A Travel Price Comparison for China Shenzhen vs. Nanjing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shenzhen or Nanjing?

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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing?

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.

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $124, while the average daily cost in Nanjing is $96. 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 Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $90
    Nanjing $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $180
    Nanjing $92
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Nanjing

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Nanjing? 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 Shenzhen


Hotels in Nanjing


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.
    Shenzhen $15
    Nanjing $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong Airport (HKG) -Departure Private Transfer : $45
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $140
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong -Round-Trip Private Transfer: $130
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Arrival Private Transfer : $45
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $36
  • Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
  • Hong Kong Private Arrival Transfer Driver Meet and Greet: Airport to Hotel: $62
  • Hong Kong Private Transfer from Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport to Hong Kong: $77
  • Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Arrival Private Transfer : $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • [Airport transfer] Nanjing Lukou International Airport ⇔ Nanjing city transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $27
  • Zhenjiang Private Transfer Service from Nanjing City or Lukou Airport : $78
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Spa Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing City : $44
  • Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts Private Transfer from Nanjing Railway Station: $44
  • Private Transfer to Yangzhou City from Nanjing Lukou Airport : $109
  • Private Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station from City Hotels: $33
  • Private Transfer between Nanjing Jinniuhu Wild Animal Park and City Hotels: $62
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Yangzhou Attractions from Nanjing: $89
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to Zhenjiang City: $110
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer to City Center or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $46
  • Private Nanjing Airport Transfer from City Hotels or Tangshan Hot Spring Resorts: $45
  • Private NKG Airport Transfer to Nanjing Railway Station: $45

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Nanjing?

Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shenzhen $20
    Nanjing $28

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: $77
  • Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $90
  • Hong Kong Guided Dinner + Laser Show Lounge Entry (2023) | 200+ booked : $100
  • 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: $131
  • Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $143
  • Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $162
  • Hong Kong Crazy Rich Asian Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private : $162
  • Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $162
  • The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $162

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nanjing.

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Nanjing $9.33

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

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

  • Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Yau Ma Tei: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in the Heart of Kowloon: $5.40
  • Victoria Peak: Climb to the summit via the Mid-Levels escalato on an audio tour: $5.40
  • Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $14
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
  • [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket Offer (F-ID_2P): $16
  • Lovely Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $16
  • Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
  • Dukling Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour: $25
  • Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket on Lantau Island: $26
  • Dialogue in the Dark Tour [Recommended!]: $33

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 2-Day Unlimited Nanjing Private Flexible Tour with Lunch Option : $295
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Nanjing Jiming Temple, Ming City Wall, Xuanwu Lake: $147
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • All Inclusive Amazing Nanjing City Highlights Private Day Tour: $193
  • Beijing Great Wall Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train with Private Car Service: $282
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Highlights Day Tour: $164
  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Flexible Suzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing by Bullet Train: $245
  • Flexible Yangzhou Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $212
  • Flexible Zhenjiang Private Day Tour from Nanjing: $197

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Nanjing $9.53


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Nanjing, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Nanjing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nanjing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nanjing 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 Nanjing.

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


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Nanjing?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Nanjing, 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 Nanjing?

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 Nanjing in the Summer?

Both Nanjing and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Nanjing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Nanjing. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shenzhen 30°C (85°F) 
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Nanjing in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Nanjing.

Shenzhen is a little warmer than Nanjing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Nanjing fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Nanjing in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Nanjing.

The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Nanjing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Nanjing averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Shenzhen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nanjing. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Nanjing in the Spring?

Both Nanjing and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Nanjing. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nanjing and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Nanjing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in)