A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Zhangjiajie vs. Pyeongchang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Pyeongchang?

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 Zhangjiajie and Pyeongchang. 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: Zhangjiajie or Pyeongchang?

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.

Pyeongchang

Pyeongchang is a county of South Korea situated in the Taebaek Mountains in Gangwon Province. A popular location for winter sports, it was chosen as the host city for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Other attractions include Buddhist temples, parks, villages, and natural scenery.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Seoul, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Seoul.


Which place is cheaper, Pyeongchang or Zhangjiajie?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Pyeongchang is $133. 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 Zhangjiajie and Pyeongchang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Pyeongchang $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Pyeongchang $122
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Pyeongchang

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Pyeongchang? 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 Zhangjiajie


Hotels in Pyeongchang


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pyeongchang Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $15
    Pyeongchang $24

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 Zhangjiajie or Pyeongchang?

Prices for flights to both Pyeongchang and Zhangjiajie 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
    Zhangjiajie $36
    Pyeongchang $47

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
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $23
    Pyeongchang $50

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

Tours and Activities in Pyeongchang

For Pyeongchang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Alpensia 2D1N Ski Lift Tour: $141
  • Balwangsan Cable Car & Samyang Ranch One Day Tour: $78

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Pyeongchang $8.69


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhangjiajie and Pyeongchang, we can see that Pyeongchang 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 Pyeongchang would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pyeongchang 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 Zhangjiajie Expensive? and Is Pyeongchang Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie or Pyeongchang?

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 Zhangjiajie or Pyeongchang in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Pyeongchang.

In July, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 29°C (85°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 24°C (76°F).

Pyeongchang receives a lot of rain in the summer. Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 217 mm (8.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Pyeongchang 24°C (76°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Pyeongchang in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Pyeongchang.

Zhangjiajie is a little warmer than Pyeongchang in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite rainy in Pyeongchang. Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in October than Pyeongchang. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Pyeongchang 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Pyeongchang in the Winter?

Both Pyeongchang and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.

It's quite cold in Pyeongchang in the winter. In the winter, Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Pyeongchang. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zhangjiajie in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Pyeongchang averages at about 0°C (33°F).

In January, Zhangjiajie usually receives less rain than Pyeongchang. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Pyeongchang 0°C (33°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Pyeongchang in the Spring?

Both Pyeongchang and Zhangjiajie during the spring are popular places to visit.

In April, Zhangjiajie is generally a little warmer than Pyeongchang. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 17°C (63°F), and Pyeongchang fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in April than Pyeongchang. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Pyeongchang receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Pyeongchang 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Pyeongchang and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Pyeongchang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 0°C (33°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 1°C (35°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 77 mm (3 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 18°C (64°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 21°C (69°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 24°C (76°F) 217 mm (8.5 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 25°C (77°F) 262 mm (10.3 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 216 mm (8.5 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 112 mm (4.4 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)