Should you visit Xi'an or Shenyang?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel cost comparison between Xi'an and Shenyang can help. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
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.
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!
Which city is cheaper, Shenyang or Xi'an?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $84, while the average daily cost in Shenyang is $63. 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 city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Xi'an and Shenyang in more detail.
Accommodation
The average price for accommodation for two people in Xi'an is $108. This is for two people sharing a typical double occupancy hotel room.
An average hotel room with basic furnishings costs about $72 in Shenyang For the most convenient locations and nicer amenities you can expect to pay a bit more.
Food
In Xi'an travelers spend around $11 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
In Shenyang travelers spend around $16 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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Food
Meals for one day
Xi'an $11
Shenyang $16
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenyang
For Shenyang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
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3-Hour Private Food Tour in Shenyang City:
$200
Local Transportation
While taxis and private drivers typically cost much more than public transportation, people usually spend around $11 per day to get around in Xi'an.
Public transportation tends to be much less expensive in Shenyang than paying for a taxi or private car service, as is expected. Typically, people spend $17 on transportation in Shenyang on average per day.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenyang
Also for Shenyang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
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Private Departure Transfer:Hotel to Shenyang Taoxian International Airport(SHE):
$36
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Private Full-Day Shenyang City Car Transfer Service:
$150
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Private Round-Round Transfer:Shenyang Taoxian International Airport(SHE):
$72
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Private Shenyang Airport Arrival Transfer to City Hotels:
$79
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Shenyang Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel:
$56
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Shenyang Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport:
$56
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Shenyang Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station:
$56
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Shenyang Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station:
$36
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Shenyang Private Transfer from Shenyang central to Shenyang Airport (SHE):
$107
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Shenyang Xiantao Airport Chauffeur Service , Shenyang Airport Transfer,Pickup:
$52
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Shenyang Xiantao Airport Chauffeur Service , Shenyang Airport Transfer,Pickup:
$160
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Shenyang Xiantao Airport Chauffeur Service, Shenyang Airport Transfer, Pickup:
$27
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Shenyang?
Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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.
Entertainment
Activities, things to do, and other forms of entertainment usually cost around $31 per person, per day in Xi'an. This cost includes the price of admission tickets to attractions and museums as well as daily tours.
Sightseeing expenses in Shenyang, including the cost of admission tickets for day tours, museums, and attractions, usually cost an average of $6.88 per day, per person.
Tours and Activities in Shenyang
For Shenyang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
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Shenyang City Historical Highlight Private Day Tour:
$123
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Private Day Tour to Shenyang Imperial Palace, Zhaoling Mausoleum and Fuling Tomb:
$129
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3-Hour Private Shenyang Imperial Palace Tour:
$150
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4-Hour Private Tour to Shenyang Zhongshan Square and Xingshun Night Market:
$180
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Half-Day Private Tour to Shenyang Imperial Palace and Zhongjie:
$180
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Private Classic Shenyang City Day Tour including Imperial Palace:
$200
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All-Inclusive Private Day Tour to Red Beach in Panjin City from Shenyang:
$400
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The Best of Shenyang Walking Tour:
$498
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Romantic Tour in Shenyang:
$498
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Xi'an may vary from person to person, on average a person spends $6.47 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Typically, people visiting Shenyang spend on average $5.20 on alcoholic beverages per person, per day.
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Shenyang, we can see that Xi'an 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 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 Shenyang.
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