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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Suzhou?

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 Suzhou 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 Suzhou?

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.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

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, Suzhou 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 Suzhou is $102. 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 Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $90
    Suzhou $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $180
    Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou


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
    Suzhou $57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

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

  • Private Arrival Transfers From HKG Airport to Hong Kong: $22
  • Private Departure Transfers from Hong Kong to HKG Airport: $22
  • Private Departure Transfer:Shenzhen City Hotel to Any Shenzhen Railway Station : $29
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $30
  • [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
  • Hong Kong City to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal - Departure Private Transfer : $36
  • Private Transfer from Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong Hotels: $36
  • Private Transfer from Hong Kong Hotels to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal: $36
  • Private Transfer from Shekou Cruise Port to Shenzhen Airport(SZX): $42
  • Private Transfer from Shenzhen city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $42

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
  • Suzhou Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Railway Station: $25
  • Suzhou Private Arrival Transfer:Railway Station to City Hotel: $27
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $280
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Tongli Water Town and Suzhou City : $58
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Tianping Mountain from Suzhou: $51
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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
    Suzhou $32

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 Suzhou

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

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Suzhou $9.38

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 Suzhou

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Suzhou are as follows:

  • Private Shanghai City Tour from Suzhou by Bullet Train with Drop off Option: $232
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $123
  • Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $213
  • Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $248
  • Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
  • Full Day Private Tour Incredible Suzhou Highlight: $169
  • Full-Day Private Tour in Suzhou: $150

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Suzhou $6.44


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

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


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Suzhou?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Shenzhen. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?

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 Suzhou in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Suzhou.

In the summer, Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Suzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenzhen in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Suzhou averages at about 28°C (83°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. 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 Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 232 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Suzhou. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Shenzhen or Suzhou in the Autumn?

Both Suzhou and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 26°C (78°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Shenzhen usually receives more sunshine than Suzhou during autumn. Shenzhen gets 190 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 162 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Suzhou in the Winter?

Both Suzhou and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit.

Suzhou can get quite cold in the winter. Shenzhen is much warmer than Suzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Suzhou fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Shenzhen often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Suzhou receives 135 hours of full sun.

Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Suzhou in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Suzhou.

In the spring, Shenzhen is much warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenzhen in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Suzhou averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Shenzhen usually receives less sunshine than Suzhou during spring. Shenzhen gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Suzhou receives 153 hours of full sun in the spring.

Suzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)