Which place is cheaper, Beijing or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guangzhou or Beijing?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Beijing can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Beijing?
Guangzhou
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.
Beijing
Beijing is the capital of China and, with 21.5 million people, it is the second most populated city in the world after Shanghai. It is a city that keeps pockets of its history hidden in old neighborhoods or back alleys, despite the constant change and modernization that goes on around it. As the capital city of China, there is plenty of history and culture. You can still get yourself lost in one of the last remaining hutongs, which are old neighborhoods that remain untouched by the city's modernization. The alleys that weave between the old homes are lined with drying clothes, corner markets, and people going about their daily lives the way they have for centuries. Surrounding these hutongs you'll find modern buildings and a booming economy, all threatening to destroying these last bits of Beijing's history. Beijing offers a glimpse into a microcosm that represents the entire country of China. Make sure you give yourself enough time in China to truly experience Beijing. You can pass a lot of time soaking up life in the city, which remains as diverse as the country it resides within.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, and The Best Adventure Tours to China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $89Beijing $77
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, while the average daily cost in Beijing is $77. 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 Guangzhou and Beijing in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $57Beijing $39
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $114Beijing $78
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Beijing
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Beijing? 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.Guangzhou $14Beijing $7.65
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Private Departure Transfer: City Hotel to Railway Station: $34
- Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
- Fast Train Ticket from Guangzhou to Hong Kong with Station Transfer in Guanghou: $95
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Guangzhou Airport: Private Transfer to/from Guangzhou: $70
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , To Guangzhou Transfer,Pickup: $71
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service, To Dongguan Transfer: $120
- Guangzhou Downtown Hotel - Baiyun Airport OneWay Private Transfer: $35
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
- Guangzhou airport to hotel private transfer : $57
- Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Beijing
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Beijing:
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Taxi$4.72
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Train from Airport for Two$6.91
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Taxi to Hotel$8.29
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2 Metro Passes$2.21
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Metro$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Beijing
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Beijing:
- Jinshanling Great Wall Self-hiking Tour by Private Transfer Service : $98
- Private English Transfer to Shilin Gorge Platform And Ming City Wall : $140
- Private Transfer to Daxing International Airport : $35
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Private Tour: Forbidden City with Round Airport transfers: $198
- 1-Day Beijing Layover Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall with Round Airport Transfers: $208
- 1-Day Bejing Layover Tour:Mutianyu Great Wall,Forbidden City & Airport Transfers: $250
- Acrobatic Show at Red Theater With Private Transfer: $45
- Acrobatics Show with Private Driver Service and Hotel Round Transfer: $65
- Arrival Private Transfer: Capital Airport PEK to Beijing in Business Car: $72
- transfer from the airport to the hotel: $65
- Beijing Acrobat Show Night Tour with Private Transfer and Optional Seats: $107
- Beijing Airpotrs Private Transfers: $50
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Beijing?
Prices for flights to both Beijing and Guangzhou 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 dayGuangzhou $19Beijing $21
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Guangzhou Evening Food Tour Through Local Neighborhood: $65
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $100
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $110
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou : $266
Typical Food Prices in Beijing
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Beijing:
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Popcorn$0.83
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Hot Pot Dinner$6.91
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Dumpling Breakfast for Two$2.76
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Watermelon$1.94
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Peking Duck Dinner for 2$16
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Two Popsicles$0.83
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Beijing
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Beijing.
- Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef : $20
- Beijing Acrobatic Show Tickets w/ Optional Dinner or Transfer: $48
- 3.5-Hour Walking Food Tour: A Bite of History at Beijing Niujie Street: $49
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Beijing Hutong Breakfast Food Tour: $55
- Temple of Heaven Private Tour w/Option Show &Dinner: $60
- 3 hours Morning or Afternoon Tea Tasting on Maliandao Street and Tea Restaurant Lunch or Dinner Tour: $69
- Mogolian Hot Pot Dinner with no limit soft drink and local beer .: $70
- discovery more Beijing back street evening food tour with locals : $79
- Acrobatic Show with Peking Duck Dinner Private Tour: $80
- Authentic Lunch or Dinner Tour in Beijing's Best Hidden Spots: $80
- Discovery more local Beijing evening food Tour: $89
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $18Beijing $24
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
- Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King & Academy of Clan Chen in Guangzhou: $91
- Private Guangzhou History and Culture Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $98
- Best of Guangzhou City Sightseeing: $110
- Private Half Day Guangzhou Tour by Metro with A Local Guide: $112
Typical Entertainment Prices in Beijing
Here are a few typical costs in Beijing for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entry to Summer Palace for Two$8.29
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Two Opera Tickets$59
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Temple of Heaven Park Entrance (for 2)$9.68
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Forbidden City (for 2)$17
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Forbidden City Tickets$17
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Audio Guides at Forbidden City$11
Tours and Activities in Beijing
Here are a few actual costs in Beijing for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Beijing's Old Hutongs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
- Small Group Hutongs Walking Tour : $5.00
- Small Group Temple of Heaven Walking Tour: $5.00
- Beijing Summer Palace Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Beijing Temple of Heaven Entrance Ticket (with Optional Guided Service): $8.00
- Forbidden City Ticket : $9.90
- Beijing Forbidden City Admission Ticket Pre Booking Service: $9.98
- Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
- The Temple of Heaven OR Summer Palace Entry Ticket: $12
- The Temple of Heaven or Summer Palace Entry Ticket: $13
- Summer Palace Tickets Booking: $13
- Tiananmen Square Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $14
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $14Beijing $12
Sample the Local Flavors in Beijing
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Beijing:
- Beijing Brewery Bike Tour: $99
- Full Day Private Chateau Changyu Wine Tour from Beijing: $161
- Private Changyu Chateau Wine Tasting Tour and Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: $238
When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Beijing, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Asia, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Beijing Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Beijing?
Beijing has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Beijing, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Guangzhou or Beijing?
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 Guangzhou or Beijing in the Summer?
Both Beijing and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Beijing in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Guangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Beijing. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 29°C (84°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).
It's quite sunny in Beijing. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Beijing during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 224 hours of full sun in the summer.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Beijing. It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. In July, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Beijing 27°C (80°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Beijing in the Autumn?
Both Beijing and Guangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beijing for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.
Guangzhou is much warmer than Beijing in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 25°C (76°F) in October, and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).
In Beijing, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 227 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou usually gets more rain in October than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Beijing 14°C (56°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Beijing in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Beijing. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Beijing because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Beijing can be very cold. In the winter, Guangzhou is much warmer than Beijing. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guangzhou in January average around 14°C (58°F), and Beijing averages at about -4°C (26°F).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beijing this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Beijing during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Beijing receives 201 hours of full sun in the winter.
In January, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Beijing -4°C (26°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Beijing in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Beijing. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Beijing this time of year.
In April, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Beijing. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 22°C (72°F), and Beijing fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).
The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Beijing. In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beijing receives 247 hours of full sun.
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Beijing. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Beijing receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Beijing 14°C (57°F)
Typical Weather for Beijing and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Beijing | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (26°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -1°C (30°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 14°C (57°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 29 mm (1.1 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 25°C (78°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 20°C (69°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 14°C (56°F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | -1°C (29°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
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.