Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shanghai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
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 Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). 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.
Where Should I go: Shanghai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, 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 Shanghai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai 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.Shanghai $3.87Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.59
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Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $18
- Yiwu Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $18
- Shared Transfer: from Hotel in Shanghai to Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Departure Transfers: $20
- Shanghai Pudong Airport Private Arrival Transfers: $20
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Railway Station from City Hotels or Outskirts: $22
- Private Transfer to ERA Acrobats Show at Shanghai Circus World: $22
- Private Transfer from Shanghai Hotels to Shanghai Cruise Port: $24
- Private Transfer to Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: $24
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $25
- Shanghai Maglev Train Station Private Transfer from City Area : $25
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong New Int’l Expo Centre and City Area : $25
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 Shanghai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Shanghai 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 dayShanghai $21Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.19
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Cantelope$1.66
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Dumplings and Soup$2.07
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Duck Dinner$4.15
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Pastries$2.90
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Barbeque Dinner$8.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno : $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- Eat Like A Local: Shanghai Night Food Tour: $90
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.44Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
- Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $14
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai French Concession Walking Tour: $29
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
- Shanghai Wusongkou Cruise Port to Hongqiao Airport:Private with Meet service: $40
- Fudan University Student Guide Tour: $42
- Haipai Culture Tour｜Shanghai's Past, Present & Future On One Road: $43
- Shanghai Tower Tickets Booking: $43
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 dayShanghai $7.36Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Shanghai 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai 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 Shanghai Expensive? and Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Summer?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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.
In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 29°C (85°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 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 JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Autumn?
Both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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.
In October, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 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 OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. Shanghai is around the same temperature as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
In January, Shanghai usually receives around the same amount of rain as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 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 JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Shanghai is cooler than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) averages at about 17°C (62°F).
It's quite rainy in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Huangshan (Yellow Mountain). Shanghai gets 102 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 AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.