Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie?
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 Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie?
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.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals 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 PricesZhangjiajie Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShenzhen $140Zhangjiajie $79
The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $79. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShenzhen $91Zhangjiajie $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShenzhen $182Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Zhangjiajie
Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen or Zhangjiajie? 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 $15Zhangjiajie $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Shenzhen Customized Local Tour with Transfer : $299
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
- Private Transfer from Shekou Port to Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN): $175
- Luxury Private Airport Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport: $150
- Hong Kong Private Transfer — Victoria Peak ⇄ Tian Tan Big Buddha: $148
- Private Transfer: Airport HKG to Hong Kong by Luxury Van: $146
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong to Airport HKG by Luxury Van: $146
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
- Private Arrival Transfer from Hongkong Airport to Shenzhen City: $128
- Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong City - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $124
- Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710
- Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
- Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
- Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
- Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
- Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $322
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
- 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Zhangjiajie?
Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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 $35Zhangjiajie $36
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
- Shekou Food Tour with 4 Tastings: $79
- 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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhangjiajie
For Zhangjiajie, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Private Tour Visit Avatar Mount and Tianzi Mount with Dinner: $196
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shenzhen $17Zhangjiajie $23
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Custom private tour of Hong Kong Island - Half day: $228
- Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car Ticket in Hong Kong: $24
- Seat-in-Coach: Macau Day Tour with Simple Lunch from Hong Kong: $185
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $87
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $89
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $280
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- Aberdeen Fishing Village Private Tour by Minivan: $232
- Aberdeen fisherman cultural tour+dim sum by local: $140
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Best Seller: VIP Lantau Tai O Tour Priority Cable Car, Big Buddha: $95
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- 2-Day Private Combo Tour: Avatar Mountain & Tianmen Mountain: $251
- 2-Days Private tour to Avatar mount & Have's Gate & Glass bridge: $250
- (Private Day Tour) Zhangjiajie National Park + Tianzi Mountain: $195
- 1 Day Dragon Sitting Gorge & Red Stone Forest Geo-park TOUR！: $272
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1 Day VIP Tour: Avatar Mountain&72 Odd Towers (Free Ticket): $203
- 1 day tour Avatar Mountain and Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: $239
- 1-Day Private Tour to Glass Bridge & Yellow Dragon Cave: $102
- 1-Day Private Tour to Tianmen Mountain & Glass Walk & Night Light: $146
- 1-Day Private Tour to ZJJ National Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & AVATAR Mountain: $98
- 1-Day Private Tour to Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountain: $195
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShenzhen $19Zhangjiajie $16
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 Zhangjiajie, we can see that Shenzhen is more expensive. And not only is Zhangjiajie much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Zhangjiajie would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Zhangjiajie 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 Zhangjiajie.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Zhangjiajie Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Zhangjiajie?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen and Zhangjiajie, 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 Shenzhen or Zhangjiajie?
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 Shenzhen or Zhangjiajie in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Zhangjiajie.
In July, Shenzhen is generally around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 30°C (85°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
Zhangjiajie receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShenzhen 30°C (85°F)Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Zhangjiajie.
Shenzhen is a little warmer than Zhangjiajie in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 26°C (78°F) in October, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in October than Zhangjiajie. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShenzhen 26°C (78°F)Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?
Both Zhangjiajie and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
In the winter, Shenzhen is much warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shenzhen in January average around 16°C (60°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 5°C (42°F).
In January, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Zhangjiajie. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShenzhen 16°C (60°F)Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Shenzhen or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?
Both Zhangjiajie and Shenzhen during the spring are popular places to visit.
In April, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 23°C (73°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).
Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Zhangjiajie. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShenzhen 23°C (73°F)Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Shenzhen
| Shenzhen | Zhangjiajie | |||
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| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.