A Travel Price Comparison for China Xiamen vs. Benxi for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xiamen or Benxi?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xiamen and Benxi 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: Xiamen or Benxi?

Xiamen

Xiamen is a coastal city in the Fujian Province of China and has been a major port city and gateway to China for centuries. This vibrant and modern city was named the most livable city in the world in 2002 and one of the first cities to be named a Special Economic Zone. Xiamen is best known for being home to Gulangyu Island, a beautiful island full of historic colonial buildings and lovely walking paths.

Benxi

Benxi, China is a city in the south east of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The city itself is a major industrial hub, but is best known for the Benxi Shuidong National Park where you'll find the famous five million year old water cave. Benxi experiences cold winters, with weather being less enjoyable for touring from November through March. May through August see much warmer weather, getting up to the high 80's Fahrenheit in late summer. September and October are also good times to visit as temperatures cool to 60-70 degrees.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Benxi or Xiamen?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Xiamen is $64, while the average daily cost in Benxi is $95. 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 Xiamen and Benxi in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xiamen $31
    Benxi $47
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xiamen $62
    Benxi $94
Compare Hotels in Xiamen and Benxi

Looking for a hotel in Xiamen or Benxi? 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 Xiamen


Hotels in Benxi


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.
    Xiamen $6.02
    Benxi $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xiamen

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

  • Private Arrival Transfer from Gaoqi Airport to Xiamen City Hotel: $10
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Transfers in Xiamen City: $12
  • Private Departure Transfer to North Railway Station from Downtown Xiamen: $15
  • Xiamen Railway Station Private Transfer to Gaoqi Airport : $19
  • Xiamen North Railway Station Private Transfer from City Area: $19
  • Private Xiamen Gaoqi Airport Arrival Transfer to City Area: $30
  • Private Transfer between Riyue Gu Hotspring Resort and Xiamen City : $32
  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Xiamen Airport Transfer: $47
  • Private Transfer Between Xiamen City and HongKeng Hakka Tulou Cluster: $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Gaobei Tulou Cluster: $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hua’an Earth Building: $89
  • Private Transfer between Xiamen City and Hui'an county in Quanzhou: $89

Is it cheaper to fly into Xiamen or Benxi?

Prices for flights to both Benxi and Xiamen 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
    Xiamen $26
    Benxi $31

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xiamen $16
    Benxi $7.34

Tours and Activities in Xiamen

For Xiamen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Xiamen Private Half Day Tour of Gulangyu Island and Shuzhuang Garden: $97
  • Private Xiamen Half Day Tour to Gulangyu Island and the Hi Heaven Villa: $97
  • A Night Tour to Xiamen Gulang Island: $100
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour to Experience Xiamen Botanical Garden: $105
  • Private Xiamen Sea Food Market & Zhongshan Road Shopping and Eating Experience: $107
  • Flexible Xiamen Private Half Day Tour with Meal Option: $109
  • Flexible Private Half-Day Tour to Visit the Top Attraction Xiamen Yuanbo Garden: $110
  • Day Tour to Admire the Panorama of Gulangyu Island and Visit the Precious Birds: $110
  • 4-hour Xiamen Private Flexible Tour in Your Way: $113
  • Xiamen Half-Day Private Tour include Gulang Yu Island and Garden : $119
  • 4-Hour Xiamen Private Shore Excursion Tour in Your Way: $121
  • Xiamen Layover Day Tour-Gulangyu,Shuzhuang Garden And Piano Museum: $132

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xiamen $17
    Benxi $7.74


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

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


Which is Bigger, Xiamen or Benxi?

Benxi has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Xiamen. When comparing the sizes of Xiamen and Benxi, 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 Xiamen or Benxi?

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 Xiamen or Benxi in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Xiamen as well as Benxi.

In July, Xiamen is generally a little warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 30°C (86°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 25°C (78°F).

It's quite rainy in Benxi. Xiamen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Xiamen usually gets less rain in July than Benxi. Xiamen gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 211 mm (8.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Xiamen 30°C (86°F) 
    Benxi 25°C (78°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Benxi in the Autumn?

Both Benxi and Xiamen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

Xiamen is much warmer than Benxi in the autumn. The daily temperature in Xiamen averages around 25°C (77°F) in October, and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In October, Xiamen usually receives less rain than Benxi. Xiamen gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Xiamen 25°C (77°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Benxi in the Winter?

Both Benxi and Xiamen during the winter are popular places to visit.

Benxi can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Xiamen is much warmer than Benxi. Typically, the winter temperatures in Xiamen in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Benxi averages at about -10°C (14°F).

Xiamen usually gets more rain in January than Benxi. Xiamen gets 37 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Xiamen 14°C (58°F) 
    Benxi -10°C (14°F)

Should I visit Xiamen or Benxi in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Xiamen and Benxi.

In April, Xiamen is generally much warmer than Benxi. Daily temperatures in Xiamen average around 20°C (69°F), and Benxi fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Xiamen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Xiamen usually receives more rain than Benxi. Xiamen gets 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain, while Benxi receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Xiamen 20°C (69°F) 
    Benxi 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Benxi and Xiamen

Xiamen Benxi
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) -10°C (14°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 14°C (57°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) -7°C (20°F) 11 mm (0.4 in)
Mar 16°C (61°F) 99 mm (3.9 in) 2°C (35°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 20°C (69°F) 147 mm (5.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
May 24°C (76°F) 152 mm (6 in) 18°C (64°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jun 27°C (81°F) 197 mm (7.7 in) 22°C (72°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 25°C (78°F) 211 mm (8.3 in)
Aug 30°C (85°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (76°F) 167 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 18°C (65°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 25°C (77°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Nov 21°C (69°F) 37 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 25 mm (1 in) -7°C (20°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)