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

Should you visit Tianjin or Shenyang?

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

Should I visit Tianjin or Shenyang? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Tianjin or Shenyang?

Tianjin

Tianjin is a large metropolis on the north east coast of China. This ancient city, which dates back to prehistoric times, is one of five National Central Cities of China and is rich in culture and history. Tianjin is most famous for its beautiful walking streets and history of European concession territories.

Tianjin experiences hot and humid summers, with temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are cool and dry with temperatures around 15° (F). Spring and Autumn tend to be the best times to visit as weather is a little more mild, although Spring has a tendency to be a little rainy.

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 10-Day Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Tianjin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Tianjin is $78, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $72. 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 Tianjin and Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tianjin $35
    Shenyang $42
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tianjin $70
    Shenyang $84
Compare Hotels in Tianjin and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Tianjin 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 Tianjin


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.
    Tianjin $37
    Shenyang $20

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Tianjin

Also for Tianjin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Tianjin Railway Station Private Transfer to Cruise Port: $32
  • Tianjin Private Transfer to Gubei Water Town and Simatai Great Wall: $196
  • Tianjin Private Transfer from Tianjin central to Tianjin Binhai Airport (TSN): $121
  • Tianjin Private Round Trip Transfer to Huangyaguan Pass and Eastern Qing Tombs: $132
  • Tianjin Port Private transfers to Tianjin train station: $52
  • Tianjin International Cruise Port Private Transfer to City Hotels : $80
  • Tianjin International Cruise Port Pick up or Drop off with Private Transfer: $130
  • Tianjin Cruise Port to Hotels in Beijing Downtown Shared Transfer: $66
  • Tianjin Cruise Port to Hotel in Beijing Downtown Private Transfer: $105
  • Tianjin Cruise Port Transfer To Tianjin Airport one way private transfer: $50
  • Tianjin Binhai International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Tianjin Binhai Airport(TSN) to Arrival Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Tianjin or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang and Tianjin 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
    Tianjin $21
    Shenyang $19

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tianjin $11
    Shenyang $7.90

Tours and Activities in Tianjin

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tianjin.

  • 1 Day Tianjin City Essence Tour from Tianjin Port: $235
  • 2 Days Beijing Group Tour from Tianjin Port without Shop Stops: $276
  • 4-Hour Shore Excursion: Tianjin City Highlights and Binhai Bullet Train Experience: $259
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion Private Shopping Tour: $120
  • 4-Hour Tianjin Shore Excursion to Shijia Mansion with Bullet Train Experience: $210
  • 5-Hour Private Tianjin Shopping Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $179
  • All-inclusive Day Tour: China House, Five Avenues, Ancient Street & Tianjin Eye: $224
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Beijing Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Great Wall: $239
  • Bullet Train Private Tour: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven: $219
  • From Tianjin Xingang Port: Private 2-Day Beijing Tour: $550
  • Huangyaguan Great Wall Layover Tour from Tianjin Cruise Port: $265
  • One Day Huangyaguan Great Wall And Qing Tomb Tour Of Beijing: $260

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tianjin $11
    Shenyang $5.98


When comparing the travel costs between Tianjin and Shenyang, we can see that Tianjin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Tianjin or Shenyang?

Tianjin has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Shenyang. When comparing the sizes of Tianjin 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 Tianjin or Shenyang?

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 Tianjin or Shenyang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Tianjin and Shenyang.

In the summer, Tianjin is around the same temperature as Shenyang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tianjin in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Shenyang averages at about 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shenyang this time of the year. In Tianjin, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tianjin usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang during summer. Tianjin gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 214 hours of full sun in the summer.

Shenyang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tianjin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Tianjin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shenyang. Tianjin gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tianjin 27°C (80°F) 
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Shenyang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Tianjin as well as Shenyang.

In October, Tianjin is generally a little warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Tianjin average around 15°C (58°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Shenyang. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tianjin this time of the year. In the autumn, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang. Tianjin gets 227 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 216 hours of full sun.

Tianjin usually gets less rain in October than Shenyang. Tianjin gets 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tianjin 15°C (58°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Shenyang in the Winter?

Both Shenyang and Tianjin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

Shenyang can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Tianjin. Tianjin is much warmer than Shenyang in the winter. The daily temperature in Tianjin averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tianjin. Tianjin usually receives more sunshine than Shenyang during winter. Tianjin gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Shenyang receives 167 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Tianjin usually receives less rain than Shenyang. Tianjin gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tianjin -3°C (27°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Tianjin or Shenyang in the Spring?

Both Shenyang and Tianjin during the spring are popular places to visit.

In the spring, Tianjin is a little warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tianjin in April average around 14°C (58°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In Shenyang, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tianjin. In the spring, Tianjin often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Shenyang. Tianjin gets 247 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shenyang receives 241 hours of full sun.

Tianjin usually gets less rain in April than Shenyang. Tianjin gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tianjin 14°C (58°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Tianjin

Tianjin Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb -1°C (31°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 9 mm (0.3 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 14°C (58°F) 25 mm (1 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 27°C (80°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 26°C (79°F) 155 mm (6.1 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 21°C (70°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 15°C (58°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 11 mm (0.4 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)


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