A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Mount Aspiring National Park for Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

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 Mount Aspiring National Park. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park

Mount Aspiring National Park is a rugged, breathtaking, and undeveloped national park. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking.

Shanghai and Mount Aspiring National Park : Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Mount Aspiring National Park, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Shanghai is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Mount Aspiring National Park is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Shanghai is more touristy than Mount Aspiring National Park and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Mount Aspiring National Park is well known for its mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

How is Shanghai different from Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park?

Shanghai is very popular for its sights and museums. However, Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for its restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Shanghai is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park has a small number of restaurants to choose from. Bring plenty of food supplies, because amenities are in short supply in many parts of the park.

Is Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai is a nice place to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Hiking?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Mount Aspiring National Park is well-known for its hiking and trekking. There are many different types of trails in the park that range from shorter day hikes to multi-day hikes. The difficulty level doesn't always correspond to the length of the hike, so do your research before you set out. Some of the most known hikes in the area are the Blue Pools Track, the Rob Roy Track, the Routeburn Track, and the challenging Cascade Saddle Route.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park?

Shanghai is very popular for its shopping opportunities. However, Mount Aspiring National Park 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Mount Aspiring National Park are great 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 Mount Aspiring National Park. The park offers a stunning natural setting that will inspire a child's love of nature. There are a number of kid-friendly hikes in the park with some of the most popular being the Blue Pools Track, Routeburn Nature Walk, the Roaring Billy Falls Walk, and the Thunder Creek Falls Walk.

Is Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Couples?

Shanghai is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit for couples.

Shanghai has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with inspiring scenery and a breathtaking mountain setting, this park is perfect for couples who appreciate nature's beauty. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, and striking views that will spark the romance in any relationship.

Is Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Mount Aspiring National Park is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Mount Aspiring National Park. Set in the beautiful Southern Alps, backpackers will love exploring the impressive mountain scenery and breathtaking views.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Shanghai. 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.

Is Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Students?

Shanghai is a well-known place for students. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Shanghai is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is not popular with students.

Is Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Mount Aspiring National Park is not a good national park for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Shanghai can get you to some places easily. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Public transit is mostly limited in Mount Aspiring National Park. It's possible to arrange transportation to the trailheads from Te Anau or Wanaka.

Is Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park a more walkable city?

Shanghai is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Mount Aspiring National Park is not as famous, but is still a good national park to visit 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.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a somewhat walkable port city. There are day hikes as well as mult-day back country hikes through the park.

For even more information, also check out Is Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Mount Aspiring National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mount Aspiring National Park or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

In either Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park, 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . However, 2-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park . 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 Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Shanghai is a big city with plenty to do. This port city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful national park of Mount Aspiring National Park 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this national park makes for a great vacation. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Aspiring National Park, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Mount Aspiring National Park ?

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that hiking is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mount Aspiring National Park, 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 Mount Aspiring National Park ?

You'll find food and shopping around the trendy port city of Shanghai. It offers something for everyone. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

Mount Aspiring National Park is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that hiking 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 national park 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 Eco Tours in New Zealand, and The Best Thrill-Seeking Tours in New Zealand.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Mount Aspiring National Park , we can see that Shanghai 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. Even though Shanghai is in Asia and Mount Aspiring National Park is in Pacific, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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