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

Should you visit Shanghai or Sado?

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 Sado. 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 cosmopolitan, professional, and diverse port city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Shanghai travel costs.

Sado

Sado is a cultural, off-the-beaten-path, and traditional island. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food. See Sado travel costs.

Shanghai and Sado: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Sado?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai. Although Shanghai and Sado are popular destinations, Shanghai has more sights and attractions for tourists. Shanghai is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Sado attracts visitors for its hiking. Shanghai is more touristy than Sado and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also well known for The Bund. Sado is famous for its beautiful scenery, traditional culture, and population of endangered crested ibis.

How is Shanghai different from Sado?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its sights and museums. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Shanghai that are not to be missed. 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 Sado specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The former gold mines are open to the public and fascinating to explore. For a traditional town, head to Shukunegi, which has narrow alleys and historic homes. Also worth a visit is the Sado History Museum.

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Sado has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find great seafood including crab, tuna, and prawns. There are also fresh vegetables, rice, and other typical Japanese ingredients in the area.

Is Shanghai or Sado Better for Nightlife?

Shanghai is a popular place for nightlife. However, Sado is a mediocre island for nightlife and partying.

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.

Sado doesn't offer many options. This is a quiet island and doesn't have much in the form of nightlife.

Is Shanghai or Sado Better for Hiking?

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

Sado is a popular spot for hiking. There is wonderful hiking on the island. Head to the Osado Mountain Range for wildflowers and spectacular views and scenery.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Sado?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its shopping opportunities.

Shanghai is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Sado has some nice offerings. You'll find shops where you can pick up any necessities that you may have forgotten. There are also souvenir shops where you can find local items to remember your trip.

Is Shanghai or Sado More Beautiful?

Shanghai is notable for its scenery and beauty. However, Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Shanghai is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Sado is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shanghai or Sado Better for Families?

Shanghai is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Shanghai is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Sado is a family-friendly port city. The former gold mines are fascinating and open to the public. There are also parks and interesting wildlife such as the Japanese ibis that you can see.

Is Shanghai or Sado Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Sado makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The area's history and nature make it a unique place for a couple's trip. There are museums, and outdoor spaces that you visit as well as the interesting mines.

Is Shanghai or Sado Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is notable for backpackers. Also, Sado is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to 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.

Sado is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as guesthouses that backpackers can stay at while they're in town.

Is Shanghai or Sado Better for Students?

Shanghai is notable for students. However, Sado is not popular with 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.

Sado is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai is notable for its public transit. However, Sado is a mediocre island for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Shanghai can move around easily with public transportation. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

Public transit is quite limited in Sado. There are no trains on the island and the bus routes are infrequent and slow. You really must have a car to explore the area.

Is Shanghai or Sado a more walkable city?

Shanghai is notable for its walkability. However, Sado is a mediocre island for its high level of walkability.

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

Sado is not a very walkable port city. The island isn't particularly walkable, so you'll want to have a vehicle to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Sado or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Sado?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Sado. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Sado. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sado.

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

Shanghai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The island of Sado offers museums and food. 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 Sado?

Shanghai is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

Five days in Shanghai or Sado?

Shanghai is a diverse big city where you can fill many days. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Sado 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 Sado?

The trendy port city of Shanghai offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

Sado 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 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 Adventure Tours to Japan, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Sado, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Sado much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sado would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sado 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 Sado.

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

When is the best time to visit Shanghai or Sado?

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 Sado in the Summer?

Both Sado and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Sado for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Sado fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Sado during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 198 hours of full sun in the summer.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sado. It's quite rainy in Shanghai. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Sado. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Sado receives 161 mm (6.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Sado in the Autumn?

Both Sado and Shanghai during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Sado in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.

Shanghai is a little warmer than Sado in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Sado fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sado. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 155 hours of full sun.

Sado gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Sado. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Sado in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Sado. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sado for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Sado can be very cold during winter. Shanghai can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Shanghai is a little warmer than Sado. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Sado averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Sado during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Sado receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

Sado receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Sado. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Sado receives 138 mm (5.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Sado in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Sado. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Sado. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Sado fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Sado. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sado receives 194 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Sado. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sado. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Sado receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sado and Shanghai