A Travel Price Comparison for China Zhangye vs. Hangzhou for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangye or Hangzhou?

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 Zhangye and Hangzhou. 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: Zhangye or Hangzhou?

Zhangye

Zhangye, China is a city in the Gansu Province in the central north part of the country, close to Mongolia. This ancient city has often been used as a military strong hold, having been the headquarters of General Huo among many others. Zhangye is a fabulous day trip city to visit when staying in larger nearby cities.

Zhangye is privy to beautiful summer weather, with lots of sunshine and temperatures in the high 70's Fahrenheit. The best times to visit are between July and September, when temperatures and sunshine are at their highest. Autumn, Winter, and Spring tend to be a little chillier and rainier.

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

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, Hangzhou or Zhangye?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangye is $85, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Zhangye and Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangye $38
    Hangzhou $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangye $76
    Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Zhangye and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Zhangye or Hangzhou? 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 Zhangye


Hotels in Hangzhou


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.
    Zhangye $38
    Hangzhou $8.13

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangye

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhangye:

  • Private Airport Transfer: Zhangye Airport (YZY) to Zhangye Hotel: $59
  • Private Airport Transfer: Zhangye Hotel to Zhangye Airport (YZY): $59

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.55

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Private Transfer between Hangzhou Songcheng Park and City Area: $23
  • Private Transfer to Impression West Lake show in Hangzhou: $27
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • [Airport Transfer] Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport ⇔ Hangzhou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter>: $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
  • Hangzhou Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $34
  • Private Hangzhou Airport Transfer from Railway Station: $41

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangye or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou and Zhangye 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
    Zhangye $25
    Hangzhou $18

Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.35
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangye $10
    Hangzhou $20

Tours and Activities in Zhangye

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

  • Zhangye One Day City Tour: $77
  • Private day tour to Zhangye Danxia Landform the Rainbow Mountain: $150
  • Private day tour to Zhangye Mati temple & Giant Buddha Temple start from Zhangye: $155
  • Zhangye Danxia Half Day tour: $195
  • Zhangye Rainbow Danxia Private Day Tour: $214
  • Private Hiking Tour: Pingshanhu Grand Canyon and the Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes: $235
  • Private Day Tour: Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes and Zhangye Danxia Landform: $299
  • Private Hiking Tour: Binggou Danxia and Zhangye Danxia Geopark from Zhangye: $299

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
  • Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
  • Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
  • Half-Day Hangzhou Tianzhu Buddhist Mountain Hiking Tour with Green Tea Village : $89
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
  • Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
  • Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
  • Hangzhou Impressoin West Lake- Enduring Memory of Hangzhou Show Tour: $100
  • Songcheng Park & Lengend of Song Dynasty Show Ticket: $100

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangye $6.91
    Hangzhou $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangye and Hangzhou, we can see that Zhangye is more expensive. And not only is Hangzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hangzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hangzhou 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 Zhangye would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhangye than you might in Hangzhou.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhangye Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Zhangye or Hangzhou?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Zhangye. When comparing the sizes of Zhangye and Hangzhou, 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.