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

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Hangzhou?

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

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Hangzhou?

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.

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 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, Hangzhou 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 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 Zhengzhou and Hangzhou in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $36
    Hangzhou $23
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $72
    Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Hangzhou

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou 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 Zhengzhou


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.
    Zhengzhou $63
    Hangzhou $8.13

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

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:

  • Hangzhou Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Railway Station: $34
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport Chauffeur Service, HangzhouAirport Transfer, Pickup: $59
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Hangzhou?

Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $18

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

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.
    Zhengzhou $8.20
    Hangzhou $20

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 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
    Zhengzhou $6.32
    Hangzhou $10


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Hangzhou, we can see that Zhengzhou 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 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 Hangzhou.

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


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Hangzhou?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou 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.


When is the best time to visit Zhengzhou or Hangzhou?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Hangzhou in the Summer?

Both Hangzhou and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In the summer, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 29°C (85°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Hangzhou. It's quite rainy in Zhengzhou. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hangzhou. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Hangzhou in the Autumn?

Both Hangzhou and Zhengzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In October, Zhengzhou is generally cooler than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Hangzhou. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Hangzhou in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Hangzhou.

It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. The weather in Zhengzhou can be very cold. Zhengzhou is much colder than Hangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Hangzhou. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Hangzhou in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Hangzhou.

In the spring, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Hangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 16°C (61°F).

It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Hangzhou. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)

Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Hangzhou
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)