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

Should you visit Shanghai or Torquay?

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 Torquay. 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 professional, diverse, and bustling port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Shanghai travel costs.

Torquay

Torquay is a casual, laid back, and hip surf town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. Torquay is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Torquay travel costs.

Shanghai and Torquay: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Torquay?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Torquay, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Shanghai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Torquay is more popular for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Shanghai is more touristy than Torquay and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Torquay is well known for its world renowned surfing scene and its relaxed atmosphere.

How is Shanghai different from Torquay?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is renowned for its historical sights. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Shanghai are world-renowned. 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 for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Torquay. Surfing enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the Australian National Surfing Museum, which goes into the sports history and influence on the region.

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

Shanghai is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its local cuisine and 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Torquay area. You'll find all of the classic beach town options. There are pizza places, international restaurants, and seafood. All kinds of styles are available ranging from modern, upscale, and trendy to casual and affordable.

Is Shanghai or Torquay Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are notable in both Shanghai and Torquay.

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 Torquay. There's a laid back vibe with several great pubs, breweries, and clubs where people hang out.

Is Shanghai or Torquay Better for Beaches?

Torquay is a world-class destination for the beach. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Torquay offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The town is along the Great Ocean Road, and there are a huge number of beaches that are popular for surfing. There are also nudist beaches as well as family-friendly areas. The most convenient beach is Torquay Surf Beach, which is popular with surfers. For calmer water, check out Torquay Front Beach, and for the most iconic surfing beach in the area, visit Bells Beach.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Torquay Better for Hiking?

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

Torquay is a popular spot for hiking. There are many coastal walks in the area that range from a few hours to several days. One of the more well known ones is the Surf Coast Walk, which goes on for days and passes by stunning viewpoints and beautiful landscapes.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Torquay?

Shanghai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Shanghai draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Torquay to go shopping. You'll find the standard shopping centers with everything from boutiques to major brands.

Is Shanghai or Torquay More Beautiful?

Shanghai is great for its scenery and beauty. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its scenery and beauty.

The beauty of Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Torquay offers plenty of beauty for visitors. There's a beautiful coastline with sandy beaches and nice coastal walks.

Is Shanghai or Torquay Better for Families?

Shanghai is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Shanghai is very family-friendly. 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.

Torquay is a family-friendly place to visit. Most people think of great surf when they think of this town, but there are some secluded places like Cozy Corner, which is good for kids. There are also many outdoor activities like walks and snorkeling at Point Danger Marine Sanctuary.

Is Shanghai or Torquay Better for Couples?

Shanghai is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town 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.

Torquay is a very popular place to visit for couples. With its amazing beaches, popular surfing, and countless outdoor activities, there's plenty for couples to enjoy around town. You can also head to the vineyards at Bellbrae Estate, check out the local breweries, or take a long walk along the coast.

Is Shanghai or Torquay Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for backpackers.

Many 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.

Torquay is a good port city to visit for backpackers. Surfing is the big draw for backpackers to the area. There are a handful of hostels and excellent beaches that make this a great stop off for anyone in the area.

Is Shanghai or Torquay Better for Students?

Shanghai is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Torquay 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.

Torquay is not popular with students.

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

Shanghai is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Torquay is not as popular, but is still a nice surf town for its public transit.

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

Torquay has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel to town from the surrounding areas.

Is Shanghai or Torquay a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Torquay both are great when exploring on foot.

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.

Torquay is a very walkable destination. The Torquay Promenade Walk offers a great place to stroll along the waterfront. You'll pass by view points and many restaurants and cafes.

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

Should I spend more time in Torquay or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Torquay?

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

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

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

The surf town of Torquay 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 Torquay?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer.

Torquay is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this surf town makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Torquay, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Shanghai or Torquay?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Torquay is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that beaches is why people visit. 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 Torquay?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Torquay 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 surf 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 10-Day Tours in Australia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Australia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Torquay?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 310 times larger than the population of Torquay. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Torquay, 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 Torquay?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Torquay. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Torquay for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

It's quite rainy in Torquay. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets less rain in July than Torquayin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Torquay in the Autumn?

Both Torquay and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Torquay because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Torquayin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Torquay in the Winter?

Both Torquay and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Torquay this time of year.

The weather in Shanghai can be very cold. In January, Shanghai is generally much colder than Torquayin July. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Torquay fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Torquayin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Torquay in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Torquay. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Torquay for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

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

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Torquayin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Torquay receives 75 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Torquay and Shanghai