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

Should you visit Shijiazhuang or Hongcun?

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 Hongcun 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 Hongcun?

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.

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

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 Hongcun, we can see that Shijiazhuang is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Shijiazhuang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shijiazhuang than you might in Hongcun.

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

When is the best time to visit Shijiazhuang or Hongcun?

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 Hongcun in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shijiazhuang and Hongcun.

In the summer, Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Hongcun. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shijiazhuang in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Hongcun averages at about 29°C (85°F).

Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shijiazhuang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Shijiazhuang gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Hongcun in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shijiazhuang as well as Hongcun.

In October, Shijiazhuang is generally cooler than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around 15°C (59°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in October than Hongcun. Shijiazhuang gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Hongcun in the Winter?

Both Hongcun and Shijiazhuang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Hongcun can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Shijiazhuang. Shijiazhuang is much colder than Hongcun in the winter. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around -2°C (29°F) in January, and Hongcun fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Shijiazhuang gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Hongcun in the Spring?

Both Hongcun and Shijiazhuang during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Hongcun. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shijiazhuang in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Hongcun averages at about 17°C (62°F).

Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in April than Hongcun. Shijiazhuang gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hongcun and Shijiazhuang