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

Should you visit Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang 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: Shijiazhuang or Nanjing?

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.

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 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.


Which place is cheaper, Nanjing or Shijiazhuang?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Shijiazhuang is $77, 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 Shijiazhuang and Nanjing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shijiazhuang $44
    Nanjing $46
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shijiazhuang $88
    Nanjing $92
Compare Hotels in Shijiazhuang and Nanjing

Looking for a hotel in Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang


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.
    Shijiazhuang $27
    Nanjing $39

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $53
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $63
  • Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $178
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $33
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Nanjing Lukou Intl Airport (NKG) to Nanjing hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $66
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $116
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer to Lukou International Airport: $45
  • Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfers: $163
  • Nanjing to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Train Station Transfer: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Shijiazhuang or Nanjing?

Prices for flights to both Nanjing 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Shijiazhuang $19
    Nanjing $28

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.
    Shijiazhuang $4.37
    Nanjing $9.33

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
  • Zhenjiang Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver service : $101
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing City Private Tailor-Made Tour in Your Way : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122
  • Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Professional Guide and Driver Service: $126

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shijiazhuang $5.16
    Nanjing $9.53


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shijiazhuang and Nanjing, we can see that Nanjing 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 Nanjing would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nanjing 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 Nanjing Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shijiazhuang or Nanjing?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Shijiazhuang. When comparing the sizes of Shijiazhuang 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 Shijiazhuang or Nanjing?

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 Nanjing in the Summer?

Both Nanjing and Shijiazhuang are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Nanjing in the summer. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nanjing fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nanjing. It's quite rainy in Shijiazhuang. In July, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Shijiazhuang gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shijiazhuang 27°C (81°F) 
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Nanjing in the Autumn?

Both Nanjing and Shijiazhuang during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Shijiazhuang is cooler than Nanjing. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shijiazhuang in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Nanjing averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in October than Nanjing. Shijiazhuang gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (59°F) 
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Nanjing in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Shijiazhuang and Nanjing.

The weather in Nanjing can be very cold. Shijiazhuang can be very cold during winter. In January, Shijiazhuang is generally much colder than Nanjing. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around -2°C (29°F), and Nanjing fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Nanjing. Shijiazhuang gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shijiazhuang -2°C (29°F) 
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Nanjing in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Shijiazhuang as well as Nanjing.

Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Nanjing in the spring. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Nanjing fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Nanjing. Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in April than Nanjing. Shijiazhuang gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Nanjing receives 101 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (60°F) 
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F)

Typical Weather for Nanjing and Shijiazhuang

Shijiazhuang Nanjing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in)
May 21°C (71°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in)