Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Shijiazhuang?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shijiazhuang or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shijiazhuang and Beijing 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: Shijiazhuang or Beijing?
Shijiazhuang
Shijiazhuang is the capital city of Hebei Province in China. It is a fairly young city, acting as the regional transport hub and economic center, though there are a few sights worth seeing. The city is also the largest pharmaceutical hub in China, as well as an important center for textile, IT, manufacturing, and chemical industries.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShijiazhuang $77Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Shijiazhuang is $77, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Shijiazhuang and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShijiazhuang $44Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShijiazhuang $88Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Shijiazhuang and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Shijiazhuang or Beijing? 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.Shijiazhuang $27Beijing $7.65
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 1-Way Private Transfer between Beijing Airport and City Hotels: $30
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $115
- transfer from the airport to the hotel: $65
- Beijing Airport Transfer From Beijing Downtown Hotel: $28
- Beijing Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 pax: $220
- Beijing Airpotrs Private Transfers: $50
- Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) Departure Transfer (Central Beijing to PEK): $87
Is it cheaper to fly into Shijiazhuang or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Shijiazhuang 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 dayShijiazhuang $18Beijing $21
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
- Private Nightlife Trip to See Wonderful Acrobatic Show Enjoy Delicious Barbecue Buffet Dinner: $96
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shijiazhuang $4.35Beijing $24
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Small Group Summer Palace Walking Tour: $5.00
- Small Group Hutongs Walking Tour : $5.00
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
- Beijing Lama Temple Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $7.00
- Temple of Heaven Ticket Booking: $7.90
- Summer Palace+Ming Tombs/Heaven Temple/China National Museum Tour: $8.00
- Confucius Temple and Imperial College Entrance Ticket : $8.00
- The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) Entrance Ticket: $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Summer Palace Admission Ticket Pre-booking Service: $8.80
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShijiazhuang $5.14Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
When comparing the travel costs between Shijiazhuang and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shijiazhuang Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shijiazhuang or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Shijiazhuang. When comparing the sizes of Shijiazhuang and Beijing, 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 Shijiazhuang or Beijing?
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 Shijiazhuang or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Shijiazhuang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In the summer, Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shijiazhuang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Shijiazhuang. In July, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Beijing. Shijiazhuang gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShijiazhuang 27°C (81°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Shijiazhuang during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Shijiazhuang is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around 15°C (59°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Shijiazhuang usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Shijiazhuang gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShijiazhuang 15°C (59°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shijiazhuang and Beijing. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Beijing can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Shijiazhuang. Shijiazhuang is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Shijiazhuang usually receives more rain than Beijing. Shijiazhuang gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShijiazhuang -2°C (29°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Shijiazhuang as well as Beijing. Also, most visitors come to Beijing for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shijiazhuang in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in April than Beijing. Shijiazhuang gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShijiazhuang 15°C (60°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Shijiazhuang
| Shijiazhuang | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | -2°C (29°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 1°C (33°F) | 9 mm (0.3 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (60°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 21°C (71°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (79°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 27°C (81°F) | 137 mm (5.4 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 26°C (79°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 21°C (70°F) | 54 mm (2.1 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 15°C (59°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 1°C (33°F) | 4 mm (0.2 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 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.