Which place is cheaper, Ise or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Ise?
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 Ise. 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 Ise?
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.
Ise
A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $63Ise $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $63, while the average daily cost in Ise is $89. 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 Ise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Ise $42
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Ise $84
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Ise
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Ise? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ise Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $14Ise $43
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Zhangjiajie Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $18
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Ise?
Prices for flights to both Ise 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 $20Ise $24
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Full-Day Private Discovery Tour to Tianmen Mountain National Park with Dinner: $184
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhangjiajie $23Ise $5.83
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge Ticket: $57
- Tianmen Mountain day tour: $96
- Full-Day Private Tour of Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) National Forest Park: $115
- Full-Day Private Tour of Tianmen Mountain: $122
- 1 Days Zhangjiajie Natural Beauty Tour with Baofeng Lake: $132
- 1 Day Tianmen Mountain Tour: $139
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge and Baofeng Lake Private Day Tour: $147
- Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain Glass Bridge day tour: $150
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain and Glass Skywalk Tour: $154
- Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Private All-inclusive Day Tour: $155
- Glass Bridge,Zhangjiajie park Avatar Mountain day tour: $160
Tours and Activities in Ise
Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Ise Grand Shrine Private Guided Tour: $88
- Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $39
- Shirataki Takigyo Waterfall Meditation Experience in Toba: $29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Ise $4.52
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Ise, we can see that Ise 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 Ise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ise 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 Ise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Ise?
Ise has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Ise, 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 Ise?
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 Ise in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Ise. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Ise because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 29°C (85°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Ise. Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in July than Ise. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Ise 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Ise in the Autumn?
Both Ise and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ise this time of year.
In the autumn, Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhangjiajie in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Ise. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Ise 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Ise in the Winter?
Both Ise and Zhangjiajie during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Ise for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Ise. In January, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 5°C (42°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Zhangjiajie usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Ise. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Ise 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Ise in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Ise. Also, many visitors come to Ise in the spring for the beaches.
Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 17°C (63°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Ise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Ise. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Ise 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Ise and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Ise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.