Which place is cheaper, Hongcun or Shenzhen?
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 Shenzhen or Hongcun?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Hongcun can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Shenzhen or Hongcun?
Shenzhen
Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions. It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.
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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.
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Shenzhen Prices
China PricesHongcun Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Hongcun $67
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Hongcun is $67. 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 Shenzhen and Hongcun in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Hongcun $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Hongcun $46
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Hongcun
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen 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.
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.Shenzhen $15Hongcun $12
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfers to/from Bao'an Airport(SZX): $20
- shenzhen airport private transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Shenzhen Airport 送 迎 Shenzhen City Transfer High reputation for service! : $32
- A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Shenzhen with English Service: $35
- A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Disneyland: $36
- Shenzhen Private Transfer and Ongoing Travel Assistance: $39
- Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $45
- Private Departure Transfer from Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport: $45
- Private Transfer - Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Kai Tak Cruise Port: $47
- Private Transfer - Kai Tak Cruise Port to Hong Kong Airport (HKG): $47
- Shenzhen Bao'an Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Hongcun?
Prices for flights to both Hongcun and Shenzhen 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 dayShenzhen $35Hongcun $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Locals - Dim Sum, Wonton & more: $53
- Wet market tour & cooking class with local mum: $98
- Explore Hong Kong: Mid-Autumn Festival Food Tour: $103
- Discover Hong Kong’s Hidden Eats on a Tin Hau Food Tour: $109
- Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour: $116
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $146
- Private Food Tour in Hong Kong: $148
- Hong Kong Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $149
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $176
- Hong Kong Private & Personalized Food Tour with a Local: $177
- Asian Favorites Cooking Class in Hong Kong (4-Course Meal): $184
- Hong Kong Style Noodles Cooking Class (Includes 4-Course Meal): $184
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.91
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.10
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Hongcun $17
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Introduction to Hong Kong: Central Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Day in the life of a Hong Konger: Kowloon Tip Based Walking Tour: $2.64
- Between Two Systems: Hong Kong's Living History Tip Based Tour: $2.64
- Hong kong City Tour w/ Entry Fees & Lunch (2024) | 150+ booked: $2.64
- Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket: $5.45
- Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $10
- Hong Kong Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Tickets (Optional): $13
- Monopoly Dreams Hong Kong Entry Ticket: $13
- Hong Kong Airport Express Train Tickets(Avoid Heavy Traffic): $15
- Hong Kong Airport Express E-Ticket : $15
- The Victoria Peak Tram Ticket | Hong Kong: $15
- Hong Kong Palace Museum Ticket: $17
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Hongcun $14
Sample the Local Flavors in Shenzhen
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Shenzhen:
- Hong Kong Pub Crawl at Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): $46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Hongcun, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Hongcun Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Shenzhen or Hongcun?
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 Shenzhen or Hongcun in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Hongcun.
Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Hongcun in the summer. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 30°C (85°F) in July, and Hongcun fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Hongcun. Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Hongcun. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Hongcun 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Hongcun in the Autumn?
Both Hongcun and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Hongcun. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shenzhen in October average around 26°C (78°F), and Hongcun averages at about 19°C (65°F).
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Hongcun. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Hongcun 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Hongcun in the Winter?
Both Hongcun and Shenzhen during the winter are popular places to visit.
Hongcun can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Shenzhen is generally much warmer than Hongcun. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 16°C (60°F), and Hongcun fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).
Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Hongcun. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Hongcun 4°C (40°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Hongcun in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Hongcun.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Hongcun in the spring. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 23°C (73°F) in April, and Hongcun fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).
Hongcun receives a lot of rain in the spring. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Hongcun. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Hongcun receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Hongcun 17°C (62°F)
Typical Weather for Hongcun and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Hongcun | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.