Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Hangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Hangzhou or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Beijing. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Beijing?
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.
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Hangzhou Prices
China PricesBeijing Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHangzhou $80Beijing $91
The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $80, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $91. 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 Hangzhou and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHangzhou $24Beijing $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHangzhou $48Beijing $80
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Beijing? 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.
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
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Hangzhou $8.24Beijing $7.83
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $167
- Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
- Hangzhou Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
- Hangzhou West Lake Impression Ticket with Private Transfer: $122
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport TransferTo Shanghai Pudong Airport: $140
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Transfer to QianDao Lake : $131
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.78
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Train from Airport for Two$7.01
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Taxi to Hotel$8.41
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2 Metro Passes$2.24
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Metro$0.56
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private One-Way Transfer Between Beijing Railway Station and Hotel: $30
- 1 Day Pass for Universal Beijing and Private Transfer Package: $230
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- 4-Hour Huanghuacheng Great Wall Sunset Tour with Airport Transfer: $160
- 5 Hours Round Trip Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall: $70
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $80
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $105
- Afternoon Bus Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall + Entry Ticket: $20
- Airport Layover Transfer Service to Mutianyu Great Wall & City Sightseeing : $112
Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Hangzhou 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
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Food Meals for one dayHangzhou $31Beijing $34
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.38
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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
- Hangzhou One Day Local Food Tour: $124
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.84
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Hot Pot Dinner$7.01
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.80
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Watermelon$1.96
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$17
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Two Popsicles$0.84
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Kungpao Chicken: $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Orange Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $45
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $54
- China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Private Local Food Tour in Beijing with a Local Guide: $59
- Beijing Walking Food Tour with a Local Friend: $60
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Center Beijing: $70
- Beijing Hidden Hutong Bike & Food Tour - Pro Photos Included: $71
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hangzhou $20Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Fei Lai Peak (Lingyin Temple) E-Ticket: $12
- Hangzhou Ghost Market Adventure: Antique Hunt & Bargain Tour: $40
- A Local Breakfast Experience and TCM visit: $46
- Hangzhou Bites: Local Guided Market Tour: $49
- The Key to Zhejiang Culture – Guided Museum Tour: $53
- Authentic Hangzhou Longjing Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
- Zhejiang University Guided Campus Tour: $65
- Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $75
- Skip the Line Impression West Lake VIP Seat Ticket: $75
- Jiaxing Wuzhen East and West Day Tour from Hangzhou: $80
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.41
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Two Opera Tickets$60
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.81
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Capital Museum tour includes Ticket: $2.78
- Tian’anmenSquare or Forbidden City Online Ticket Booking: $2.92
- Beijing:Tiananmen Square tickets with guide(optional): $3.19
- Forbidden City Walking Guided Tour w/ Entry Tickets: $3.60
- Tiananmen Square Registration Service(Ticket): $3.79
- Tiananmen Square - Registration Ticket: $3.79
- Tiananmen Square Forbidden City and Jingshan Park Ticket or Tours: $4.00
- Beijing Forbidden City,Tianmen Square Admission Tickets: $4.00
- Tickets to all Beijing attractions (Forbidden City optional): $4.21
- Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square Walking Tour: $4.38
- Tianmen Square, Forbidden City & Royal Museum Tours: $4.38
- The Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square Entry Ticket: $4.38
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHangzhou $10Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Evening Food Private Tour with Brewery Taproom Hopping at Slow Boat in Beijing: $110
- Tipsy Travel: Beijing Local Food and Bar Crawl night in Hutong: $158
- 5-Hour Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour from Beijing: $178
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $199
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When comparing the travel costs between Hangzhou and Beijing, we can see that Beijing is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Hangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Beijing, 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 Hangzhou or Beijing?
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 Hangzhou or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Hangzhou is around the same temperature as Beijing. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hangzhou in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Beijing averages at about 27°C (80°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Beijing. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHangzhou 29°C (85°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Hangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In October, Hangzhou is generally a little warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 19°C (66°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
Hangzhou usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberHangzhou 19°C (66°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Beijing. Also, many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. Hangzhou is much warmer than Beijing in the winter. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Beijing fluctuates around -4°C (26°F).
In January, Hangzhou usually receives more rain than Beijing. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryHangzhou 5°C (41°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Hangzhou or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Beijing. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In the spring, Hangzhou is a little warmer than Beijing. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hangzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Beijing averages at about 14°C (57°F).
Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilHangzhou 16°C (61°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Hangzhou
| Hangzhou | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (45°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.