A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhangjiajie vs. Dewa Sanzan for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Dewa Sanzan?

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 Dewa Sanzan. 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 Dewa Sanzan?

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.

Dewa Sanzan

Dewa Sanzan, Japan is a picturesque city in the Tohoku region which consists solely of the three sacred mountains: Mount Haguro, Mount Gassan, and Mount Yudono. The mountains are considered holy to the Japanese Shinto religion and are a popular pilgrimage site, especially since many ascetic pilgrims live in the mountains and are occasionally spotted throughout the various hiking trails.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Contiki Tours to Japan, and The Best G Adventures Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Dewa Sanzan or Zhangjiajie?

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

  • Zhangjiajie Prices
    China Prices
    Dewa Sanzan Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhangjiajie $79
    Dewa Sanzan $86

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Dewa Sanzan is $86. 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 Dewa Sanzan in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Dewa Sanzan $29
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Dewa Sanzan $58
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Dewa Sanzan

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Dewa Sanzan? 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 Dewa Sanzan


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dewa Sanzan Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $15
    Dewa Sanzan $23

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
  • Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
  • Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
  • Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $322
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
  • 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Dewa Sanzan?

Prices for flights to both Dewa Sanzan 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 $36
    Dewa Sanzan $43

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie

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

  • 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Dewa Sanzan $9.56

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

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

  • 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
  • 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
  • (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
  • 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR!: $272
  • 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
  • 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
  • 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $239
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
  • 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
  • 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195

Tours and Activities in Dewa Sanzan

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

  • Mount Haguro E-Bike Sightseeing Tour in Yamagata, Japan: $202
  • Tsuruoka & Dewa-Sanzan Full-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide: $248

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Dewa Sanzan $7.53


When comparing the travel costs between Zhangjiajie and Dewa Sanzan, we can see that Dewa Sanzan is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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



When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie or Dewa Sanzan?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Dewa Sanzan in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Dewa Sanzan. Also, many visitors come to Dewa Sanzan in the summer for the hiking.

Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

Dewa Sanzan receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 191 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 23°C (74°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Dewa Sanzan in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Dewa Sanzan. Also, most visitors come to Dewa Sanzan for the hiking trails during these months.

In the autumn, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhangjiajie in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Dewa Sanzan averages at about 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Dewa Sanzan. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Dewa Sanzan. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Dewa Sanzan in the Winter?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dewa Sanzan because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Dewa Sanzan can be very cold. In January, Zhangjiajie is generally much warmer than Dewa Sanzan. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 5°C (42°F), and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around -1°C (30°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dewa Sanzan. In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Dewa Sanzan. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan -1°C (30°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Dewa Sanzan in the Spring?

Both Dewa Sanzan and Zhangjiajie during the spring are popular places to visit.

Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Dewa Sanzan in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Dewa Sanzan fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Dewa Sanzan. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Dewa Sanzan receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Dewa Sanzan 9°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dewa Sanzan and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Dewa Sanzan
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (30°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) -1°C (30°F) 151 mm (6 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 9°C (47°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 15°C (59°F) 96 mm (3.8 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 20°C (67°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 23°C (74°F) 191 mm (7.5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.8 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 154 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 13°C (56°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 207 mm (8.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (35°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)