Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Nanjing?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Nanjing or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Nanjing or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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.
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.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayNanjing $96Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Nanjing is $96, while the average daily cost in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57. 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personNanjing $46Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomNanjing $92Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Looking for a hotel in Nanjing or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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.Nanjing $38Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:
- Private Arrival Transfer to Nanjing City from Railway Station : $32
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
- Private Transfer between Nanjing Olympic Stadium and City Hotel: $33
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
- Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
- Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
- Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
- Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from Lukou Airport : $45
- Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45
- Private Departure Transfer from Nanjing City Center to Lukou Int'l Airport: $45
- Private NKG Airport Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station: $45
- Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
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Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.59
Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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
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Food Meals for one dayNanjing $28Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $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
- Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Nanjing $9.28Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
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
- Half-Day Nanjing Purple Mountain Private Tour in Your Way: $94
- 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 Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
- Nanjing Private Night Tour: Confucian Temple Area, Ming City Wall, Laomendong: $116
- Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$64
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayNanjing $9.48Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nanjing and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Nanjing 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 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nanjing Expensive? and Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Nanjing or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nanjing and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
In the summer, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the summer temperatures in Nanjing in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 29°C (85°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyNanjing 28°C (83°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Nanjing as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
In October, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 17°C (63°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberNanjing 17°C (63°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nanjing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). It's quite cold in Nanjing in the winter. Nanjing is much colder than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryNanjing 3°C (37°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Nanjing or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nanjing during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Nanjing is around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the spring temperatures in Nanjing in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 17°C (62°F).
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilNanjing 15°C (60°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Nanjing
| Nanjing | Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.