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

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Suzhou?

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 Suzhou. 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 Suzhou?

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.

Suzhou

Suzhou is a city in Jiangsu province famed for its beautiful gardens and traditional waterside architecture, featuring elaborate canals and bridges. Located on the Yangtze Delta, the city consists largely of waterways making Suzhou a kind of 'Venice of the Orient.' It is also a hub for scholars, artists, and skilled craftsmen.

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, Suzhou 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
    Suzhou Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhangjiajie $79
    Suzhou $127

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Suzhou is $127. 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 Suzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Suzhou $39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Suzhou $78
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Suzhou

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Suzhou? 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 Suzhou


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 $15
    Suzhou $58

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: $322
  • 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Suzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Suzhou:

  • Private Day Tour: Gardens and Old Street in Suzhou with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $277
  • Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Suzhou Chauffeur Service, Shanghai Airport Transfer: $240
  • Suzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $178
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town : $144
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Tongli Water Town : $90
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $87
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Zhouzhuang Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Suzhou Private Transfer to Tongli Water Town with Shanghai Drop-off Option: $84
  • Shanghai Private Transfer from Suzhou with Stop-over at Zhouzhuang Water Town : $81
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Private Departure Transfer from Suzhou: $80
  • Private Round Trip Transfer from Suzhou to Luzhi Water Town: $64
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer between Zhouzhuang Water Town and Suzhou City: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Suzhou?

Prices for flights to both Suzhou 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
    Suzhou $57

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 Suzhou

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

  • Suzhou Alleyway Walking Food Tour: $55
  • Suzhou Alleyway Food Tour: $63
  • Half-Day Private Customized Suzhou Highlights with Lunch or Dinner Option: $123
  • Private Suzhou Night Tour:Master of the Nets Garden, Ancient Canal with Dinner: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Suzhou $9.47

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
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Private or Shared Day Tour: $50
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
  • Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip 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
  • Mini Group Day Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $69

Tours and Activities in Suzhou

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

  • 1 Day Suzhou Private Tour - Create the Tour You Want: $300
  • 4-Hour Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Tour: $114
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Customized Tour: $80
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Flexible Tour with Garden and Boat Ride Option: $125
  • 4-Hour Suzhou Private Tour: Humble Administrator’s Garden,Tiger Hill and Canal : $134
  • 4-Hour Tongli Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride : $128
  • 4-Hour Zhouzhuang Water Town Private Tour from Suzhou with Boat Ride: $145
  • Classic Suzhou Tour with Hotel or Railway Station Pickup: $269
  • Essential Suzhou City Sightseeing Private Day Tour: $296
  • Flexible Suzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Authentic Lunch: $167
  • Full Day Luzhi Water Town Day Tour From Suzhou: $178
  • Full-Day Suzhou Gardens Private Tour with Local Guide: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Suzhou $6.50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Suzhou, we can see that Suzhou 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 Suzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Suzhou 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 Suzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zhangjiajie or Suzhou?

Suzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Zhangjiajie and Suzhou, 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 Suzhou?

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 Suzhou in the Summer?

Both Suzhou and Zhangjiajie during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 29°C (85°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).

Suzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Suzhou. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Suzhou 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Suzhou in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Suzhou.

Zhangjiajie is around the same temperature as Suzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Suzhou fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Suzhou 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Suzhou in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Suzhou.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Suzhou. In the winter, Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Suzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhangjiajie in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Suzhou averages at about 4°C (39°F).

Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in January than Suzhou. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Suzhou 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Suzhou in the Spring?

Both Suzhou and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Suzhou. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 17°C (63°F), and Suzhou fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Suzhou. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Suzhou. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Suzhou receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Suzhou 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Suzhou and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Suzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)