A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shenyang vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenyang or Christchurch?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Shenyang or Christchurch? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Shenyang or Christchurch?

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.

The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.

Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best G Adventures Tours to New Zealand, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Auckland.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Shenyang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenyang is $85, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $117. 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 Shenyang and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenyang $41
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenyang $82
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Shenyang and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Shenyang or Christchurch? 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.

Hotels in Shenyang


Hotels in Christchurch


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shenyang $20
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Cruise Port to Christchurch City: $87
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Lyttelton Cruise Port: $87
  • Private Transfer from Christchurch City to Akaroa Cruise Port: $189
  • Departure Transfer: Christchurch to Airport CHC by Business Car: $95
  • Christchurch Airport to City SUV Transfer: $57
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Airport CHC to Christchurch in Luxury Car: $130
  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $164

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenyang or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Shenyang 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 day
    Shenyang $32
    Christchurch $53

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenyang $7.81
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Shenyang

For Shenyang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Shenyang to Dandong: China North-eastern Border Day Tour: $350

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

Here are a few actual costs in Christchurch for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour From Christchurch: $179
  • (MT) Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch: $175
  • (MT) Mount Cook Day Tour From Christchurch: $150
  • 1/2-Day Christchurch Scenic Highlights Small Group Tour: $140
  • 1/2-day Christchurch Scenic Highlights (Private Tour): $239
  • 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
  • 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $995
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $114
  • Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $156
  • Arthur's Pass Day Tour From Christchurch with TranzAlpine: $258
  • Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $255

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenyang $5.91
    Christchurch $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Waipara Wine Tour from Christchurch - including Lunch & Tastings: $108
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - Waipara Wine Tour With Lunch: $114
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $117
  • Lyttelton Shore Excursion - City Highlights & Waipara Wine Tour : $135


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenyang and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Shenyang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Shenyang is in Asia and Christchurch 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 Shenyang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shenyang 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch than you might in Shenyang.

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


Which is Bigger, Shenyang or Christchurch?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Christchurch. When comparing the sizes of Shenyang and Christchurch, 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 Shenyang or Christchurch?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Shenyang has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Shenyang or Christchurch in the Summer?

Both Christchurch and Shenyang during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

Shenyang is a little warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

In Christchurch, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Shenyang. In the summer, Shenyang often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Christchurchin January. Shenyang gets 214 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 224 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. Shenyang usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Shenyang gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Shenyang or Christchurch in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenyang and Christchurch. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Shenyang is cooler than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenyang in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shenyang usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during autumn. Shenyang gets 216 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 161 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Shenyang usually receives less rain than Christchurchin April. Shenyang gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Shenyang or Christchurch in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenyang as well as Christchurch. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shenyang. In January, Shenyang is generally much colder than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Shenyang average around -11°C (13°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

In the winter, Shenyang often gets more sunshine than Christchurchin July. Shenyang gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Christchurch receives 122 hours of full sun.

Shenyang usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Shenyang gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Shenyang or Christchurch in the Spring?

Both Christchurch and Shenyang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Christchurch for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Shenyang is cooler than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

It's quite sunny in Christchurch. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. Shenyang usually receives more sunshine than Christchurch during spring. Shenyang gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Christchurch receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Shenyang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Christchurchin October. Shenyang gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Shenyang

Shenyang Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)