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

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Harbin?

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

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Harbin?

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.

Harbin

Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.

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, Harbin 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 Harbin is $55. 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 Harbin in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Harbin? 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 Harbin


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
    Harbin $1.50

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
  • Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
  • 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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin

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

  • Private Departure Transfer:City Hotel to Any Harbin Railway Station : $25
  • Harbin Airport (HRB) : Private Arrival Transfer with Meet & Greet Service: $32
  • Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $27
  • Harbin Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer: $40
  • Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $168
  • Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin central to Harbin Taiping Airport (HRB): $116
  • Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin West Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $65
  • Private Arrival Transfer:Any Harbin Railway Station to City Hotel: $29
  • Private Departure Transfer to Harbin Railway Station from Harbin City Hotel: $50
  • Private Full Day Transfer Service to Harbin Top Winter Attractions: $168
  • Private HRB Airport Arrival Transfer to Harbin City Hotel: $70

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Harbin?

Prices for flights to both Harbin 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
    Harbin $14

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 Harbin

For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
  • 4-Hour Private Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World with Dinner Options: $261
  • Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $8.24
    Harbin $53

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 Harbin

For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Half Day Tour for Harbin Guandong Ancient Lane and Wood Sculpture Museum: $104
  • Private Harbin Ice Lantern Show at Zhaolin Park Night Tour with Zhongyang Pedestrian Street: $104
  • 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $130
  • 4-Hour Private Tour of the Largest Indoor Ice and Snow Paradise: $136
  • Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $150
  • Private Harbin City Day Tour of Russian Historical Sites and Culture: $157
  • Private Half Day Tour Harbin ConfucianTemple and Temple of Bliss (Jile Si): $157
  • Harbin City Guided Tour to Zhongyang Street and Sophia Church: $180
  • Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $198
  • Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
  • Private Harbin Ice Festival Night Tour: $209
  • Private Half Day Tour to Unit 731 Museum in Harbin: $209

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $6.35
    Harbin $7.88


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Harbin, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Harbin.

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


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Harbin?

Harbin has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Zhengzhou. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Harbin, 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 Harbin?

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 Harbin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Harbin.

In the summer, Zhengzhou is a little warmer than Harbin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Harbin averages at about 24°C (75°F).

It's quite rainy in Harbin. Zhengzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Harbin. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Harbin in the Autumn?

Both Harbin and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Zhengzhou is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In October, Zhengzhou usually receives more rain than Harbin. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Harbin 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Harbin in the Winter?

Both Harbin and Zhengzhou during the winter are popular places to visit.

Harbin can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou is much warmer than Harbin in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).

Zhengzhou usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Harbin -18°C (-0°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Harbin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Harbin.

In the spring, Zhengzhou is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Harbin averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In April, Zhengzhou usually receives more rain than Harbin. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Harbin 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for Harbin and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Harbin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) -18°C (-0°F) 3 mm (0.1 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) -14°C (7°F) 6 mm (0.2 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) -3°C (26°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 37 mm (1.5 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 116 mm (4.6 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 7°C (44°F) 23 mm (0.9 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) -4°C (24°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) -14°C (7°F) 5 mm (0.2 in)


Related Articles for Zhengzhou
Related Articles for Harbin