A Travel Price Comparison for China Shijiazhuang vs. Dalian for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shijiazhuang or Dalian?

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 Dalian 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 Dalian?

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.

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern China.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shijiazhuang and Dalian, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. And not only is Shijiazhuang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Shijiazhuang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Shijiazhuang 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 Dalian would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dalian than you might in Shijiazhuang.

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

Which is Bigger, Shijiazhuang or Dalian?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Shijiazhuang. When comparing the sizes of Shijiazhuang and Dalian, 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 Dalian?

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 Shijiazhuang or Dalian in the Summer?

Both Dalian and Shijiazhuang during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Shijiazhuang is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shijiazhuang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Dalian averages at about 24°C (75°F).

Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shijiazhuang. Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in July than Dalian. Shijiazhuang gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Dalian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shijiazhuang and Dalian.

In October, Shijiazhuang is generally around the same temperature as Dalian. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around 15°C (59°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In October, Shijiazhuang usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dalian. Shijiazhuang gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Dalian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shijiazhuang as well as Dalian.

The weather in Dalian can be very cold. Shijiazhuang can be very cold during winter. Shijiazhuang is much warmer than Dalian in the winter. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Dalian fluctuates around -4°C (25°F).

Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in January than Dalian. Shijiazhuang gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Dalian in the Spring?

Both Dalian and Shijiazhuang are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Shijiazhuang is a little warmer than Dalian. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shijiazhuang in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Dalian averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In April, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Dalian. Shijiazhuang gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dalian and Shijiazhuang