A Travel Price Comparison for China Qingdao vs. Zhangjiajie for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Qingdao or Zhangjiajie?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Qingdao or Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?

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.

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.

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, Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie is $63. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Qingdao $26
    Zhangjiajie $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Qingdao $52
    Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Qingdao and Zhangjiajie

Looking for a hotel in Qingdao or Zhangjiajie? 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 Zhangjiajie


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
    Zhangjiajie $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Qingdao

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

  • One Way Qingdao hotel to Qingdao airport private transfer : $108
  • Qingdao Liuting Airport Transfer Service by Minivan: $86
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao Airport (TAO) to central Qingdao: $84
  • Qingdao Private Transfer from Qingdao central to Qingdao Airport (TAO): $84
  • Qingdao Northern Railway Station Arrival Private One-Way Transfer: $42
  • 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
  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Qingdao Railway Station : $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie to/from Fenghuang : $149
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Aizhai bridge area: $187
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Qingdao or Zhangjiajie?

Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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
    Zhangjiajie $20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Qingdao $20
    Zhangjiajie $23

Tours and Activities in Qingdao

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

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

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.

  • Half-Day Self-Guided Fenghuang Night Tour from Zhangjiajie: $200
  • (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
  • 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
  • 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
  • 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon(Glass Bridge) & Baofeng Lake Tour: $240
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
  • 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tour: Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge and Yellow Dragon Cave: $242
  • 1-day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Tour: $132
  • 1-day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour with Tianmen Cave: $137
  • 2-Day “Best Of Zhangjiajie”-Avatar World & Tianmen Mountain Tour: $260
  • 2-Day Zhangjiajie Happy Foodie&Sightseeing Tour: $300

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Qingdao $14
    Zhangjiajie $16


When comparing the travel costs between Qingdao and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Qingdao or Zhangjiajie?

Qingdao has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Qingdao and Zhangjiajie, 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 Qingdao or Zhangjiajie?

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 Qingdao or Zhangjiajie in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Qingdao and Zhangjiajie.

In July, Qingdao is generally cooler than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 25°C (77°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Qingdao gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Qingdao usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Qingdao gets 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Qingdao 25°C (77°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Qingdao as well as Zhangjiajie.

Qingdao is around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie in the autumn. The daily temperature in Qingdao averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Qingdao usually gets less rain in October than Zhangjiajie. Qingdao gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Qingdao 17°C (62°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?

Both Zhangjiajie and Qingdao are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Qingdao can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Qingdao is much colder than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the winter temperatures in Qingdao in January average around -0°C (32°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 5°C (42°F).

In January, Qingdao usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Qingdao gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Qingdao -0°C (32°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)

Should I visit Qingdao or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?

Both Zhangjiajie and Qingdao during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Qingdao is generally cooler than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Qingdao average around 12°C (53°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Qingdao usually gets less rain in April than Zhangjiajie. Qingdao gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Qingdao 12°C (53°F) 
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)

Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Qingdao

Qingdao Zhangjiajie
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -0°C (32°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 1°C (34°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Apr 12°C (53°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in)
May 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 211 mm (8.3 in) 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 162 mm (6.4 in) 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in)
Sep 22°C (72°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in)
Nov 10°C (49°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)