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

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Hongcun?

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

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Hongcun?

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.

Hongcun

When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.

The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.

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, Hongcun 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 Hongcun is $53. 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 Hongcun in more detail.



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

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Hongcun? 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 Hongcun


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
    Hongcun $12

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
  • 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 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

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Hongcun?

Prices for flights to both Hongcun 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
    Hongcun $19

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 Hongcun

Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Lunch for Two
    $4.86
  • Breakfast of Dumplings
    $2.08

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $8.24
    Hongcun $17

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:


  • Two Entrance Tickets
    $29

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $6.35
    Hongcun $14


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

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



When is the best time to visit Zhengzhou or Hongcun?

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 Hongcun in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Hongcun.

In July, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 28°C (83°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


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

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Hongcun in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Hongcun.

Zhengzhou is cooler than Hongcun in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Hongcun fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Hongcun. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Hongcun 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Hongcun in the Winter?

Both Hongcun and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

The weather in Hongcun can be very cold. Zhengzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Zhengzhou is much colder than Hongcun. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhengzhou in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Hongcun averages at about 4°C (40°F).

In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Hongcun 4°C (40°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Hongcun in the Spring?

Both Hongcun and Zhengzhou during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Zhengzhou is generally around the same temperature as Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Hongcun. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Hongcun 17°C (62°F)

Typical Weather for Hongcun and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Hongcun
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 4°C (40°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 117 mm (4.6 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 17°C (62°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 189 mm (7.4 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 26°C (78°F) 235 mm (9.2 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 29°C (85°F) 185 mm (7.3 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 29°C (84°F) 121 mm (4.7 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 95 mm (3.7 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)


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