Which place is cheaper, Benxi or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Benxi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Benxi can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Shenzhen or Benxi?
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
Benxi
Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $126Benxi $97
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $126, while the average daily cost in Benxi is $97. 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 Shenzhen and Benxi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Benxi $48
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Benxi $96
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Benxi
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Benxi? 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.Shenzhen $15Benxi $32
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Ocean Park Hong Kong: $26
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $28
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- Hong Kong Airport HKG Private Transfer to Kowloon City: $35
- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Arrival Private Transfer : $37
- Private Transfer from Hong Kong Hotels to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal: $37
- Private Transfer from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong Hotels: $37
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Shenzhen city hotels: $43
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen Int Airport (SZX) to Shekou Port: $43
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Shenzhen Airport(SZX): $43
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $43
- Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $47
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Benxi?
Prices for flights to both Benxi and Shenzhen 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 dayShenzhen $20Benxi $31
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegetarian Food Tour: $79
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $93
- Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $101
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $108
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $132
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $172
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $172
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Benxi $7.45
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Hong Kong: $9.07
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $11
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $11
- One Way Express Ticket in Kowloon Station Hong Kong Airport: $12
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
- Round Trip Express Ticket in Tsing Yi Station Hong Kong Airport : $14
- Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
- [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket (F-II_2P): $17
- sky100 Tales of Hongkong Admission Ticket F-KE: $21
- Hong Kong Airport Express Tickets Kowloon Station Round Trip: $22
- Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
- Historia Tour of the Youngest Big4 City of Old China: $30
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Benxi $7.85
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Benxi, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Benxi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Benxi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Benxi 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen than you might in Benxi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Benxi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Benxi?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Benxi. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Benxi, 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 Shenzhen or Benxi?
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 Shenzhen or Benxi in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Benxi.
In July, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Benxi. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenzhen this time of the year. In the summer, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Benxi. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 214 hours of full sun.
It's quite rainy in Benxi. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Benxi. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Benxi 25°C (78°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Benxi in the Autumn?
Both Benxi and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Shenzhen is much warmer than Benxi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).
It's quite sunny in Benxi. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Benxi during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Benxi. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Benxi 11°C (52°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Benxi in the Winter?
Both Benxi and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit.
Benxi can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Benxi averages at about -10°C (14°F).
In the winter, Shenzhen often gets less sunshine than Benxi. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Benxi receives 167 hours of full sun.
Shenzhen usually gets more rain in January than Benxi. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Benxi -10°C (14°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Benxi in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Benxi.
In April, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Benxi this time of the year. Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Benxi during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Benxi receives 241 hours of full sun in the spring.
Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Benxi. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Benxi 11°C (51°F)
Typical Weather for Benxi and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Benxi | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | -10°C (14°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 211 mm (8.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 167 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 51 mm (2 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 2°C (35°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | -7°C (20°F) | 12 mm (0.5 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.