Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Shanghai or Zhangjiajie?
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 Zhangjiajie. 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.
Where Should I go: Shanghai or Zhangjiajie?
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, and The Best Historical Tours in China.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $115Zhangjiajie $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $115, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $63. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Shanghai and Zhangjiajie in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $81Zhangjiajie $30
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $162Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Zhangjiajie
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai or Zhangjiajie? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shanghai $3.87Zhangjiajie $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
-
Taxi Ride$3.59
-
Two Subway Tickets$0.83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai-Suzhou private day tour with private transfer and Lunch: $204
- Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $177
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer: $171
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $168
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Wuzhen : $166
- Shanghai Airport to Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer: $149
- Round-trip Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $149
- Round Trip Private Transfer City Center - Shanghai Disneyland: $147
- Shanghai to Wuzhen watertown Round way private transfer in a day: $140
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $135
- Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) Arrival Transfer (Airport to central Shanghai): $135
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Aizhai bridge area: $187
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Zhangjiajie?
Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie and Shanghai change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
-
Food Meals for one dayShanghai $21Zhangjiajie $20
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
-
Dumpling Breakfast$1.38
-
Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
-
Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.19
-
Cantelope$1.66
-
Dumplings and Soup$2.07
-
Duck Dinner$4.15
-
Pastries$2.90
-
Barbeque Dinner$8.85
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class General Tso's Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Private Cooking Class: Make Your Own Dim Sum In Shanghai: $67
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $69
- 2.5hrs Chinese Kitchen Cooking Class: Xiaolongbao Soup Dumplings: $70
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $85
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $89
- 4-Hour Food Tour in Qibao Water Town from Shanghai by Subway: $95
- Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
- Private Authentic Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with a Lovely Local: $116
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.44Zhangjiajie $23
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
-
30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
-
Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- Half-Day Private Tour of Shanghai Bund with River Cruise or Tower View: $90
- Private Shanghai Flexible City Highlight Tour with Night Cruise: $221
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
- Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $183
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
- 1 day Shanghai City Mini Group tour: $92
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden, the Bund and Nanjing Road: $190
- 1-Day Private Tour to Shanghai Museum,Yu Garden,the Bund & Huangpu River Cruise : $213
- 1-Day Private Tour to Suzhou from Shanghai: $272
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Virtual Guided Tour: Visit China's Landscapes with Hollywood Movies: $16
- Baofeng Lake Admission Ticket in Zhangjiajie (with Boat Ride): $37
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge Ticket: $57
- Tianmen Mountain day tour: $96
- Full-Day Private Tour of Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) National Forest Park: $115
- Full-Day Private Tour of Tianmen Mountain With the Skywalk: $121
- Full-Day Private Tour of Tianmen Mountain: $122
- Join-in Tour: Day Tour to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge : $125
- 1-day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Tour: $132
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake Private Day Tour: $147
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.36Zhangjiajie $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Shanghai Pub Crawl: unique bar-hopping tour 2024: $20
- Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhangjiajie would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Zhangjiajie Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Zhangjiajie?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai and Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?
Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Shanghai or Zhangjiajie in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Zhangjiajie. The summer months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
Shanghai is around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Zhangjiajie. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?
Both Zhangjiajie and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
In the autumn, Shanghai is around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 19°C (65°F).
In October, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?
Both Zhangjiajie and Shanghai during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Shanghai. In January, Shanghai is generally cooler than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Shanghai usually gets less rain in January than Zhangjiajie. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Zhangjiajie. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Shanghai is cooler than Zhangjiajie in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Zhangjiajie | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.