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

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Dalian?

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 Dalian can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Dalian?

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.

Dalian

Dalian, China is a very large peninsula city located in the southernmost part of the Liaoning Province in northeast China. The area has a wealth of history, with roots in Russian and Japanese rule, resulting in unique architecture and many universities that attract foreign students and teachers. Dalian is also known for their beautiful green spaces and relaxing beaches which juxtapose a lot of the more industrial cities found throughout other areas of northern 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, Dalian 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 Dalian is $103. 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 Dalian in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $36
    Dalian $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $72
    Dalian $108
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Dalian

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Dalian? 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 Dalian


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
    Dalian $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • 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
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
  • [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dalian

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

  • Dalian Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotel: $33
  • Dalian Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $32
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $27
  • Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dalian Transfer: $40
  • Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Any Guiyang Railway Station: $38

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Dalian?

Prices for flights to both Dalian 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
    Dalian $27

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $8.20
    Dalian $4.79

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
  • All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
  • Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
  • Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287

Tours and Activities in Dalian

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

  • Dalian City Private Day Tour in Your Way: $159

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $6.32
    Dalian $6.32


When comparing the travel costs between Zhengzhou and Dalian, we can see that Dalian is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Dalian?

Dalian has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Zhengzhou. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Dalian, 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 Zhengzhou or Dalian?

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 Zhengzhou or Dalian in the Summer?

Both Dalian and Zhengzhou during the summer are popular places to visit.

In July, Zhengzhou is generally a little warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Dalian gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Dalian. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 202 mm (8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Dalian 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Dalian in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Dalian.

Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Dalian in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Dalian fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

In October, Zhengzhou usually receives more rain than Dalian. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Dalian 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Dalian in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Dalian.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dalian. It's quite cold in Zhengzhou in the winter. In the winter, Zhengzhou is much warmer than Dalian. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhengzhou in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Dalian averages at about -4°C (25°F).

Zhengzhou usually gets more rain in January than Dalian. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Dalian -4°C (25°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Dalian in the Spring?

Both Dalian and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In April, Zhengzhou is generally much warmer than Dalian. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Dalian fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In April, Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dalian. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dalian receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Dalian 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Dalian and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Dalian
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) -4°C (25°F) 9 mm (0.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) -2°C (28°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 4°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 202 mm (8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 132 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 21°C (70°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 7°C (44°F) 26 mm (1 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) -0°C (32°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)