airport (NKG) - Departure Private Transfer : $36
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing Railway Station: $44
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Hongcun?

Prices for flights to both Hongcun and Nanjing 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
    Nanjing $28
    Hongcun $19

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

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

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Typical Food Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.86
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.08

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.33
    Hongcun $17

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

Here are a few actual costs in Nanjing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
  • Zhenjiang Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver service : $101
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122
  • Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Professional Guide and Driver Service: $126

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.53
    Hongcun $14


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Hongcun, we can see that Nanjing is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing than you might in Hongcun.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Hongcun Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Hongcun?

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 Nanjing or Hongcun in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Hongcun.

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

Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Nanjing usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hongcun. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Hongcun 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Hongcun in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Hongcun.

In October, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Hongcun. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Hongcun 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Hongcun in the Winter?

Both Hongcun and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

It's quite cold in Hongcun in the winter. The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. Nanjing is much colder than Hongcun in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Hongcun fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Hongcun 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Hongcun in the Spring?

Both Hongcun and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Hongcun. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Hongcun averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. Nanjing usually gets less rain in April than Hongcun. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Hongcun 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Hongcun and Nanjing

Nanjing Hongcun
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)