Comparison · Hong Kong vs Shanghai · China
Hong Kong vs Shanghai
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Daniel Case, CC BY-SA 3.0
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Quick answer
Choose Hong Kong for Victoria Harbour skyline, Dim sum, beaches and free sights; choose Shanghai for The Bund, Pudong skyline and lower day-to-day costs. Shanghai is generally less expensive, and the two are about 1,231 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 1,231 km
- Less expensive
- Shanghai
- Best time for Hong Kong
- October–December
- Best time for Shanghai
- April–May and October–November
Side by side
| Hong Kong | Shanghai | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | China | China |
| Known for | Victoria Harbour skyline, Dim sum and Star Ferry | The Bund, Pudong skyline and Xiaolongbao |
| Best time to visit | October–December | April–May and October–November |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $160–$300 | $130–$250 |
| Cost level | Expensive | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 32°C (90°F) | July, 32°C (90°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 19°C (66°F) | January, 8°C (46°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 11 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 5 | 5 |
| Beaches | Repulse Bay | — |
| Airports | HKG | PVG, SHA |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Hong Kong for…
Victoria Harbour skyline, Dim sum, beaches and free sights. Hong Kong wraps one of the world's densest skylines around Victoria Harbour, with Hong Kong Island's Central and Wan Chai facing Kowloon's Tsim Sha Tsui across a ten-minute Star Ferry crossing. Behind the towers, about three-quarters of the territory is…
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Choose Shanghai for…
The Bund, Pudong skyline and lower day-to-day costs. Shanghai splits along the Huangpu River: on the west bank, the 1920s and 1930s banks and hotels of the Bund, the Old City around Yu Garden and the plane-tree streets of the former French Concession; on the east bank, the Lujiazui towers led by the 632-metre…
Top sights compared
| # | Hong Kong | Shanghai |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram | The Bund |
| 2 | Star Ferry | Yu Garden |
| 3 | Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Avenue of Stars | Shanghai Tower |
| 4 | Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery | Oriental Pearl Tower |
| 5 | Hollywood Road and Man Mo Temple | Shanghai Museum |
Food compared
| Hong Kong | Shanghai |
|---|---|
| Dim sum | Soup dumplings |
| Roast goose and char siu | Pan-fried pork buns |
| Wonton noodles | Red-braised pork belly |
| Egg tart | Scallion oil noodles |
Which is cheaper?
Shanghai is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $130–$250 per person there, against $160–$300 in Hong Kong (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Shanghai on a budget.
Can you visit both?
They are about 1,231 km apart, so combining them means a flight. With 9 days or more it works; otherwise pick one.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Hong Kong or Shanghai cheaper?
Shanghai is usually less expensive: about $130–$250 a day mid-range against $160–$300 (estimates).
+Is Hong Kong or Shanghai better for a first trip?
Pick Hong Kong for Victoria Harbour skyline, Dim sum, beaches and free sights, or Shanghai for The Bund, Pudong skyline and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Hong Kong from Shanghai?
About 1,231 km in a straight line.