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

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Picton?

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 Picton. 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 Picton?

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.

Picton

Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.

The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Picton or Zhangjiajie?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Picton is $101. 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 Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Picton? 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 Picton


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: Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $15
    Picton -

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
  • Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
  • 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $134
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $121
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $120

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton 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
    Picton $34

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 Picton

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

  • CRUISE SHIP DAYS - HOP ON HOP OFF - Wine, Beer, Food Tour: $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Picton $109

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

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

  • Zhangjiajie Pandora Tour to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: $7.00
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking: $16
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance Ticket Transportation: $42
  • Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tickets Booking: $48
  • Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 4 Days and 3 Nights Private Tour: $50
  • Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 5 Days and 4 Nights Private Tour: $50
  • Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip transport: $52
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
  • Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Ticket Booking: $55
  • One Day Mini Group Tour to Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain: $63
  • Mini Group Tour: Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $66
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets Booking: $69

Tours and Activities in Picton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:

  • 1-Day Cruise in Queen Charlotte Track & Kupes Trail Walk: $119
  • 3.5 Hour Marlborough Sounds Delivery Cruise: $66
  • Bays and Bush Flight Scenic Tour: $95
  • Bird Watching and Dolphin Eco-Tour from Picton: $89
  • Captain Cook and Dolphin Cruise: $95
  • Depart Marlborough Sounds Afternoon Seafood Cruise: $90
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Flight Experience our Water and Wilderness Scenic Tour: $178
  • From Havelock to Marlborough Sounds Postie's Day Off Cruise: $83
  • From Marlborough Sounds Cruise with Seafood: $104
  • From Private Wine and Gourmet Tour of Marlborough: $575
  • Full Day Iconic Mail Boat Cruise: $83

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Picton $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

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

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $39
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $41
  • Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $75
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $77
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours: $77
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $77
  • Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour From Picton: $92
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $95
  • Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $95
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $101
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $101


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Picton, we can see that Picton is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Zhangjiajie is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Picton?

Zhangjiajie has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Picton, 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 Picton?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Picton is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Zhangjiajie has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Picton in the Summer?

Both Picton and Zhangjiajie during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

In the summer, Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Picton. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Picton averages at about 18°C (64°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in July than Pictonin January. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Picton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Picton. Furthermore, many travelers come to Picton for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Pictonin April. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Pictonin April. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Picton in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Picton. Additionally, many visitors come to Picton in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zhangjiajie is much colder than Picton in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Picton fluctuates around 10°C (49°F)in July.

It's quite rainy in Picton. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in January than Pictonin July. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Picton. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Picton averages at about 13°C (55°F)in October.

It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Pictonin October. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)