A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhengzhou vs. Mashiko for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Mashiko?

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

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Mashiko?

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.

Mashiko

Mashiko is a town in Japan famous for its pottery, called "Mashiko yaki." Large noborigama kilns were first brought to the area in 1853 by immigrant potters from a neighboring community in the Ibaraki prefecture. It is also home to the site of Saimyoji temple, one of the oldest temples in Tochigi prefecture, as well as the shrine of the Utsunomiya han.

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 Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Mashiko?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Mashiko. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Mashiko, 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 Mashiko?

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 Mashiko in the Summer?

Both Mashiko and Zhengzhou during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mashiko for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the summer, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Mashiko. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 130 hours of full sun.

Mashiko gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou usually gets more rain in July than Mashiko. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 117 mm (4.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Mashiko in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Mashiko. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mashiko in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Mashiko in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Mashiko fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during autumn. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 133 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Mashiko receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Mashiko in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Mashiko. Additionally, most visitors come to Mashiko for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Mashiko can be very cold during winter. Zhengzhou can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Zhengzhou is much colder than Mashiko. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhengzhou in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Mashiko averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Zhengzhou often gets less sunshine than Mashiko. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mashiko receives 181 hours of full sun.

Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in January than Mashiko. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Mashiko in the Spring?

Both Mashiko and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Mashiko because of the small town charm.

In April, Zhengzhou is generally a little warmer than Mashiko. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Mashiko fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Mashiko during spring. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies, while Mashiko receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Mashiko. In April, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Mashiko. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mashiko receives 118 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mashiko and Zhengzhou