A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shanghai vs. Rockhampton for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Shanghai or Rockhampton?

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 Rockhampton. 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 modern, cosmopolitan, and professional port city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Shanghai travel costs.

Rockhampton

Rockhampton is a traditional, charming, and cultural town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rockhampton travel costs.

Shanghai and Rockhampton: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Rockhampton?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Rockhampton, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Shanghai is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Rockhampton is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Shanghai is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Rockhampton is popular for its cultural centers and surrounding national parks.

How is Shanghai different from Rockhampton?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its museums and history. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Shanghai has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Many visitors head to Rockhampton specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. While many people come for the area's natural beauty, there are also educational centers where you can learn about the indigenous culture. Make sure you visit the Dreamtime Cultural Centre as well as the Rockhampton Museum of Art. Also of interest are the Rockhampton Heritage Village and the Mount Morgan Historical Railway Museum.

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

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Shanghai is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Rockhampton makes for a great culinary experience. Despite its small size, the food scene is surprisingly diverse. There are local cafes that offer local produce, waterfront restaurants that have great views, and casual international eateries, as well as low key pubs.

Is Shanghai or Rockhampton Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are good in both Shanghai and Rockhampton.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Rockhampton. It's a small place, but there are still a number of pubs and bars around town. Many visitors enjoy going to a coastal beach bar for the evening.

Is Shanghai or Rockhampton Better for Beaches?

Rockhampton is a good destination for the beach. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Rockhampton offers a nice beach destination. The town is about 40 kilometers inland from the Capricorn Coast beaches.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Rockhampton Better for Hiking?

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

Rockhampton is a popular spot for hiking. The area has several national parks that are perfect for an avid bush walker or anyone looking for an afternoon in nature. Whether you're interested in a day trip or overnight camping trip, there are many natural scenic areas nearby.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Rockhampton?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Shanghai specifically to go shopping. 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.

Rockhampton is a great destination for shopping. There are several shopping centers in town where you can pick up anything you might need.

Is Shanghai or Rockhampton More Beautiful?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

With stunning beauty, Shanghai attracts visitors from all around. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Rockhampton is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shanghai or Rockhampton Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Rockhampton are superb 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 Rockhampton. Kids will enjoy a visit to the Rockhampton Heritage Village. You can also picnic and walk around the nearby Mount Etna Caves National Park or explore the Capricorn Caves which is about half an hour outside of town. Other kid-friendly places include Kershaw Gardens and Rockhampton Botanic Gardens.

Is Shanghai or Rockhampton Better for Couples?

Shanghai is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Shanghai makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Rockhampton frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Near several great national parks and interesting outdoor settings, this is a wonderful couple's destination. There are sunset cruises and beautiful gardens as well as wellness spas and great food and wine.

Is Shanghai or Rockhampton Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

Rockhampton is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels in the area as well as a low key backpacker scene.

Is Shanghai or Rockhampton Better for Students?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Shanghai is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Rockhampton is popular with students. The city has universities that attract an international crowd. It's a friendly setting that welcomes cultural diversity.

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

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Rockhampton is lacking in options for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Shanghai. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Public transit is generally limited in Rockhampton. There are regional buses operated by Sunbus.

Is Shanghai or Rockhampton a more walkable city?

Shanghai is an excellent place to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Rockhampton is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Rockhampton is somewhat walkable. It's fun to explore the Riverside Precinct on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rockhampton or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Rockhampton?

It's fun to spend time in either Shanghai or Rockhampton. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Shanghai due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-4 days is enough time in Rockhampton.

Families should spend more time in Shanghai than Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton. 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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton?

Shanghai is a professional port city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The town of Rockhampton offers food and shopping. 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 Rockhampton?

Shanghai is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Rockhampton is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town 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 Rockhampton, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Rockhampton?

Shanghai is a modern port city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Rockhampton is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Shanghai or Rockhampton?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Rockhampton is a great place to explore. 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 town 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 Honeymoon Tours in Australia, and The Best Photography Tours in Australia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Rockhampton, we can see that Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Rockhampton?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Rockhampton. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Rockhampton, 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 Shanghai or Rockhampton?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rockhampton 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 Rockhampton in the Summer?

Both Rockhampton and Shanghai during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rockhampton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Rockhampton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 27°C (81°F)in January.

Rockhampton gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Rockhamptonin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 124 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Rockhampton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Rockhampton. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Rockhampton in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Shanghai is generally cooler than Rockhamptonin April. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Rockhampton fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In October, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Rockhampton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Rockhampton. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Rockhampton for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. Shanghai is much colder than Rockhampton in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Rockhampton fluctuates around 16°C (61°F)in July.

Shanghai usually gets more rain in January than Rockhamptonin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Rockhampton in the Spring?

Both Rockhampton and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rockhampton because of the beaches and the small town charm.

In the spring, Shanghai is much colder than Rockhampton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Rockhampton averages at about 23°C (74°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Rockhamptonin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Rockhampton receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rockhampton and Shanghai