A Travel Price Comparison for China Xigatse vs. Hongcun for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Xigatse or Hongcun?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xigatse and Hongcun 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: Xigatse or Hongcun?

Xigatse

The second largest city in Tibet behind Lhasa, Xigatse, commonly known as Shigatse, is home to sights and attractions like the Tashilhunpo Monastery, plenty of markets, and the ruins of Shigatse temple. All places of interest are fairly walkable, though auto-rickshaws are also available.

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Hongcun or Xigatse?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $62, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $53. 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 Xigatse and Hongcun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Xigatse $28
    Hongcun $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Xigatse $56
    Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Hongcun

Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Hongcun? 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 Xigatse


Hotels in Hongcun


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.
    Xigatse $13
    Hongcun $12

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Hongcun?

Prices for flights to both Hongcun and Xigatse 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
    Xigatse $24
    Hongcun $19

Typical Food Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.86
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.08

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Xigatse $14
    Hongcun $17

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Xigatse $3.18
    Hongcun $14


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

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


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