Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Shenyang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenyang or Harbin?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Shenyang or Harbin? 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 Harbin?
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!
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each 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 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenyang $70Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenyang is $70, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenyang $41Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenyang $82Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Shenyang and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Shenyang or Harbin? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Shenyang $19Harbin $1.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Harbin Railway Station to City Hotel: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $114
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenyang or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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
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Food Meals for one dayShenyang $18Harbin $14
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenyang $7.70Harbin $53
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- All-Inclusive Harbin Jewish Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Customized Harbin City Day Tour by Public Transportation: $220
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
- Private Harbin City Day Tour of Russian Historical Sites and Culture: $157
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenyang $5.83Harbin $7.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenyang and Harbin, we can see that Shenyang is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Shenyang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenyang than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenyang Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenyang or Harbin?
Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Harbin. When comparing the sizes of Shenyang and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
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 Shenyang or Harbin in the Summer?
Both Harbin and Shenyang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Shenyang is around the same temperature as Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Harbin. It's quite rainy in Shenyang. In July, Shenyang usually receives more rain than Harbin. Shenyang gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenyang 25°C (77°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Shenyang during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Shenyang is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenyang in October average around 10°C (51°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Shenyang usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Shenyang gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenyang 10°C (51°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Harbin in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenyang and Harbin.
Harbin can be very cold during winter. Shenyang can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shenyang is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Shenyang average around -11°C (13°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Shenyang usually receives more rain than Harbin. Shenyang gets 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenyang -11°C (13°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Shenyang or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shenyang as well as Harbin.
Shenyang is a little warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenyang averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
Shenyang usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Shenyang gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenyang 10°C (50°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Shenyang
| Shenyang | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -11°C (13°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | -7°C (19°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 10°C (50°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 17°C (63°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 22°C (72°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 25°C (77°F) | 174 mm (6.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 76 mm (3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 10°C (51°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 1°C (34°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | -7°C (19°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.