Which place is cheaper, Lijiang 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 Lijiang?
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 Lijiang can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Lijiang?
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.
Lijiang
Lijiang is a city in Southwestern China with a history of rule under the Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties. It played a key role along the Ancient Southern Silk Road, which started from Burma, crossed Lijiang, Shangri-La County, Tibet, journeyed through Iran, the Fertile Crescent, and ultimately to the Mediterranean Sea. The area was once a center for trade, politics, culture, and education, which is still evident in the rich culture seen today. Lijiang has also been the home of centuries to the Naxi people who still inhabit the area.
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 PricesLijiang Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuangzhou $110Lijiang $57
The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $110, while the average daily cost in Lijiang is $57. 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 Lijiang in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuangzhou $61Lijiang $17
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuangzhou $122Lijiang $34
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Lijiang
Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Lijiang? 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 $15Lijiang $5.98
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
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Guangzhou APT-HTL (CAN): $62
- Private transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to hotel: $44
- Private Transfer in Guangzhou with Fluent English Speaking Driver: $90
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $191
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $191
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $90
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Hotel: $45
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
- Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
- Private Guided Guangzhou Pearl River Cruise Tour With Hotel Transfer: $109
- Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Lijiang
Also for Lijiang, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Lijiang Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $88
- Lijiang Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Airport: $55
- Lijiang Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Railway Station: $55
- Lijiang Sanyi International Airport Chauffeur Service,Lijiang Airport Transfer: $57
- Ethnic Costume Photoshoot with Hotel Transfers: $131
- Private Transfer from Lijiang to Shangri-La and Stops at Tiger Leaping Gorge: $159
Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Lijiang?
Prices for flights to both Lijiang 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 $36Lijiang $31
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
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Guangzhou Night Walking and Food Tour: Led by Local Cantonese: $82
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $140
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Pearl River Night Cruise and Karaoke Tour with Buffet Dinner in Guangzhou: $179
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
Typical Food Prices in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:
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Lunch for Two$4.43
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Lijiang Naxi Cuisine Cooking Class & Market Visit: $59
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guangzhou $19Lijiang $21
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 with Dim-Sum Option: $100
- 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience: $118
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
- 7-Hour Customised Private Guangzhou Sightseeing and Shopping Tour: $180
- Ancient Water Village Folk Houses and Wine Museum Private Tour: $220
- Baiyun Mountain Canton Tower Iconic City Landmarks Private Tour: $180
- Bruce Lee Hometown Martial Art Culture Lion Dance Private Tour: $220
- Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise Guangzhou Private Night Tour: $140
- China Education Culture University Campus Guangzhou Private Tour: $153
Tours and Activities in Lijiang
For Lijiang, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Via Ferrata with Zipline Experience in Lijiang: $42
- Biking tour&guide visit Lijiang baisha village market park: $50
- Lijiang/Baisha Ancient Town, Naxi Village, Black Dragon Pool Tour: $76
- 4 Hour Private Lijiang City Highlights Walking Tour: $90
- Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour: $92
- Tiger Leaping Gorge with Lijiang Private Tour: $112
- Lijiang to Shangri-La HuXiang Road Private Scenic Tour: $116
- Lijiang：Yulong Snow Mountain Yakniuping Cableway Day Tour: $117
- Lijiang to Shangri-La Scenic Drive Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge: $119
- Baisha, Naxi Village, Lashi Wetlands Private Tour: $120
- Ethnic-Style Travel Photoshoot Immersive Experience: $131
- 1 Day Private Tour to Shaxi Ancient Town from Lijiang or Dali: $165
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuangzhou $15Lijiang $8.42
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guangzhou and Lijiang, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Lijiang much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lijiang would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lijiang 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 Lijiang.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guangzhou Expensive? and Is Lijiang Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guangzhou or Lijiang?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Lijiang. When comparing the sizes of Guangzhou and Lijiang, 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.
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.