Which place is cheaper, Yaeyama Islands or Zhangjiajie?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Yaeyama Islands?
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 Yaeyama Islands. 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 Yaeyama Islands?
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.
Yaeyama Islands
The Yaeyama Islands is a cluster of islands located in the southwestern part of Japan, close to Taiwan. There are nine different islands, varying from small islets to large holiday resort islands. The Yaeyama Islands are one of the most popular destination in Japan due to their beautiful beaches and underwater ruins. Yaeyama is also known for having their own language and writing system. For the most part, everyone on the Islands speak Japanese, but you'll often find the Yaeyama writing on T-shirts in souvenir shops or scattered around Yaeyama.
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 from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.
-
Zhangjiajie Prices
China PricesYaeyama Islands Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhangjiajie $79Yaeyama Islands $118
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Yaeyama Islands is $118. 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 Yaeyama Islands in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhangjiajie $30Yaeyama Islands $56
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhangjiajie $60Yaeyama Islands $112
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Yaeyama Islands
Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Yaeyama Islands? 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: Yaeyama Islands Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Zhangjiajie $15Yaeyama Islands $19
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Yaeyama Islands?
Prices for flights to both Yaeyama Islands 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 dayZhangjiajie $36Yaeyama Islands $50
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 $23Yaeyama Islands $8.93
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhangjiajie $16Yaeyama Islands $6.51
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Yaeyama Islands, we can see that Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie or Yaeyama Islands?
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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?
Both Yaeyama Islands and Zhangjiajie during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year.
In July, Zhangjiajie is generally around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 29°C (85°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in July than Yaeyama Islands. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)Yaeyama Islands 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Yaeyama Islands. Furthermore, many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.
Zhangjiajie is cooler than Yaeyama Islands in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)Yaeyama Islands 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Yaeyama Islands. Additionally, many visitors come to Yaeyama Islands in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.
In the winter, Zhangjiajie is much colder than Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhangjiajie in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 18°C (64°F).
It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in January than Yaeyama Islands. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)Yaeyama Islands 18°C (64°F)
Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?
Both Yaeyama Islands and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.
In April, Zhangjiajie is generally cooler than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 17°C (63°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Yaeyama Islands. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the spring. The rainy season in Yaeyama Islands is May to June.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)Yaeyama Islands 23°C (74°F)
Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Zhangjiajie
| Zhangjiajie | Yaeyama Islands | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 120 mm (4.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 113 mm (4.4 in) |
| Mar | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 126 mm (5 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 147 mm (5.8 in) |
| May | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 231 mm (9.1 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 203 mm (8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 229 mm (9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 173 mm (6.8 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 134 mm (5.3 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.