Which place is cheaper, Pingyao or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Xi'an or Pingyao?
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 Pingyao 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 Pingyao?
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.
Pingyao
Pingyao is a small city in the Shanxi Province of China, dating back over 2700 years. The city is most famous for their old town, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The old town is one of the best preserved ancient walled cities in the world dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties.
The climate in Pingyao is influenced by monsoons, and therefore gets hot and humid summers and chillier springs. Autumn is a great time to visit as temperatures are fairly mild-in the 50-60's Fahrenheit- and you can avoid the heavy rains of summer. Winter is also a pleasant time to visit, especially since temperatures tend not to dip below 30 and there is not much snow or bad weather.
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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Xi'an Prices
China PricesPingyao Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $104Pingyao $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $104, while the average daily cost in Pingyao is $68. 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 Pingyao in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $61Pingyao $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $122Pingyao $46
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Pingyao
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Pingyao? 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 $12Pingyao $13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Airport Transfer: $18
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Private Transfer from Xi'an hotel to Xi'an train station: $27
- Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Xian to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $28
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $28
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
- Xi'an Terracotta Army Tickets with Optional Guide/Transfer: $30
- Xi'an Private Transfer: From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) to Hotel in Xi'an: $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Pingyao
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Pingyao:
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Taxi to Train Station$1.39
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pingyao
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Pingyao:
- Private Round-Trip Transfer Service to Wutaishan from Pingyao: $190
- Private Transfer Servcie to Mianshan (Mian Mountain) from Pingyao: $60
- Privater Transfer from Datong to Pingyao with driver: $115
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Pingyao?
Prices for flights to both Pingyao 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 $22Pingyao $34
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $30
- Xian Tang Dynasty Show -Optional Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $32
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $33
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $33
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Music Dance Show or Dinner Show with Transfer: $35
- Xian Food Tour in Muslim Quarter: $36
- Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $58
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
Typical Food Prices in Pingyao
Some typical examples of dining costs in Pingyao are as follows:
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Casual Lunch (for 2)$5.01
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Mango Juice$0.70
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $36Pingyao $19
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall South Gate (Yongningmen North Side ) E Ticket: $17
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $18
- Qin Terra-cotta Warrior Tour by Bus: $18
- Huaqing Palace Tickets with Optional show of Xi'an incident: $20
- Xi'an ：City Wall Entry Electronic Ticket: $22
- Xi'an Morning Terracotta Army Tour with Local Lunch: $23
- Terracotta Army Ticket Booking: Skip the Line & Free Cancellation: $24
- Private Half Day Tour to See The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pingyao
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Pingyao are as follows:
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All Day Bike Rental (for 2)$2.78
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Temple Entrance Fee (for 2)$6.96
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Bike Parking Fee (for 2)$0.56
Tours and Activities in Pingyao
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Pingyao are as follows:
- Shuanglin Temple Tour or Entry Ticket Only Option: $18
- Half-Day Private Walking Tour of Pingyao Ancient City: $62
- All Inclusive Pingyao Private Tour to Qiao Family Compound and Shuanglin Temple: $142
- Pingyao Ancient City Full-Day Walking Tour: $145
- Pingyao Day Tour: Wang Family Mansion and Zhangbi Ancient Castle: $156
- Private Tour: Wang's Family Compound and Shuanglin Temple From Pingyao: $158
- Private Day Tour in Pingyao Including Zhenguo and Shuanglin Temple: $164
- Xi'an Private Museum and Muslim Quarter Day Tour: $165
- 1-Day Pingyao Ancient Town Sightseeing Walking Tour: $170
- One Day Tour Exploration of Pingyao Old Town and Wang Family Mansion: $183
- Pingyao in One Day: Including City Highlights and Shuanglin Temple Private Tour : $204
- Private Day Tour: Pingyao Highlights of Old Town and City Wall: $205
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.29Pingyao $13
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Pingyao, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Pingyao much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pingyao would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pingyao 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 Pingyao.
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 Pingyao Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Xi'an or Pingyao?
Xi'an has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Pingyao. When comparing the sizes of Xi'an and Pingyao, 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.
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.