A Travel Price Comparison for China Zhangjiajie vs. Beijing for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Beijing?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zhangjiajie and Beijing. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Zhangjiajie or Beijing?

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Zhangjiajie?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $63, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $78. 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 Zhangjiajie and Beijing in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Beijing $40
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Beijing $80
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Beijing

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Beijing? 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 Zhangjiajie


Hotels in Beijing


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.
    Zhangjiajie $14
    Beijing $7.68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $63
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Aizhai bridge area: $187
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie to/from Fenghuang : $149

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:


  • Taxi
    $4.74
  • Train from Airport for Two
    $6.95
  • Taxi to Hotel
    $8.34
  • 2 Metro Passes
    $2.22
  • Metro
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:

  • Beijing Layover Tour with Hutong, Temple of Heaven and Airport Transfer: $296
  • Beijing to Zun Hua Explore Qing Emperor's Tombs By Car Transfer : $285
  • Private Transfer to Beidaihe Summer Resort from Beijing: $272
  • 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
  • Beijing Layover Private Tour: City Highlights With Airport Transfer: $250
  • Beijing Layover of Comprehensive City Tour With Airport Transfer: $240
  • Private Transfer from Tianjin Cruise Port to Beijing with stop at Great Wall : $221
  • Visit Great Wall With Beijing Capital Airport Round-Way Transfer : $215
  • Private Transfer between Beijing and Qinhuangdao: $208
  • Private Transfer between Beijing and Beidaihe: $208
  • Private Round Trip Transfer to Chengde from Beijing with English speaking driver: $208
  • Private Transfer Service: 2-Day Wulan Butong Grassland from Beijing: $208

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Beijing?

Prices for flights to both Beijing and Zhangjiajie 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
    Zhangjiajie $20
    Beijing $21

Typical Food Prices in Beijing

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:


  • Popcorn
    $0.83
  • Hot Pot Dinner
    $6.95
  • Dumpling Breakfast for Two
    $2.78
  • Watermelon
    $1.95
  • Peking Duck Dinner for 2
    $17
  • Two Popsicles
    $0.83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.

  • Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
  • Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
  • Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
  • Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
  • 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
  • Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
  • 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
  • Old Beijing Dinner Tour: $80
  • Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
  • Private Nightlife Trip to See Wonderful Acrobatic Show Enjoy Delicious Barbecue Buffet Dinner: $96
  • Peking Duck Dinner with Face Changing show and Massage Option: $98

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Beijing $24

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.

  • Virtual Guided Tour: Visit China's Landscapes with Hollywood Movies: $16
  • Baofeng Lake Admission Ticket in Zhangjiajie (with Boat Ride): $37
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge Ticket: $57
  • Tianmen Mountain day tour: $96
  • Full-Day Private Tour of Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) National Forest Park: $115
  • Join-in Tour: Day Tour to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge : $125
  • 1-day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Tour: $132
  • 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
  • 1-day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour with Tianmen Cave: $137
  • 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
  • Private Day Tour of Baofeng Lake and Yellow Dragon Cave: $140
  • 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142

Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing

Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entry to Summer Palace for Two
    $8.34
  • Two Opera Tickets
    $59
  • Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)
    $9.73
  • Forbidden City (for 2)
    $17
  • Forbidden City Tickets
    $17
  • Audio Guides at Forbidden City
    $11

Tours and Activities in Beijing

Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 4 hours Deep Forbidden City Private Tour by Knowledgeable Guide.: $80
  • 4-Hour Beijing Layover Tour to Hutong from Daxing Airport: $145
  • All Inclusive Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace Private Tour: $188
  • All Inclusive Private Summer Palace, Mutianyu Great Wall Day Tour: $204
  • Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with English Driver : $120
  • Beijing Private Tour of Ming Tombs, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube: $297
  • China Art Museum and 798 Art Zone Private Tour: $137
  • Classic One Day Beijing Tour: $290
  • Forbidden City Tour : $110
  • Full Day Private Tour Incredible Beijing City Highlights: $179
  • Jinshanling&Gubeikou Great Wall Private One Day Tour With Guide: $130
  • Lama temple -Confucius temple - DongYue temple Private Cultural Tour: $156

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Beijing $12

Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:

  • Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
  • Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
  • Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $163
  • Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $228


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Beijing?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Beijing, 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.


When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie or Beijing?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Beijing in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Beijing. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).

It's quite rainy in Beijing. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in July than Beijing. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Beijing 27°C (80°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Beijing in the Autumn?

Both Beijing and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.

In October, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Beijing. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Beijing 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Beijing in the Winter?

Both Beijing and Zhangjiajie during the winter are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).

Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in January than Beijing. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Beijing -4°C (26°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Beijing in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Beijing. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Beijing. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Beijing 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Beijing and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Beijing
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -4°C (26°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) -1°C (30°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 26 mm (1 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 20°C (68°F) 29 mm (1.1 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 27°C (80°F) 176 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (78°F) 182 mm (7.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (29°F) 2 mm (0.1 in)