Guangzhou is a cultural destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Guangzhou?
You should plan to spend around $102 (¥744) per day on your vacation in Guangzhou. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $33 (¥243) on meals
- $14 (¥102) on local transportation
- $114 (¥829) on hotels
A one week trip to Guangzhou for two people costs, on average, $1,427 (¥10,416). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$714
¥5,208
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,427
¥10,416
-
One Month
Per person
$3,059
¥22,320
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,427
¥10,416
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,855
¥20,832
-
One Month
For a couple
$6,117
¥44,640
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Guangzhou cost?
A one week trip to Guangzhou usually costs around $714 (¥5,208) for one person and $1,427 (¥10,416) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Guangzhou on average costs around $1,427 (¥10,416) for one person and $2,855 (¥20,832) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Guangzhou will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Guangzhou on average costs around $3,059 (¥22,320) for one person and $6,117 (¥44,640) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Guangzhou expensive to visit?
Guangzhou is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Affordable hotel choices are available, but luxury hotels also cater to the more affluent clientele, along with mid-range accommodations that are perfect for families and couples.
Guangzhou has the potential to be expensive, but you can manage your budget by looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $41 (¥300) per day, mid-range travelers spend $103 (¥744) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $252 (¥1,826) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Guangzhou.
Within Asia, Guangzhou is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Manila or Zhangye.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Guangzhou Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Guangzhou?
The average Guangzhou trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Guangzhou travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Guangzhou cost?
Guangzhou on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$22
(¥158)
|
$57
(¥414)
|
$156
(¥1,136)
|
|
Local Transportation 1
|
$6
(¥41)
|
$14
(¥102)
|
$34
(¥248)
|
|
Food 2
|
$14
(¥105)
|
$33
(¥243)
|
$66
(¥485)
|
|
Entertainment 1
|
$7
(¥52)
|
$17
(¥128)
|
$41
(¥298)
|
|
Alcohol 2
|
$3-9
(¥22-67)
|
$7-21
(¥52-155)
|
$14-43
(¥104-313)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Guangzhou cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
The Truth on Budget Travel
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $41 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. When visiting Guangzhou, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $103 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $252 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the destination, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Customised Private Guangzhou City Tour with Flexible Itinerary - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Guangzhou
The cost of hotels in Guangzhou can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $0, but the demand in peak season pushes that average to around $0. Budget hotels range from $0 to $0, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Guangzhou for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $114 (¥829). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $57 (¥414) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Transportation Budget in Guangzhou
Guangzhou does not has a good public transit system.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $14 (¥102) per person, per day, on local transportation in Guangzhou. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Guangzhou is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$14
¥102
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer for $200 details
- Guangzhou Downtown Hotel - Baiyun Airport OneWay Private Transfer for $35 details
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Hotel to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport for $90 details
How much does it cost to go to Guangzhou? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Guangzhou will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Guangzhou
Cuisine often serves as a primary motivation for travel, so make sure to indulge in the local dishes.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Guangzhou can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Guangzhou is $33 (¥243) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$33
¥243
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Guangzhou is around $33 (¥243) per person, with previous travelers spending from $14 to $67. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Guangzhou are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $10
- Lunch: $5 to $13
- Dinner: $10 to $23
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $5
Specialties of Guangzhou largely consist of Cantonese cuisine, which is well known for its fragrance, taste, and presentation. Dim sum, a kind of bite size snack, is especially popular and comes in many varieties, some of which include shrimp dumpling and steamed shaomai. Cantonese cuisine is also famed as one of the most adventurous kinds of dining, as it can include absolutely any kind of animal and all of its parts. Liver, kidneys, heart and even brain-nothing is wasted in Cantonese cooking. Dishes are sure to include an expansive and exotic range of ingredients. Duck, chicken, pork, and seafood are common. As far as desserts go, they are mostly pudding or custard like with flavors including ginger, red or green bean, and black sesame.
Many hotels include breakfast in their pricing structure, while some charge additional fees for it. The quality and cost can vary significantly by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you decide whether to allocate more money. It might be worth paying for the delicious hotel buffet, or you could go to a local bakery or cafe that's less expensive.
Having a water bottle can help you save on drinks and do your part for the environment.
While planning your tour, it's essential to know which meals are included. You may find yourself paying for some meals, which can add to your travel budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Guangzhou. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market for $180 details
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise for $140 details
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option for $146 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Guangzhou
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Guangzhou typically cost an average of $17 (¥128) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$17
¥128
While the city beholds a beautiful modern skyline reflecting grandly in the Pearl River, there are a number of sights within the city just as striking. One significant landmark includes the 19th century architecture of the Chen Clan Academy, once owned by the wealthy Chen family and now displaying a number of ivory sculpture and artistic statues. Shamian Island, just outside of the bustling metropolis, also exhibits impressive architecture of the colonial era including the Our Lady of Lourdes Chapel. And then there is Canton Tower-the tallest structure in China, featuring an observation deck, restaurants, a 4-D theatre, and other entertainment.
As far as religious sites go, there are many temples throughout Guagzhou, significant of local culture. Bright Filial Piety Temple (or Guangxiao Temple) is the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in the Lingnan Area, making it a popular pilgrimage site for Zen Buddhists. Liurong Temple, also known as the Temple of Six Banyan Trees, is one of the most popular attractions in Guangzhou. It also includes the 17-story, eight-sided Hua Ta, or Flowering Pagoda. The temple dates back to the 6th century, while the pagoda predates it by about 300 years.
There are also a few traditional villages on the outskirts of the city for those interested in local culture and history, as well as museums and galleries dedicated to the same. Not to mention, endless opportunities for shopping.
In addition to sightseeing, museums, galleries, and temples, Guagzhou also has many historic parks for a little escape from the bustle of the city. Yuexiu Park is the largest urban park in China, covering a lush green area that flows over acres of hills and includes several lakes. It is home to the Ming Dynasty Zhenhai Tower as well as the Guangzhou Museum with relics on five floors dating back 5,000 years and an up-to-date miniature of modern Guangzhou. For more information, see this great guide to things to do in Guangzhou.
Baiyun Mountain (White Cloud Mountain) also offers opportunities for some outdoor adventure just outside the city, with trails, recreation activities, and a beautiful view of Guangzhou from above.
Theme parks are also popular and include Chimelong Paradise, Chimelong Water Park, Guangzhou CrocoPark, Guangzhou Xiangjiang Safari Park, and the Chimelong International Circus.
A nice way to explore destinations in Guangzhou is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Canton Tower Private Tour for $140 details
- Seven Star Crags Karst Cave Mirror Lake Bird Islands Private Tour for $160 details
- Private Tour to Gulong Canyon with Glass Bridge and Water Falls from Guangzhou for $179 details
Nightlife Budget in Guangzhou
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $14 (¥103) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Guangzhou per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$14
¥103
Enjoying the nightlife is exciting, but if you want to save money, drinking less is an easy way to do it.
Travel cost data last updated: Nov 27, 2024
Traveling in Guangzhou
Guangzhou, China
With a population of more than 12 million, Guangzhou is the third largest city in China after Beijing and Shanghai. Though it has a long history, founded in 214 BC, the city has also many modern attractions, a mix of the old and new with temples and parks as well as skyscrapers and shopping centers. Its location on the Pearl River has contributed to this growth, making Guangzhou a major port and commercial hub.
Neighborhoods & Around
Guangzhou is divided into ten districts. Among them, Yuexiu, Liwan, and Tianhe make up the City Center.
Yuexiu has been central to the city's culture since its founding in 214 BC. Some of its highlights include Yuexiu Park, Guangzhou Museum located at Zhanhai Tower, Orchid Garden, Mausoleum of Nanyue King, Guangxiao Temple, Temple of Six Banyan Trees, Huangsheng Mosque, Beijing Lu Shopping District, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, Temple of Five Rams, and Shishi Cathedral.
Liwan is on the north side of the Pearl River and makes up the old Guangzhou area. Some attractions include the colonial Shamian Island, Xiguan Old Houses, Xiangxiajiu shopping Street, and Liziwan Lake Park, and Chen Clan Academy.
Tianhe is the city's business district with many skyscrapers and shopping centers, as well as the transportation hub for trains to Hong Kong. Highlights of Tianhe include Guangdong Museum, Central Library, Opera House, and Shipai village.
Panyu, just outside the city center, is also popular with a number of theme parks as well as historic villages and towns that exemplify the traditional lifestyle of southern China.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.