Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guilin or Guangzhou?
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 Guilin and Guangzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Guangzhou?
Guilin
Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.
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.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayGuilin $67Guangzhou $89
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $89. 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 Guilin and Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $34Guangzhou $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $68Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Guangzhou? 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.Guilin $5.77Guangzhou $14
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.76
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
- Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $57
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
- Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $75
- Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $54
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $43
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Guilin 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 dayGuilin $22Guangzhou $19
Typical Food Prices in Guilin
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:
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Fresh Coconut Drink$1.38
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Guangzhou $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin
Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:
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Entrance to the Caves$17
Tours and Activities in Guilin
Here are a few actual costs in Guilin for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Li River Cruise Ticket Booking (E-ticket & Seat Reservation): $54
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $59
- Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
- Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $72
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $72
- Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
- One Day Private Longshen Rice Terraces Tour Including Lunch: $73
- Half/Full day Yangshuo Cuiping hill Sunset Private Tour: $73
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain Sunrise Private Tour: $77
- 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Dazhai village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79
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
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.73Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Guilin Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Guangzhou, 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 Guilin or Guangzhou?
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 Guilin or Guangzhou in the Summer?
Both Guangzhou and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.
Guilin is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Guangzhou. It's quite rainy in Guilin. In July, Guilin usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Guilin during the autumn are popular places to visit.
In the autumn, Guilin is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Guilin in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 25°C (76°F).
Guilin usually gets more rain in October than Guangzhou. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Guangzhou in the Winter?
The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Guangzhou.
In January, Guilin is generally cooler than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 10°C (49°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In January, Guilin usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Guangzhou.
Guilin is cooler than Guangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Guilin receives a lot of rain in the spring. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Guangzhou. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Guilin
| Guilin | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 24 mm (0.9 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.