A Travel Price Comparison for China Suzhou vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Suzhou or Shenyang?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Suzhou and Shenyang 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: Suzhou or Shenyang?

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Suzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Suzhou is $102, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $70. 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 Suzhou and Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Suzhou $38
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Suzhou $76
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Suzhou and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Suzhou or Shenyang? 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 Suzhou


Hotels in Shenyang


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.
    Suzhou $57
    Shenyang $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Suzhou Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Railway Station: $25
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Shanghai Pudong Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $280
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport - Suzhou Chauffeur Service,Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Private Transfer to Hangzhou City from Suzhou: $113

Is it cheaper to fly into Suzhou or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang and Suzhou 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
    Suzhou $32
    Shenyang $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Suzhou

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

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour With Locals: $55
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145
  • Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Lunch or Dinner Option: $154

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Suzhou $9.34
    Shenyang $7.70

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

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

  • Private Shanghai City Tour from Suzhou by Bullet Train with Drop off Option: $232
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $71
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $127
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
  • All Inclusive Suzhou Highlight Tour with Boat Ride and Lunch: $179
  • Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $213
  • Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $248
  • Flexible Shanghai Private Day Tour from Suzhou by Bullet Train: $208
  • Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $153

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Suzhou $6.41
    Shenyang $5.83


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

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


Which is Bigger, Suzhou or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Suzhou. When comparing the sizes of Suzhou and Shenyang, 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 Suzhou or Shenyang?

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 Suzhou or Shenyang in the Summer?

Both Shenyang and Suzhou during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Suzhou is a little warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Suzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Shenyang averages at about 25°C (77°F).

In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Suzhou. In the summer, Suzhou often gets more sunshine than Shenyang. Suzhou gets 232 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun.

Shenyang gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. Suzhou usually gets less rain in July than Shenyang. Suzhou gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Shenyang in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Suzhou and Shenyang.

In October, Suzhou is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Suzhou average around 19°C (65°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during autumn. Suzhou gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Suzhou gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Shenyang in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Suzhou as well as Shenyang.

The weather in Shenyang can be very cold. Suzhou can be very cold during winter. Suzhou is much warmer than Shenyang in the winter. The daily temperature in Suzhou averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).

In the winter, Suzhou often gets less sunshine than Shenyang. Suzhou gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun.

Suzhou usually gets more rain in January than Shenyang. Suzhou gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Suzhou or Shenyang in the Spring?

Both Shenyang and Suzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Suzhou is a little warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Suzhou in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (50°F).

It's quite sunny in Shenyang. Suzhou usually receives less sunshine than Shenyang during spring. Suzhou gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Suzhou. In April, Suzhou usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Suzhou gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Suzhou

Suzhou Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)