A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Fraser Island for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Shanghai or Fraser Island?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Fraser Island. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Fraser Island

Fraser Island is a idyllic, stunning, and serene island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the beaches and hiking.

Shanghai and Fraser Island: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Fraser Island?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Fraser Island, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Fraser Island is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Shanghai is more touristy than Fraser Island and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Fraser Island is well known for its beautiful sand dunes, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

How is Shanghai different from Fraser Island?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Fraser Island and Shanghai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Shanghai or Fraser Island?

Shanghai is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its museums and history.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Fraser Island. The stunning natural beauty is the appeal of this island. It is worth visiting the Maheno Shipwreck which was once a trans-Tasman liner.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Fraser Island? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Shanghai, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Fraser Island may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are settlements on the island where you can pick up food and essentials, but don't expect much more than the basics. There are also several restaurants.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its evening party scene.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Fraser Island doesn't offer many options. There are a handful of bars on the island where you can enjoy a drink in a laid back setting.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Fraser Island is a moderate island for its diving and snorkeling. However, Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling is an option in Fraser Island. The waters around the island are not designed for snorkeling, as the currents are strong and there are often large sharks. There are several dive spots including a ship wreck as well as a beautiful reef that is filled with hard and soft corals.

Shanghai is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island Better for Beaches?

Fraser Island is a world-class destination for the beache. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Fraser Island offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The idyllic beaches really are paradise. The water is blue, the sand white, and the rainforest feels undiscovered. The most famous beach is Seventy-Five Mile Beach, but other beautiful spots include Eli Creek, Lake Wabby, and the Champagne Pools (the only oceanfront spot where you can swim).

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island Better for Hiking?

Fraser Island is notable for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Fraser Island is a popular spot for hiking. There are many stunning hikes on the island and many visitors choose to camp during their visit. It's possible to organize a group hike with a guide as well, which is recommended as it is the safer option.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Fraser Island?

Shanghai is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

Fraser Island is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Fraser Island are excellent family-friendly destinations.

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Fraser Island. The kids will love the peaceful beaches and stunning landscapes as much as the adults. There are walking trails, beautiful water, and between the months of July and November you can go whale watching.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island Better for Couples?

Shanghai and Fraser Island both terrific destinations for a couple.

Shanghai is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

Fraser Island makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. It's stunning beaches and serene setting make for a truly romantic destination. You can picnic on the white sand or float down Eli Creek. Kayaking or stand up paddle boarding are also fun.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Shanghai and Fraser Island are excellent destinations for backpackers.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Fraser Island. It's truly a bucket list destination, so even though it may be challenging to reach, it's well worth the effort. There are ferries that leave from either Rainbow Beach or Hervey Bay, or you can visit as part of an organized tour.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island Better for Students?

Shanghai is a well-known place for students. However, Fraser Island is not popular with students.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Fraser Island is not popular with students.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for times when you don't have a car.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Public transit is quite limited in Fraser Island. The roads are sand and you'll need a vehicle of your own to get around. Because of the conditions, it requires four wheel drive.

Is Shanghai or Fraser Island a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. However, Fraser Island is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

Fraser Island is generally not a very walkable port city. The island is large enough that you'll likely want a vehicle (four wheel drive) to get around and fully experience it.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Fraser Island Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Fraser Island or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Fraser Island?

In either Shanghai or Fraser Island, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Shanghai has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Shanghai than Fraser Island. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Fraser Island.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Fraser Island. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Shanghai, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Shanghai than Fraser Island. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Shanghai that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Shanghai than Fraser Island if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Shanghai.

One day in Shanghai or Fraser Island?

Shanghai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful island of Fraser Island offers . Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Shanghai or Fraser Island?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Fraser Island is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Fraser Island?

Shanghai is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Fraser Island is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Fraser Island, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Fraser Island?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful port city of Shanghai. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Fraser Island is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Water Sports Tour Packages in Australia, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Fraser Island, we can see that Fraser Island is more expensive. And not only is Shanghai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shanghai is in Asia and Fraser Island is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Shanghai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shanghai 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 Fraser Island would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Fraser Island than you might in Shanghai.

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

When is the best time to visit Shanghai or Fraser Island?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Fraser Island is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shanghai has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shanghai or Fraser Island in the Summer?

Both Fraser Island and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Fraser Island this time of year.

Shanghai is around the same temperature as Fraser Island in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 26°C (78°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Fraser Island. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Fraser Islandin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Fraser Island in the Autumn?

Both Fraser Island and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Fraser Island for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shanghai is cooler than Fraser Island. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Fraser Island averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Fraser Islandin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Fraser Island in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Fraser Island. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Fraser Island in the winter for the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Fraser Islandin July. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Fraser Island fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Fraser Islandin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Fraser Island in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Fraser Island. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Fraser Island for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Shanghai is cooler than Fraser Island in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Fraser Island fluctuates around 21°C (71°F)in October.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Fraser Islandin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Fraser Island receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Fraser Island and Shanghai