A Travel Price Comparison for China Qingdao vs. Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Qingdao or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Where Should I go: Qingdao or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?

Qingdao

Qingdao, China, located in the Shandong Province, is a very large city right on the Yellow Sea coast. The city, whose name means "The Green Island" due to it's gorgeous landscapes and interesting geography, was named China's most livable city in 2012. The city is rich in history, having almost become a German territory in 1897 and being occupied by the Japanese during WWI. Evidence of these occupiers is present in much of the architecture around the city, which includes a few Catholic and Protestant churches.

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 Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to China, and The Best Tours for Seniors to China.


Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Qingdao?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Qingdao is $58, 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 Qingdao and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $26
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $52
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao 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.

Hotels in Qingdao


Hotels in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)


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.
    Qingdao $12
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao

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

  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Depature Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Railway Station Arrival Transfer to City Hotel: $36
  • Qingdao Cruise Port Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $36
  • Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $83
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $83
  • Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86

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
    $3.61

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

Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Qingdao 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
    Qingdao $20
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27

Tours and Activities in Qingdao

For Qingdao, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Private Qingdao City tour with Lunch and Qingdao beer: $175
  • Private Qingdao Laoshan half day tour with one bottle of Tsingdao beer as gift: $190
  • Private Qingdao Historic architectural day tour with Tsingdao beer during Lunch: $190
  • Qingdao private half day tour with Tsingdao Beer Lunch : $202
  • Qingdao Shore Excursion: Private Full Day Laoshan Mountain Sightseeing Tour: $207
  • Private Qingdao Essentials Tour: City Highlights and Beer Museum: $216
  • Laoshan Mountain Full Day Private Activity Tour: $224
  • Qingdao Private Day Tour to Laoshan Mountain with Lunch and Cable Car: $238
  • Private Qingdao Laoshan day tour with lunch& round way cable car: $240
  • Qingdao Discover Tour to the Mount Laoshan and Tasting Famous Local Beer: $248
  • Qingdao Private Tour: City Highlights and Laoshan Mountain with Lunch+Cable Car: $268
  • All-Inclusive Private Day Tour: Qingdao Highlights with Lunch: $285

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
    $64
  • Two Cable Car Passes
    $22

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15


When comparing the travel costs between Qingdao and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Qingdao is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Qingdao Expensive? and Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.



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

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 Qingdao or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?

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

Qingdao is cooler than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the summer. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Qingdao receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao usually gets more rain in July than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)

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

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

In the autumn, Qingdao is cooler than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the autumn temperatures in Qingdao in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 19°C (65°F).

In October, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)

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

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

The weather in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can be very cold. Qingdao can be very cold during winter. In January, Qingdao is generally much colder than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around -0°C (32°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Qingdao usually gets less rain in January than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)

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

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

Qingdao is cooler than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the spring. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Qingdao

Qingdao Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)