Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Harbin?
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 Harbin. 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 Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $63Harbin $54
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $63, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $54. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Harbin $21
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Harbin $42
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Harbin? 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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $14Harbin $1.50
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Aizhai bridge area: $187
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
- Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $114
- Shared Night Transfer Service to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $85
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service , Harbin Airport Transfer,Pick up: $78
- Private HRB Airport Departure Transfer from Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
- Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Harbin Railway Station to City Hotel: $29
- Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
- Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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
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Food Meals for one dayZhangjiajie $20Harbin $14
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Harbin $53
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Jiutian Cave and Visit Marshal Helong Memorial: $179
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon(Glass Bridge) & Baofeng Lake Tour: $240
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
- 1-day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Tour: $132
- 2-Day “Best Of Zhangjiajie”-Avatar World & Tianmen Mountain Tour: $260
- 2-Day Zhangjiajie Happy Foodie&Sightseeing Tour: $300
- 2-Day Zhangjiajie Tour Including Yuanjiajie Mountains: $550
- 2-Full Days Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tour : $284
- 4 Days Zhangjiajie Discovery Tour with Yellow Dragon Cave & Baofeng Lake: $291
- 4-Day Highlights of Zhangjiajie With Sunrise Experience: $366
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
- 2-Day Harbin City Private Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $280
- 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
- All-Inclusive Harbin Jewish Culture Private Day Tour: $300
- From Amazing Day Trip Including tickets: $400
- Full Day Private Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: $250
- Group Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World plus Sun Island Snow Sculpture Festival: $298
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- Private City Tour of Harbin: $360
- Private Customized Harbin City Day Tour by Public Transportation: $220
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
- Private Harbin City Day Tour of Russian Historical Sites and Culture: $157
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Harbin $7.85
When comparing the travel costs between Zhangjiajie and Harbin, we can see that Zhangjiajie 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 Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
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 Harbin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Harbin.
Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Harbin in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Harbin fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).
Harbin 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 Harbin. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Harbin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Harbin.
In the autumn, Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhangjiajie in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Harbin averages at about 7°C (44°F).
Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in October than Harbin. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
The weather in Harbin can be very cold. In January, Zhangjiajie is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 5°C (42°F), and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Harbin. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Harbin in the Spring?
Both Harbin and Zhangjiajie during the spring are popular places to visit.
Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Harbin in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Harbin fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Harbin. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.