Which place is cheaper, Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) or Xi'an?
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 Xi'an or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Xi'an and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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: Xi'an or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Xi'an
Xi'an is an ancient city in the Shaanxi Province in China. Today it is most notable as the location of the Terracotta Warriors, but for visitors who choose to linger, there is so much more to see and do in the area. The city itself is more than 3,000 years old and for about one thousand years, through 13 dynasties and 73 emperors, it was the capital. Because of its rich history there are many historical ruins and a strong culture in the city. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, although much of it's influence and power has dwindled. The city has both cosmopolitan and modern areas as well as historic and culturally rich areas. The neighborhoods are diverse and by exploring the city in depth you can learn a little more about what China really has to offer.
Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
In the heart of the Anhui Province of China is the stunning Mount Huangshan, or Yellow Mountain. This UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in visitors from around the world to take in the stunning views and conquer a new challenge.
Mount Huangshan is one of the most popular destinations in China. Because of this, most of the towns and regions around it also use the name Huangshan. Even the closest town, Tunxi, has begun going by Huangshan City. Keep this in mind as it could potentially cause some confusion in transit.
The whole of Huangshan has 36 separate peaks rising approximately 1,800 meters into the air. It is often covered in a spiritual-feeling mist that makes the peaks appear to live in the clouds. It has inspired artists for centuries, and is often thought to be the model for the typical mountain ranges seen in ancient Chinese paintings.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China.
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Xi'an Prices
China PricesHuangshan (Yellow Mountain) Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayXi'an $105Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Xi'an is $105, while the average daily cost in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) is $72. 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 Xi'an and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personXi'an $61Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $25
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomXi'an $122Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $50
Compare Hotels in Xi'an and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Looking for a hotel in Xi'an or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)? 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.Xi'an $12Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $10
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Xi'an
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Xi'an:
- Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Xi'an Central Train Station: $21
- Private Departure Transfer to Xi'an International Airport from City Hotels: $22
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian City - Arrival Private Transfer: $27
- Xian City to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $27
- Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) to Xian - Arrival Private Transfer: $29
- Xian to Xian Xianyang Airport (XIY) - Departure Private Transfer: $29
- Private Airport Transfer:Xi'an Xianyang International Airport to Xi'an Hotel: $29
- Private Airport Transfer: Xi'an Hotel to Xianyang International Airport: $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $29
- Xi’an Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area: $29
- Private Arrival Transfer:Any Xi'an Railway Station to Xi'an City Hotel: $30
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain):
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Shuttle Bus to Tangkou for Two$3.64
Is it cheaper to fly into Xi'an or Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)?
Prices for flights to both Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) and Xi'an 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 dayXi'an $22Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $33
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Xi'an
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Xi'an.
- Xi’an：City Wall Multi-Entry or Night Food Tour with Show: $21
- Xi'An: Tang Dynasty Show Ticket w/ Transfer or Dinner: $33
- Top 3 Xian Sites to Terracotta Army & Dinner Show w/ Options: $35
- Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket Optional Dumplings or Royal Dinner: $37
- Skip the Line: Xi'an Tang Dynasty Show Ticket & Dumpling Dinner or Royal Banquet: $37
- Xi'an: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show with Dinner Option: $40
- Xi'an Homemade Food Cooking Dumplings / BIANGBIANGNoodles: $58
- Xi’an: Market Tour and Cooking Class with Local Family: $59
- Xi'an Vegetarian Food Tour: $60
- Xi'an Muslim Quarter Walking Food Tour: $61
- Private Xi'an Food Tour: $65
- Xian: Morning Food Tour of the Muslim Quarter: $67
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Xi'an $36Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $27
Tours and Activities in Xi'an
Here are a few actual costs in Xi'an for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Xi'an: Daci'en Temple(Great Wild Goose Pagoda) E-ticket: $9.99
- Xi'an: City Wall & Old Town Walking Tour w/ 10+ Food Tasting: $14
- Xi’an City Wall – E-Ticket: $15
- Xi'an: Xi’an City Wall South Gate(Yongningmen) Entry Ticket: $15
- Xi'an Virtual Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang and His Terracotta Army: $15
- Xi'an: City Wall Moat Smart Boat Tour: $17
- Xian: Terracotta Army Ticket & Guided Bus Tour with Options: $20
- Private Car Tour to Terra-cotta Army and Xi'an Ctiy Attrations: $22
- Xian Day Tour, Terracotta Army, City Wall, Pagoda, Muslim Bazaar: $24
- Xi'an Exclusive Terracotta Army Tour with Local Family Lunch: $24
- Terracotta Army Ticket Booking - Optional Guide Service: $25
- Private Half Day Tour to See The Tomb of Emperor Jingdi: $25
Typical Entertainment Prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain)
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$64
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Two Cable Car Passes$22
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayXi'an $7.34Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) $16
Sample the Local Flavors in Xi'an
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Xi'an:
- Xi'an Bar Crawl: Drink, Gaming, Snacks & Meet with Locals: $29
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Xi'an and Huangshan (Yellow Mountain), we can see that Xi'an is more expensive. And not only is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) 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 Xi'an would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Xi'an than you might in Huangshan (Yellow Mountain).
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Xi'an Expensive? and Is Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) Expensive?.
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.