Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Xi'an or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xi'an and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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: Xi'an or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $94Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $94, while the average daily cost in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $57. 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 Xi'an and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $60Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $120Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Xi'an $12Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Airport Transfer: $17
- Private Arrival Transfer: Xi'an Central Train Station to Hotel: $21
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Xi'an Hotel to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): $25
- Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $27
- Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Private Departure Transfer:Xi'an City Hotel to Any Xi'an Railway Station: $30
- Xi'an North Railway Station Transfer To Downtown Hotel: $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
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Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.59
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Xi'an 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
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Food Meals for one dayXi'an $12Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $19
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Private Home Cooking Class:Dumpling Cooking Class Tour in Xi'an: $50
- Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
- Tang Dynasty Dinner Show: $55
- Half-day Xi'an Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class with Spice Market Visit: $65
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Private Xi’an Night & Food Tour by Tuk Tuk and Public Transportation: $67
- Xi'an Evening Food Tour by TukTuk: $69
- 3-Hour Biang Biang Noodles Cooking Class in Xi'an: $75
- Authentic Old Xi'an Back Street Food Tour : $75
- Authentic Muslim Alley Food Tour in Xi'an: $75
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $35Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Group Walking Tour(NO Shopping): $18
- Terra-cotta Warriors Entrance Ticket with Optional Guided Service: $26
- Terracotta Warriors 5-Hour Private Tour w/ Optional Pickup Point: $26
- Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
- Group Bus Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Hotel Pickup & Lunch: $35
- Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
- Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
- Half Day Walking Tour around Xi'an Peaceful Old Downtown Area: $38
- Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
- Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
- Xi'an City Walking Tour: $46
- Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$64
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.24Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an than you might in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xi'an Expensive? and Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.