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

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Should you visit Zhengzhou or Shanghai?

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

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Shanghai?

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.

Shanghai

Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".

Which place is cheaper, Shanghai or Zhengzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $100, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $118. 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 Shanghai in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $37
    Shanghai $83
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $74
    Shanghai $166
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Shanghai

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Shanghai? 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 Shanghai


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 $64
    Shanghai $3.96

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
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport to Hotel: $35
  • Private Zhengzhou International Airport Departure Transfer from City Hotels: $35
  • Private Zhengzhou Railway Station Transfer from City Hotels: $35
  • One way Zhengzhou airport to hotel private transfer: $37
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $53
  • Zhengzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $56
  • Zhengzhou Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $56
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer(Airport to Hotel): $59
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $65

Typical Local Transportation prices in Shanghai

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:


  • Taxi Ride
    $3.68
  • Two Subway Tickets
    $0.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:

  • 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Transfer service Mini Group package: $146
  • 1-way Private Transfer From Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hangzhou: $123
  • 1-way Private Transfer From Shanghai Pudong Airport to Suzhou New District-SND: $117
  • 1-way Transfer Between Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and Kunshan Per Vehicle Price: $74
  • 1-way Transfer Between Shanghai Pudong Airport and Jiaxing: $153
  • 1-way Transfer Between Shanghai Pudong Airport and Kunshan Per Vehicle Price: $95
  • 1-way Transfer Between Shanghai Pudong Airport and Yiwu Per Vehicle Price: $388
  • 1-way Transfer Between Shanghai and Nanxun Water Town Per Vehicle Price: $164
  • 1-way Transfer Between Shanghai and Wuzhen Water Town Per Vehicle Price: $159
  • 1-way Transfer Between Shanghai and Zhouzhuang Water Town Per Vehicle Price: $93
  • 1-way Transfer between Shanghai Pudong Airport and Changshu Per Vehicle Price: $135
  • 1way Transfer from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Suzhou Downtown: $48

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Shanghai?

Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 $29
    Shanghai $22

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
  • Shaolin Temple Afternoon Tour with Zen Music Ceremony and Dinner from Zhengzhou: $286

Typical Food prices in Shanghai

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


  • Dumpling Breakfast
    $1.41
  • Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory
    $21
  • Ajisen Lunch for Two
    $7.36
  • Cantelope
    $1.70
  • Dumplings and Soup
    $2.12
  • Duck Dinner
    $4.24
  • Pastries
    $2.97
  • Barbeque Dinner
    $9.05

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.

  • Online Chinese Cooking Class: $22
  • Old Shanghai Breakfast Food Tour: $52
  • 3-Hour Shanghai Summer Night Local Dinner and Shopping Private Tour: $65
  • Private Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with Vegetarian Option: $69
  • Private Authentic Chinese Cooking Class in Shanghai with a Lovely Local: $70
  • 3-Hour Shanghai City Walking Tour with Dinner: $74
  • Shanghai yummy food tour: $75
  • A Bite of Shanghai Small-Group Food Tour: $80
  • Shanghai Hairy Crab Dinner: $85
  • Shanghai Evening Food Tour/Shanghai tour gastronomico nocturno: $85
  • Night Market & Street Food Tour in Shanghai: $95
  • 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $8.39
    Shanghai $8.63

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

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

  • Zhengzhou Foodie walking tour 3hours: $77
  • Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
  • Independent Tour to Kaifeng from Zhengzhou: $87
  • Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
  • Zhengzhou By Night: Erqi Square and Market Tour: $137
  • Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
  • Private day tour to Shaolin temple and Henan Museum with lunch: $160
  • Private day tour to the famous Shaolin temple, Erqi square with Lunch&guide: $164
  • Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
  • Flexible Zhengzhou City Highlights Private Day Tour with Lunch: $169
  • Unique Dinning Experience in Zhengzhou : Henan Cuisine and Opera: $183
  • Private day tour Kaifeng Mansion dragon Pavilion Iron pagoda from zhengzhou: $187

Typical Entertainment prices in Shanghai

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


  • 30 Minute River Cruise for Two
    $28
  • Zoo for Two
    $14

Tours and Activities in Shanghai

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:

  • half day tour of shanghai: $5.34
  • Shanghai Yu Garden Ticket Booking: $10
  • Shanghai Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Admission Ticket: $11
  • Shanghai Maglev Train Ticket and Metro Pass(Pick Up in Shanghai): $12
  • Day Tour of Zhujiajiao and Huangpu River with Night Cruise: $16
  • Shanghai Jinmao Tower Observation Desk Admission Ticket: $18
  • Buddhist Art Tour at LWH Gallery in Shanghai: $23
  • Shanghai Bus Tour Hop-on Hop-off Premium Ticket including City Top Attraction Admissions: $30
  • Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $30
  • Shanghai Tower Observation Deck Admission Ticket: $31
  • Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
  • Shanghai Hotels to Wusongkou Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Great service: $38

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $6.47
    Shanghai $7.53

Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai

Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Shanghai Luxury Bar Crawl in 5-star Hotel or Boutique Hotel: $255
  • 3 Hour Local Craft Beer Crawl with Brewery Tour: $350

About these numbers

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Zhengzhou much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhengzhou would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhengzhou 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai than you might in Zhengzhou.


When is the best time to visit Zhengzhou or Shanghai?

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 Shanghai in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Shanghai. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July are around 28°C (83°F), and Shanghai is about 28°C (83°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Shanghai this time of the year. In Zhengzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zhengzhou usually receives less sunshine than Shanghai during summer. Zhengzhou gets 215 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 232 hours of full sun in the summer.

Shanghai receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhengzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Shanghai. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Shanghai 28°C (83°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Shanghai in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Shanghai. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zhengzhou is generally cooler than Shanghai. Temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Shanghai stays around 19°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Zhengzhou gets 188 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 162 hours of full sun.

Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Shanghai. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Shanghai in the Winter?

Both Shanghai and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.

It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. The weather in Zhengzhou can be very cold. Zhengzhou is much colder than Shanghai in the winter. The temperature in Zhengzhou is usually 1°C (34°F) in January, and Shanghai stays around 4°C (39°F).

Zhengzhou usually receives more sunshine than Shanghai during winter. Zhengzhou gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Shanghai receives 135 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Shanghai. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Shanghai 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Shanghai in the Spring?

Both Shanghai and Zhengzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Shanghai. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April are around 16°C (61°F), and Shanghai is about 15°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Zhengzhou. In the spring, Zhengzhou often gets more sunshine than Shanghai. Zhengzhou gets 201 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Shanghai receives 153 hours of full sun.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Shanghai. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Shanghai 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Shanghai and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Shanghai
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 15°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (67°F) 113 mm (4.5 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 24°C (75°F) 152 mm (6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 28°C (83°F) 128 mm (5 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 133 mm (5.2 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 156 mm (6.1 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)


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