A Travel Price Comparison for China Xi'an vs. Tiger Leaping Gorge for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xi'an or Tiger Leaping Gorge?

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 Tiger Leaping Gorge 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 Tiger Leaping Gorge?

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.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge gets its name from legend, where a tiger used a great rock in the center of the gorge as a stepping stone to leap from one side to the other. It is surrounded by stunning mountain scenery on either side with the Yangtze River rushing down through its center. Visitors come to Tiger Leaping Gorge to hike and witness its natural beauty.

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.


Which place is cheaper, Tiger Leaping Gorge or Xi'an?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $94, while the average daily cost in Tiger Leaping Gorge is $42. 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 Tiger Leaping Gorge in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xi'an $60
    Tiger Leaping Gorge $13
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xi'an $120
    Tiger Leaping Gorge $26
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Tiger Leaping Gorge

Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Tiger Leaping Gorge? 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 Xian


Hotels in Tiger Leaping Gorge


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.
    Xi'an $12
    Tiger Leaping Gorge $17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:

  • Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
  • 1-Day Xi'an Layover Tour: Terracotta Army with Round Airport transfers(XIY): $100
  • 2-Day Customized Private Tour With Transfer in Historical Xi'an: $231
  • Airport Transfer] Xi'an Airport Xi'an City Transfer High reputation for service! : $27
  • Essential Xian Tour with Airport Train Station or Hotel Transfer: $197
  • From Xian: Terracotta Army and City Wall Tour with Airport Transfer: $194
  • Full-Day Layover Private Tour: Essence of Xi'an With Airport Transfer: $197
  • Mt. Hua Entrance Ticket w/ Shuttle Bus&Cable Car&Private Transfer: $224
  • One Day Private Xian Tour to Terracotta Warriors with Airport Transfers: $170
  • One-Way Airport Transfer From Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $75
  • Private 1-way Transfer: Xi'an North Station/Airport to City Hotel: $58
  • Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Airport to Hotel up to 40 pax: $300

Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Tiger Leaping Gorge?

Prices for flights to both Tiger Leaping Gorge 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Xi'an $12
    Tiger Leaping Gorge $16

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
  • Xian Muslim Quarter: 2-Hour Small Group Walking Food Tour : $36
  • Dinner and Show of Tang Dynasty Palace in Xian: $40
  • Xi'an Twilight Sightseeing and Food Tour: $51
  • Tang Dynasty Show with Optional Dinner: $51
  • Xi'an Authentic Food Tour with Local Beverages: $54
  • Xi'an Food Tour by Tuk Tuk: $62
  • 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
  • 4 Hours Food Tours in Xi'an: $72

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xi'an $35
    Tiger Leaping Gorge $15

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 Booking: $28
  • Terracotta Army Ticket: $28
  • Terracotta Warriors Tickets Booking: $35
  • Tang Dynasty Palace Show Tickets Booking: $37
  • Terra-cotta Warriors Ticket with Optional Car & Guided Service: $38
  • Xi'an City Wall: Guided Tour with Cycling Option: $43
  • Guided Leisure Walking Tour to Muslim Quarter in Xi'an: $46
  • Leisure Night Walking Tour of Xi’an: $46
  • Xi'an City Walking Tour: $46

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xi'an $7.24
    Tiger Leaping Gorge $6.37


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Tiger Leaping Gorge, we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Tiger Leaping Gorge much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tiger Leaping Gorge would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tiger Leaping Gorge 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 Tiger Leaping Gorge.

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 Tiger Leaping Gorge Expensive?.