A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guangzhou vs. Yaeyama Islands for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guangzhou or Yaeyama Islands?

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 Yaeyama Islands can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guangzhou or Yaeyama Islands?

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.

Yaeyama Islands

The Yaeyama Islands is a cluster of islands located in the southwestern part of Japan, close to Taiwan. There are nine different islands, varying from small islets to large holiday resort islands. The Yaeyama Islands are one of the most popular destination in Japan due to their beautiful beaches and underwater ruins. Yaeyama is also known for having their own language and writing system. For the most part, everyone on the Islands speak Japanese, but you'll often find the Yaeyama writing on T-shirts in souvenir shops or scattered around Yaeyama.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, The Best 2-Week Tours in China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Tokyo, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Tokyo.


Which place is cheaper, Yaeyama Islands or Guangzhou?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guangzhou is $89, while the average daily cost in Yaeyama Islands is $93. 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 Yaeyama Islands in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guangzhou $57
    Yaeyama Islands $54
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guangzhou $114
    Yaeyama Islands $108
Compare Hotels in Guangzhou and Yaeyama Islands

Looking for a hotel in Guangzhou or Yaeyama Islands? 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.

Hotels in Guangzhou


Hotels in Yaeyama Islands


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: Yaeyama Islands Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guangzhou $14
    Yaeyama Islands $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:

  • Canton Fair Private Transfer between Guangzhou City Center and Pazhou Complex : $32
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
  • Guangzhou to Guangzhou Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
  • Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
  • Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
  • Private Baiyun Airport Transfer to Guangzhou Railway or East Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to Baiyun Airport : $53
  • Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $68
  • Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou with Private Transfer: $69

Is it cheaper to fly into Guangzhou or Yaeyama Islands?

Prices for flights to both Yaeyama Islands 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Guangzhou $19
    Yaeyama Islands $28

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 Night View Cruise Tour with Dinner: $90
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
  • 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
  • Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
  • Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
  • Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guangzhou $18
    Yaeyama Islands $8.62

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
  • Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
  • 5-Hour Sai Kwan Walking Tour with Unique Food Tasting: $72
  • Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
  • Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $75
  • Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Tour: $77
  • Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
  • Guangzhou Foodie Tour: $88
  • Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
  • Walking Tour of Xiguan Ancient Town: $89

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guangzhou $14
    Yaeyama Islands $6.28


When comparing the travel costs between Guangzhou and Yaeyama Islands, we can see that Yaeyama Islands 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 Yaeyama Islands Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Guangzhou or Yaeyama Islands?

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 Yaeyama Islands in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guangzhou and Yaeyama Islands. Furthermore, most visitors come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands in the summer. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 29°C (84°F) in July, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Yaeyama Islands this time of the year. In Guangzhou, it's very sunny this time of the year. Guangzhou usually receives less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during summer. Guangzhou gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 279 hours of full sun in the summer.

Yaeyama Islands receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guangzhou usually receives more rain than Yaeyama Islands. Guangzhou gets 228 mm (9 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 179 mm (7 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guangzhou 29°C (84°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 29°C (85°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Yaeyama Islands in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guangzhou as well as Yaeyama Islands. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Yaeyama Islands because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guangzhou in October average around 25°C (76°F), and Yaeyama Islands averages at about 26°C (78°F).

In the autumn, Guangzhou often gets more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Guangzhou gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Yaeyama Islands. Guangzhou usually gets less rain in October than Yaeyama Islands. Guangzhou gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 173 mm (6.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guangzhou 25°C (76°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 26°C (78°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Yaeyama Islands in the Winter?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Guangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Yaeyama Islands this time of year.

In January, Guangzhou is generally cooler than Yaeyama Islands. Daily temperatures in Guangzhou average around 14°C (58°F), and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Guangzhou usually receives more sunshine than Yaeyama Islands during winter. Guangzhou gets 133 hours of sunny skies, while Yaeyama Islands receives 97 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Yaeyama Islands. In January, Guangzhou usually receives less rain than Yaeyama Islands. Guangzhou gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guangzhou 14°C (58°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Guangzhou or Yaeyama Islands in the Spring?

Both Yaeyama Islands and Guangzhou during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Yaeyama Islands for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Guangzhou is around the same temperature as Yaeyama Islands in the spring. The daily temperature in Guangzhou averages around 22°C (72°F) in April, and Yaeyama Islands fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In the spring, Guangzhou often gets less sunshine than Yaeyama Islands. Guangzhou gets 78 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Yaeyama Islands receives 154 hours of full sun.

Yaeyama Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. Guangzhou usually gets more rain in April than Yaeyama Islands. Guangzhou gets 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Yaeyama Islands receives 147 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to June is the rainy season in Yaeyama Islands.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guangzhou 22°C (72°F) 
    Yaeyama Islands 23°C (74°F)

Typical Weather for Yaeyama Islands and Guangzhou

Guangzhou Yaeyama Islands
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 14°C (58°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 15°C (59°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Mar 18°C (65°F) 85 mm (3.4 in) 20°C (69°F) 126 mm (5 in)
Apr 22°C (72°F) 182 mm (7.2 in) 23°C (74°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
May 26°C (79°F) 284 mm (11.2 in) 26°C (79°F) 231 mm (9.1 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 258 mm (10.1 in) 28°C (82°F) 203 mm (8 in)
Jul 29°C (84°F) 228 mm (9 in) 29°C (85°F) 179 mm (7 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 221 mm (8.7 in) 29°C (84°F) 236 mm (9.3 in)
Sep 28°C (82°F) 172 mm (6.8 in) 28°C (82°F) 229 mm (9 in)
Oct 25°C (76°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 26°C (78°F) 173 mm (6.8 in)
Nov 20°C (68°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 170 mm (6.7 in)
Dec 16°C (61°F) 24 mm (0.9 in) 20°C (67°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)