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

Should you visit Zhangjiajie or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Shiretoko National Park. 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 Shiretoko National Park?

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.

Shiretoko National Park

Shiretoko National Park, Japan is comprises the entire Shiretoko Penninusla in the northeast island of Hokkaido. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is considered to be one of the most remote areas in Japan with very few and very small settlements. This makes Shiretoko the perfect place for a fun hiking and camping adventure.

While the park is open year round, the weather in the area tends to greatly affect the enjoyment of your trip due to harsh winters and heavy rain at the end of summer. There is a short period from May to early July that is considered the best time to visit due to slightly less rain and comfortable temperatures around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Japan, and The Best Adventure Tours to Japan.


Which place is cheaper, Shiretoko National Park or Zhangjiajie?

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

  • Zhangjiajie Prices
    China Prices
    Shiretoko National Park Prices
    Japan Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Zhangjiajie $79
    Shiretoko National Park $96

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhangjiajie is $79, while the average daily cost in Shiretoko National Park is $96. 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 Shiretoko National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhangjiajie $30
    Shiretoko National Park $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhangjiajie $60
    Shiretoko National Park $68
Compare Hotels in Zhangjiajie and Shiretoko National Park

Looking for a hotel in Zhangjiajie or Shiretoko National Park? 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 Shiretoko National Park


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: Shiretoko National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Zhangjiajie $15
    Shiretoko National Park $27

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie

Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Zhangjiajie airport/city pick up transfer to hotel or Vice Versa: $15
  • Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport private transfer service: $20
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer in ZJJ City: $52
  • Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
  • Private Transfer: Zhangjiajie from/to Fenghuang: $168
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
  • 1 Day Fenghuang and Furong Town Day Tour with Hotel Transfers: $192
  • Private transfer from Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) to Changsha area: $213
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
  • Private Transfer: Yichang hotel from/to Zhangjiajie Hotel: $321
  • 4-Day Private Tour with Airport Transfers: $710

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhangjiajie or Shiretoko National Park?

Prices for flights to both Shiretoko National Park 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
    Shiretoko National Park $45

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
    Shiretoko National Park $15

Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.

  • Zhangjiajie Pandora Tour to Avatar Hallelujah Mountain: $7.00
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Ticket Booking: $16
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Entrance Ticket Transportation: $42
  • Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tickets Booking: $48
  • Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 4 Days and 3 Nights Private Tour: $50
  • Exclusive VIP Zhangjiajie 5 Days and 4 Nights Private Tour: $50
  • Charming Xiangxi Show VIP ticket with round trip transport: $52
  • Fox Fairy Show VIP ticket with round trip private transport: $52
  • Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Ticket Booking: $55
  • One Day Mini Group Tour to Glass Bridge and Tianmen Mountain: $63
  • Mini Group Tour: Zhangjiajie Forest Park & Avatar Mountains: $66
  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Tickets Booking: $69

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhangjiajie $16
    Shiretoko National Park $11


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



When is the best time to visit Zhangjiajie or Shiretoko National Park?

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 Zhangjiajie or Shiretoko National Park in the Summer?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Zhangjiajie during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Shiretoko National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhangjiajie in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. Zhangjiajie usually gets more rain in July than Shiretoko National Park. Zhangjiajie gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Shiretoko National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhangjiajie and Shiretoko National Park. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Shiretoko National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zhangjiajie is generally much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Daily temperatures in Zhangjiajie average around 19°C (65°F), and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In October, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Zhangjiajie gets 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Shiretoko National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zhangjiajie as well as Shiretoko National Park.

It's quite cold in Shiretoko National Park in the winter. Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhangjiajie averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Shiretoko National Park fluctuates around -6°C (20°F).

Zhangjiajie usually gets less rain in January than Shiretoko National Park. Zhangjiajie gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park -6°C (20°F)

Should I visit Zhangjiajie or Shiretoko National Park in the Spring?

Both Shiretoko National Park and Zhangjiajie are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Shiretoko National Park for the natural beauty.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shiretoko National Park. In the spring, Zhangjiajie is much warmer than Shiretoko National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhangjiajie in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Shiretoko National Park averages at about 5°C (40°F).

It's quite rainy in Zhangjiajie. In April, Zhangjiajie usually receives more rain than Shiretoko National Park. Zhangjiajie gets 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Shiretoko National Park receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F) 
    Shiretoko National Park 5°C (40°F)

Typical Weather for Shiretoko National Park and Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Shiretoko National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -6°C (20°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) -7°C (19°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 112 mm (4.4 in) -3°C (28°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 17°C (63°F) 166 mm (6.5 in) 5°C (40°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 22°C (72°F) 179 mm (7 in) 10°C (50°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 199 mm (7.8 in) 13°C (56°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 125 mm (4.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Aug 29°C (83°F) 149 mm (5.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 16°C (61°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Oct 19°C (65°F) 90 mm (3.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 4°C (38°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) -2°C (28°F) 51 mm (2 in)