Which place is cheaper, Datong or Shenzhen?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Shenzhen or Datong?
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 Datong 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 Datong?
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.
Datong
If you're looking for an old world city, with a renovated feel, you might want to spend some time in Datong, China. This city was once walled-in and the newest initiative is to rebuild their great wall to maintain their old world charm. Datong is definitely done a lot to make itself a contender in the world of vacation destinations.
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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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesDatong Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $139Datong $71
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $139, while the average daily cost in Datong is $71. 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 Datong in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $90Datong $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $180Datong $46
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Datong
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Datong? 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 $15Datong $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
- Hong Kong to Macau 7 seat MPV private transfer or vice versa.: $275
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
- Bicycle Airport Transfer Service | Hong Kong : $196
- Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Guangzhou City Hotels: $171
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $171
- Private Transfer from Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou: $155
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Luxury Van: $143
- Private Arrival Transfer from Hongkong Airport to Shenzhen City: $128
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $124
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong City to Hong Kong Airport HKG in Business Car: $124
- Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $112
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Datong
Also for Datong, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Transfer from Datong Railway Stations to Hotels in City Center: $35
- Private Transfer Service from Yungang Airport to Datong Hotel: $29
- Private Round-Trip Transfer Service to Hanging Temple and Hengshan from Datong: $118
- Private One Way Transfer from Datong to Beijing : $211
- From 4-Day Private Tour to Pingyao with Transfer: $988
- Dunhuang Private Round Trip Transfer to Jiayuguan and Xuanbi Great Wall : $100
- Transfer or Tour to Yungang Grottoes&Hanging Temple: $102
- Datong Hanging Temple Private Transfer from Hotel or Station: $69
- Chengdu: Private Round-Trip Transfer to Leshan Budda: $128
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Datong?
Prices for flights to both Datong 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 $35Datong $35
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $37
- Small Group Local Market Walking Tour and Chinese Cooking Class in Hong Kong: $131
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $173
- Hong Kong Crazy Rich Asian Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private : $173
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $173
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $173
- Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $199
- Hong Kong Private Food Tour with Michelin Street Food: $255
- Aberdeen Food Tour | Private Sampan w/Noodles & Floating Kitchen: $280
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Datong $25
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $86
- 5-Hour Private Customized Walking Tour in Hong Kong: $265
- A Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Free Walking Tour: $2.61
- A Magical Evening in Hong Kong: Private City Tour: $110
- Ancient Shenzhen meets modern Shenzhen guided tour: $48
- Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour: $275
- Big Buddha and Dolphin Watching Tour in Hong Kong: $92
- Big Bus Hong Kong Open Top Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour: $53
- Boat Tour Through Four Sea Arches in Sai Kung, Hong Kong Geopark: $78
- Cheung Chau Island Tour: $104
Tours and Activities in Datong
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Datong.
- 1 Day Datong Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Temple Tour/from Beijing: $275
- 1-Day Pingyao tour from Datong and ends of Beijing or Xi'an by Bullet Train: $267
- 1-Day Private Tour: Datong Highlights with the Lunch: $215
- 2-Day Private Datong Tour:Hanging Temple, Yugang Grottoes,Wooden Pagoda and More: $298
- 4-8 hours Private Datong Great Wall Tour: $99
- All Inclusive Datong Private Tour to Hanging Temple and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: $238
- Beijing : Forbidden City Entry Ticket: $29
- Datong Classic Day Tour: $208
- Datong Day Tour to Yungang Grottoes and Hanging Temple: $203
- Datong Hanging Temple Wooden Pagoda Self-guided Tour by Car: $95
- Datong Private Day Tour to Deshengbu and Zhenchuankou Great Wall with Lunch: $190
- Datong Private Day Tour to Yanmenguan Great Wall and Yingxian Wooden Pagoda: $258
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Datong $12
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Datong, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Datong much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Datong would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Datong 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 Datong.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Datong Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Datong?
Datong has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Datong, 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.
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.