A Travel Price Comparison for China Zhengzhou vs. Chengdu for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Chengdu?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Chengdu can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Chengdu?

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

Chengdu

Chengdu is in China's Sichuan Provence and is in what is known as the Red Basin. It is a particularly fertile region in China that is known for its agriculture. For this reason it is sometimes referred to as the "Land of Milk and Honey". The Funan River cuts through the city but has almost no boat traffic anymore. The city itself has a wonderful relaxed vibe compared to the rest of China and is filled with green parks and places to relax. It is considered one of the most livable cities in China.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Chengdu or Zhengzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $98, while the average daily cost in Chengdu is $51. 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 Zhengzhou and Chengdu in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $36
    Chengdu $21
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $72
    Chengdu $42
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Chengdu

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Chengdu? 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 Zhengzhou


Hotels in Chengdu


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.
    Zhengzhou $63
    Chengdu $5.97

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chengdu

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chengdu:

  • Arrival Transfer Chengdu Airport CTU to Chengdu City by Sedan: $52
  • Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Arrival Private Transfer: $21
  • Chengdu Airport (CTU) to Chengdu - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $42
  • Chengdu City to Chengdu Shuangliu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $19
  • Chengdu Panda & Giant Buddha Day Tour With Private Transfer: $240
  • Chengdu Private Transfer from Chengdu central to Chengdu Airport (CTU): $81
  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport: Private Transfer to/from Chengdu: $78
  • Chengdu to Chengdu Airport (CTU) - Departure Private Transfer: $21
  • Downtown to Leshan or Mount Emei round way transfer for 2-day service: $251
  • Private Airport Transfer: Chengdu Airport to Hotel up to 5pax: $120
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Chengdu Airport (CTU or TFU) to Hotel: $34
  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Chengdu Airport (CTU or TFU): $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Chengdu?

Prices for flights to both Chengdu and Zhengzhou 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
    Zhengzhou $28
    Chengdu $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

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

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chengdu

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

  • Half-Day Chinese Bun Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $56
  • Sichuan cooking class half day tour: $60
  • Discovery more Chengdu evening food tour with locals : $65
  • Tuktuk Food Tour Through Chengdu's Local Eats: $69
  • Half-Day Professional Mapo Tofu Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $69
  • Half-Day Dandan Noodles Cooking Class with Local Spice Market Visit: $70
  • Half Day Chengdu Tofu Making Class with Mapo Tofu Cooking: $72
  • Half-Day Chengdu Farm Cooking Class & Spice Market Exploration: $75
  • Half-Day Chengdu Courtyard Cooking Class with Local Market Visit: $80
  • Chengdu Food Tour with Wenshu Yuan Monastery Visit: $82
  • Half-Day Sichuan Cooking Class Experience in Chengdu: $84
  • Private Half-Day Tour in Sichuan Culture Show with Hot Pot Dinner in Chengdu: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $8.24
    Chengdu $16

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

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

  • Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
  • Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
  • Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
  • Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
  • Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Spots Private Tour : $209
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • Zhengzhou Private Half-Day Tour: Shaolin Temple & Kungfu Show: $222
  • Private Tour to Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $233
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233

Tours and Activities in Chengdu

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

  • local people's opera house experience: $10
  • Chengdu Panda Research Base Tickets And Half Day Tour(Private): $16
  • Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Ticket: $22
  • Chengdu Sichuan Opera Evening Show Ticket-Shu Feng Yan Yun : $29
  • 1.5-Hour VIP Manicure Experience in Chengdu Panda Style: $38
  • Private Bamboo Bicycle Tour in Chengdu: $41
  • Private Chengdu Dining Experience in Chilli Cool House: $46
  • One day tour of Chengdu Panda Base and Sanxingdui Museum: $48
  • Chengdu Giant Panda Base and Global Center Shopping Private Day Tour: $48
  • Chengdu Panda tour Guide/tickets service option DJY panda keeper: $55
  • Traditional Chinese Painting Experience-ONLY ONE IN CHENGDU NOW!: $58
  • Chengdu Private Day Tour: Du jiang yan Panda Base and Qingcheng Mountain: $60

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $6.35
    Chengdu $3.96


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

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


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Chengdu?

Chengdu has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Zhengzhou. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Chengdu, 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.