Should I Visit Xigatse or Lijiang for Vacation? Which is Better? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive?

Should you visit Xigatse or Lijiang?

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 Lijiang 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 Lijiang?

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.

Lijiang

Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to China, The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing.

Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Xigatse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

Xigatse Prices
China Prices

Lijiang Prices
China Prices
Average Daily Cost Per person, per day

Xigatse $78

Lijiang $53

The average daily cost (per person) in Xigatse is $78, while the average daily cost in Lijiang 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 Lijiang in more detail.

Accommodation

Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person

Xigatse $28

Lijiang $15
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room

Xigatse $56

Lijiang $30

Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Lijiang

Looking for a hotel in Xigatse or Lijiang? 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

Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.

Xigatse $12

Lijiang $5.54

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang

Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
Ethnic Costume Photoshoot with Hotel Transfers: $128
Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Lijiang?

Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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 $40

Lijiang $29

Typical Food Prices in Lijiang

For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:

Lunch for Two

$4.11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang

For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59

Entertainment

Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.

Xigatse $13

Lijiang $19

Tours and Activities in Lijiang

For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La: $170
1-Day Private Tour to Lijiang Highlights: $297
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour by public coach: $189
3days Dali Lijiang highlights tour start from Kunming: $700
4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $72
7-Day Yunnan Culture & Nature Tour: $1,008
All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang: $221
Beautiful Country road Biking tour to Xinhua village Heqing start from Lijiang: $173
Biking tour&guide visit Lijiang baisha village market park: $50
China: 18-Day Tour with Shanghai, Guilin,Yunnan and Beijing: $4,050
Country Biking tour to lashi lake Lamaism temple baisha village from Lijiang: $180

Alcohol

Alcohol Drinks for one day

Xigatse $3.13

Lijiang $7.80

How are these travel costs calculated?

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

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

Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Lijiang?

Lijiang has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Xigatse. When comparing the sizes of Xigatse and Lijiang, 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.

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

Should you visit Xigatse or Lijiang?

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

Where Should I go: Xigatse or Lijiang?

Xigatse

Lijiang

Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Xigatse?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Lijiang

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Lijiang?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Lijiang

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Lijiang

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Lijiang?

Related Articles for Xigatse

Related Articles for Lijiang

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

Should you visit Xigatse or Lijiang?

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

Where Should I go: Xigatse or Lijiang?

Xigatse

Lijiang

Which place is cheaper, Lijiang or Xigatse?

Accommodation

Compare Hotels in Xigatse and Lijiang

Local Transportation

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang

Is it cheaper to fly into Xigatse or Lijiang?

Food

Typical Food Prices in Lijiang

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang

Entertainment

Tours and Activities in Lijiang

Alcohol

Which is Bigger, Xigatse or Lijiang?

Related Articles for Xigatse

Related Articles for Lijiang

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