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

Should you visit Shanghai or Wollongong?

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 Wollongong. 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, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Wollongong

Wollongong is a vibrant, student-friendly, and trendy coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Shanghai and Wollongong: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Wollongong?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Shanghai than Wollongong, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Shanghai is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Wollongong is known for its nightlife, beaches, and hiking. Shanghai is more touristy than Wollongong and is popular for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. It is also home to The Bund. Wollongong is popular for its surrounding nature and urban beaches.

How is Shanghai different from Wollongong?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its historical sights. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its sights and museums.

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 Wollongong specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several museums like the Wollongong Science Centre and Wollongong Planetarium and the railway museum Trainworks. There's also the Illawarra Museum, which is housed in the former post and telegraph office.

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Wollongong makes for a great culinary experience. In recent years a younger crowd of entrepreneurs and self-starters has moved into the city, and with them has come a growing food scene. You'll find local cafes, fine dining restaurants, and many great beachfront restaurants where you can dine.

Is Shanghai or Wollongong Better for Nightlife?

Wollongong is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Wollongong has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene has seen a revitalization in recent years, and in addition to the standard bars and pubs, you'll find local venues that range from quirky to lively.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is Shanghai or Wollongong Better for Beaches?

Wollongong is notable for the beache. However, Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Wollongong for it's beautiful beaches. There are urban beaches, as well as more hidden coastal areas that attract locals and visitors alike. In the heart of the city you'll find North Wollongong Beach and Wollongong City Beach, both of which have picnic areas and are popular with locals.

Shanghai is not a beach destination.

Is Shanghai or Wollongong Better for Hiking?

Wollongong is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Wollongong offers some nice hiking trails. The surrounding area has many great hikes that can be done as a day trip or even a half day trip. There are waterfalls, city views, and forest walks. Some of the most popular trails include Brokers Nose and Clover Hill Trail.

Shanghai is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Wollongong?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Wollongong is a great destination for shopping. The most popular shopping area is Wollongong Central Shopping Centre, which has international brands and all of the big fashion names.

Is Shanghai or Wollongong Better for Families?

Both Shanghai and Wollongong 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 Wollongong. The beaches, nearby nature, and ubiquitous bike trails make this a fun coastal city to explore with kids. There are also interactive museums such as Discovery Space and plenty of playgrounds. Kid-friendly surf lessons as well as the Nan Tien Temple make this a fun and fascinating family destination.

Is Shanghai or Wollongong Better for Couples?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Wollongong is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic natural areas, including the Grand Pacific Drive or the many bush walks, make this a wonderful couples retreat. There are water sports like surfing as well as horseback riding and even helicopter rides. In the evening, enjoy a nice meal and a sunset view.

Is Shanghai or Wollongong Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Shanghai is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Wollongong is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a couple of hostels as well as many outdoor areas to explore, so backpackers who want to escape the traditional backpacker scene will appreciate some time here.

Is Shanghai or Wollongong Better for Students?

Shanghai is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, Wollongong is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city 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.

Wollongong is a good port city to visit for students. It's not too far from Sydney and has a smaller, more laid back coastal vibe that appeals to many students.

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

Both Shanghai and Wollongong offer superb public transit options.

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

The public transit in Wollongong can get you to most places easily. There's a free Gong shuttle bus that travels around the city center. It runs a loop from Wollongong Station to Wollongong University in both directions. There are also other bus services in town.

Is Shanghai or Wollongong a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Wollongong both are superb 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.

Wollongong is a very walkable destination. There are walking paths in the city center so it's possible to walk to many tourist destinations.

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

Should I spend more time in Wollongong or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Wollongong?

It's fun to spend time in either Shanghai or Wollongong. 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 Wollongong.

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

When visiting Shanghai, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The coastal city of Wollongong offers food and shopping. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Wollongong?

When visiting Shanghai, people usually allow for lots of time. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

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

Five days in Shanghai or Wollongong?

Shanghai, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this port city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Wollongong 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 Wollongong?

Shanghai is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Wollongong is a great place to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal city 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Australia, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Australia.

When comparing the travel costs between Shanghai and Wollongong, we can see that Wollongong 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 Wollongong 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 Wollongong Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Wollongong?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Wollongong. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Wollongong, 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 Wollongong?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Wollongong. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Wollongong for the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Shanghai is a little warmer than Wollongong. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shanghai in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Wollongong averages at about 23°C (74°F)in January.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Wollongong. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In the summer, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Wollongongin January. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 236 hours of full sun.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets more rain in July than Wollongongin January. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Wollongong in the Autumn?

Both Wollongong and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Wollongong in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

In October, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Wollongongin April. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 19°C (65°F), and Wollongong fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during autumn. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 195 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Wollongongin April. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shanghai or Wollongong in the Winter?

Both Wollongong and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Wollongong 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 Wollongong in the winter. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Wollongong fluctuates around 10°C (50°F)in July.

In Wollongong, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Shanghai often gets less sunshine than Wollongongin July. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Wollongong receives 208 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Wollongongin July. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Wollongong in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Wollongong. 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 Wollongong because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Shanghai is cooler than Wollongong. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shanghai in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Wollongong averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Wollongong this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives less sunshine than Wollongong during spring. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Wollongong receives 240 hours of full sun in the spring.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Wollongongin October. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Wollongong receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Wollongong and Shanghai