A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Shijiazhuang vs. Nara for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Shijiazhuang or Nara?

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 Nara 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 Nara?

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.

Nara

As Japan's first capital, Nara offers a world of tradition and culture second only to the city of Kyoto. It is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which are largely concentrated in the area of Nara Park. Here, it is also common to see many deer wandering freely amongst the temples and shrines.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Nara or Shijiazhuang?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Shijiazhuang Prices
    China Prices
    Nara Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shijiazhuang $91
    Nara $111

The average daily cost (per person) in Shijiazhuang is $91, while the average daily cost in Nara is $111. 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 Nara in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shijiazhuang $44
    Nara $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shijiazhuang $88
    Nara $108
Compare Hotels in Shijiazhuang and Nara

Looking for a hotel in Shijiazhuang or Nara? 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 Nara


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nara Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Shijiazhuang $27
    Nara $6.04

Is it cheaper to fly into Shijiazhuang or Nara?

Prices for flights to both Nara 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 $32
    Nara $51

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nara

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

  • Handmade Soba and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $49
  • Udon and Tempura Cooking Class in Nara: $52
  • Nara Personalized Half Day Food Tour with a Local Guide: $160
  • Taste of Nara A Guided Half Day Food Tour Tailored to Your Taste: $160
  • Full Day Nara E bike Tour and Osaka History Food Tour: $200

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shijiazhuang $4.41
    Nara $8.09

Tours and Activities in Nara

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

  • Gripped Sumi Ink Experience at a Historic Workshop in Nara: $23
  • Naramachi walking tour with Local: $31
  • Nara Highlight Walking Tour with Furoshiki Experience with Lunch: $35
  • All must-sees in 3 hours - Nara Park Classic Tour! From JR Nara!: $45
  • Perfect Nara Park Half-Day Bus Tour with English Speaking Guide: $69
  • Uji Tea Ceremony and UNESCO Heritage Walking Tour: $70
  • Kyoto: Tea Museum and Tsuen Teahouse Guided Tour: $74
  • Nara - Highlights Bike Tour: $76
  • Nara Early Morning Tour (Kyoto or Osaka Departure Available): $79
  • First Time Nara Tour UNESCO Sites with Lunch and Deer Feed: $83
  • Nara Todaiji Lazy Bird Walking Tour: $92
  • Nara World Heritage PRIVATE TOUR: $102

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shijiazhuang $5.21
    Nara $12


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


Which is Bigger, Shijiazhuang or Nara?

Shijiazhuang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Nara. When comparing the sizes of Shijiazhuang and Nara, 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 Nara?

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 Nara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shijiazhuang and Nara. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nara in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Nara in the summer. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nara fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

Nara 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 Nara. Shijiazhuang gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Nara receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Shijiazhuang 27°C (81°F) 
    Nara 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Nara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shijiazhuang as well as Nara. Additionally, most visitors come to Nara for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

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

It's quite rainy in Nara. Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in October than Nara. Shijiazhuang gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Nara in the Winter?

Both Nara and Shijiazhuang are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nara because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Nara can be very cold. Shijiazhuang can be very cold during winter. In January, Shijiazhuang is generally much colder than Nara. Daily temperatures in Shijiazhuang average around -2°C (29°F), and Nara fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

In January, Shijiazhuang usually receives less rain than Nara. Shijiazhuang gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nara receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shijiazhuang -2°C (29°F) 
    Nara 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Shijiazhuang or Nara in the Spring?

Both Nara and Shijiazhuang during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nara this time of year.

Shijiazhuang is around the same temperature as Nara in the spring. The daily temperature in Shijiazhuang averages around 15°C (60°F) in April, and Nara fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Nara gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Shijiazhuang usually gets less rain in April than Nara. Shijiazhuang gets 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Nara receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shijiazhuang 15°C (60°F) 
    Nara 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Nara and Shijiazhuang

Shijiazhuang Nara
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -2°C (29°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Feb 1°C (33°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 5°C (40°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 127 mm (5 in)
May 21°C (71°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 19°C (65°F) 128 mm (5.1 in)
Jun 26°C (79°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 23°C (73°F) 214 mm (8.4 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 27°C (80°F) 186 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 24°C (74°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 1°C (33°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)