Which place is cheaper, Harbin or Guangzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Guangzhou or Harbin?
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 Harbin can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Harbin?
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.
Harbin
Harbin, China is the northernmost major city in the country, with a population of over 10 million. Harbin was founded in 1897 by Russia, which has resulted in a lot of Russian influence throughout the city and many Russian citizens. The city is most famous for their annual International Snow and Ice Festival, a two-month-long festival running from January through February of each year.
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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Guangzhou Prices
China PricesHarbin Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $111Harbin $70
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $111, while the average daily cost in Harbin is $70. 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 Harbin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $62Harbin $22
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $124Harbin $44
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Harbin
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Harbin? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Guangzhou Hotel Prices and Harbin Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Guangzhou $15Harbin $1.62
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- [Airport transfer] Guangzhou Airport - Guangzhou city transfer service with a good reputation! <Private charter: $27
- Private transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to hotel: $33
- Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $168
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $168
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $45
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
- Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
- Private Departure Transfer in English-speaking: Hotel to Airport: $99
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Canton Fair Pazhou Complex: $49
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Harbin
Also for Harbin, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- 4 Hour Private Transfer to Sun Island Snow Sculptures: $100
- Harbin Airport(HRB) Private Arrival Transfer: Meet&Greet Service: $36
- Harbin City Car Transfer Service with Driver: $198
- Harbin Ice Festival Tickets and Transfer Service: $148
- Harbin Private Arrival Transfer: Railway Station to Hotel: $88
- Harbin Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $88
- Harbin Private Transfer from Harbin Airport (HRB) to central Harbin: $120
- Harbin Sun Island Snow Fair tickets and Transfer Service: $128
- Harbin Taiping Airport Chauffeur Service, Harbin Airport Transfer, Pick up.: $59
- Harbin Volga Manor Private Transfer Service with Entry Tickets: $300
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin East Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $60
- Private Arrival Transfer from Harbin Railway Station to Harbin City Hotel: $55
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Harbin?
Prices for flights to both Harbin 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 $36Harbin $26
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Private Cantonese Cooking Consultation and Custom Menu Planning: $19
- Guangzhou Local Life Street Food Tour Hidden Spots and Markets: $39
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Guangzhou Night Tour with Pearl River Cruise & Dim Sum Dinner: $110
- Guangzhou walking tour with dimsum dinner&Zhujiang river cruise: $160
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Morning Tea, Cantonese Opera, and Food Tour: $183
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Harbin
For Harbin, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Dinner Show with Costumes and Performances: $29
- Central Street, Baluoke Village, and Dinner Tour: $90
- Harbin Dumpling Cooking Class: $154
- Harbin Cultural Tour at Zhongyang Dajie to Baluoke with Dinner: $300
- Hot Spring Experience with Hot Pot Dinner in Harbin: $300
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $19Harbin $57
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Guangzhou City Highlight Layover Tour from Airport: $276
- 1 Day Relaxing Exploring Tour in Guangzhou: $156
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour in Your Way: $100
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
- 7-Hour Customised Private Guangzhou Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $200
- 8-Hour Guangzhou Private CityTour with Canton Tower and Top Sites: $194
- Big Buddha Statue Lotus Mountain Seagull Island Private Tour: $250
- Canton Fair Complex Private Tour Package Guangzhou: $65
- Canton Tower Observatory Ticket with Pearl River Night Cruise: $58
- Canton Tower Top and Pearl River Night Cruise: $249
- Chinese Classical Garden and Ancient Water Village Private Tour: $300
Tours and Activities in Harbin
For Harbin, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Harbin Private Day Tour to Volga Manor: $11
- Harbin Ice and Snow World Entry Ticket: $66
- 1-day Harbin Private Car Charter Service: Custom Downtown Tour: $87
- Harbin Summer Indoor Ice and Snow World Tour: $136
- Harbin Ice Lantern Show and Center Street Tour: $150
- 1-Day Harbin Private Tour: $168
- Harbin City Walking Sightseeing: $198
- Private Half Day City Tour including Russian Town and Harbin Ropeway Ride: $198
- Small Group Night Tour to Harbin Ice and Snow World: $199
- Harbin Ice Festival New Year Eve Countdown Group Tour on December 31: $200
- Harbin City Private Day Tour in Your Way in Winter Season: $200
- 3 Hours Harbin Frozen Songhua River Sightseeing: $200
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $15Harbin $8.48
Sample the Local Flavors in Harbin
Also in Harbin, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Half-Day Private Harbin Beer Museum and Brewery Tour: $250
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Harbin, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Harbin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Harbin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Harbin 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 Guangzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Guangzhou than you might in Harbin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Harbin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Harbin?
Harbin has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Guangzhou. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Harbin, 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 Harbin?
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 Guangzhou or Harbin in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Harbin.
In the summer, Guangzhou is a little warmer than Harbin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guangzhou in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Harbin averages at about 24°C (75°F).
It's quite rainy in Harbin. Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in July than Harbin. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuangzhou 29°C (84°F)Harbin 24°C (75°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Harbin in the Autumn?
Both Harbin and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In October, Guangzhou is generally much warmer than Harbin. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 25°C (76°F), and Harbin fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).
In October, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Harbin. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuangzhou 25°C (76°F)Harbin 7°C (44°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Harbin in the Winter?
Both Harbin and Guangzhou during the winter are popular places to visit.
Harbin can get quite cold in the winter. Guangzhou is much warmer than Harbin in the winter. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 14°C (58°F) in January, and Harbin fluctuates around -18°C (-0°F).
Guangzhou usually gets more rain in January than Harbin. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuangzhou 14°C (58°F)Harbin -18°C (-0°F)
Should I visit Guangzhou or Harbin in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Harbin.
In the spring, Guangzhou is much warmer than Harbin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guangzhou in April average around 22°C (72°F), and Harbin averages at about 8°C (46°F).
Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Harbin. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Harbin receives 21 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuangzhou 22°C (72°F)Harbin 8°C (46°F)
Typical Weather for Harbin and Guangzhou
| Guangzhou | Harbin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) | -18°C (-0°F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) |
| Feb | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 6 mm (0.2 in) |
| Mar | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) | -3°C (26°F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Apr | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 21 mm (0.8 in) |
| May | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) | 15°C (60°F) | 37 mm (1.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 153 mm (6 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 116 mm (4.6 in) |
| Sep | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Oct | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) |
| Nov | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) | -4°C (24°F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
| Dec | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | -14°C (7°F) | 5 mm (0.2 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.