A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Guilin vs. Picton for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guilin or Picton?

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 Picton can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Guilin or Picton?

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.

Picton

Picton, New Zealand is located in the picturesque Marlborough Region on the South Island. With beachfront access in a central location and near the Marlborough Sounds, Picton is an ideal place for anyone looking for both adventure and relaxation in one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the world.

The weather in Picton is fairly mild, ranging from the low fifties to high sixties, Fahrenheit, throughout the year. Their summer months are December through March, this is when you'll find temperatures in the high sixties. During the winter, June through August, Picton experiences averages of fifty degree Fahrenheit. This means you can visit any time of the year without having to worry about weather inhibiting any of your outdoor activities!

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China, The Best Historical Tours in China, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Picton or Guilin?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $84, while the average daily cost in Picton is $101. 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 Picton in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $35
    Picton $37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $70
    Picton $74
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Picton

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Picton? 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 Guilin


Hotels in Picton


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: Picton Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.85
    Picton -
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.80

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $17
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Downtown Hotel: $17
  • Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $18
  • [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter> *: $23
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
  • Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25
  • Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
  • Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang International Aiport to Guilin Hotel: $35
  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $37
  • Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Picton

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Picton:

  • Private Transfer from Blenheim Airport (BHE) to Picton Port: $133
  • Private Transfer from Blenheim city hotels to Picton Cruise Port: $120
  • Private Transfer from Picton Cruise Port to Blenheim City Hotels: $121
  • Private Transfer from Picton Port to Blenheim Airport (BHE): $134

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Picton?

Prices for flights to both Picton 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
  • Food Meals for one day
    Guilin $39
    Picton $34
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.40

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
  • Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class: $306

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Picton

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Picton.

  • CRUISE SHIP DAYS - HOP ON HOP OFF - Wine, Beer, Food Tour: $58

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Picton $109
Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • 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
  • Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide(beginner friendly): $51
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
  • 1-Day tour of Guilin-LiRiver cruise-Yangshuo Xianggong hill : $55
  • GUILIN:kayaking adventure with local guide: $60
  • Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $61
  • Guilin English tour guide service : $62
  • Private Day Tour: Longji Terraces Cultural Villages and Hike : $69
  • Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
  • Private day tour :Guilin-LiRiver bamboo boat-Yangshuo Highlights : $70
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
  • City Tour with Elephant Hill & Ming Tea Tasting: $71

Tours and Activities in Picton

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Picton are as follows:

  • Skip the Line: Dangerous Skies WWII Exhibition - Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $15
  • Discover Self-Guided Audio Tour: $15
  • Hinterland Cycling Tour, Havelock: $23
  • Skip the Line:WWI & WWII Combo Exhibitions at the Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre: $29
  • Kalapathar Sunrise, Birdwatching and Village Tour: $35
  • Picton Shore Excursion: Queen Charlotte Sounds Cruise: $49
  • Picton Shore Excursion Queen Charlotte Sound Cruise: $51
  • Kayaking Mangrove Adventure at Havelock: $56
  • Queen Charlotte Sound: Lochmara Cruise and Explore Day Trip: $57
  • Half-Day Cruise in Marlborough Sounds from Picton: $63
  • Marlborough Sounds and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $64
  • Motuara Island Bird Sanctuary and Ship Cove Cruise from Picton: $66

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.81
    Picton $34

Sample the Local Flavors in Picton

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Picton:

  • Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour (full day) in the Marlborough Region.: $39
  • Self-Guided Wine Tours by Bike with Lorelle & Greg : $41
  • Marlborough: Hop-On Hop-Off Wine, Brewery, and Wonders Tour: $75
  • Hop on Hop off Wine Tours Marlborough: $77
  • Marlborough Afternoon Wine Tour with Tastings: $77
  • CRUISE SHIP DAY Marlborough Hop On Hop Off Wine Tours: $77
  • Marlborough Half Day Wine Tour From Picton: $92
  • Marlborough Wine Tasting Tour.: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Blenheim: $95
  • Half-Day Wine Tour from Picton: $95
  • Morning Guided with Afternoon Self-Guided Biking Wine Tour: $101
  • Taste the Valley Wine Tour in Marlborough with Wine Tasting: $101


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Guilin and Picton, we can see that Picton is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Guilin is in Asia and Picton is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. 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 Picton would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Picton 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 Picton Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Picton?

Guilin has a larger population, and is about 220 times larger than the population of Picton. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Picton, 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 Picton?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Picton is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Guilin has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Guilin or Picton in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Picton. Furthermore, most visitors come to Picton for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Guilin is generally much warmer than Pictonin January. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 30°C (86°F), and Picton fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Guilin usually receives more rain than Pictonin January. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Picton receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Picton 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Picton in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Picton. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Picton because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

Guilin is much warmer than Picton in the autumn. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Picton fluctuates around 15°C (58°F)in April.

Guilin usually gets more rain in October than Pictonin April. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Picton receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Picton 15°C (58°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Picton in the Winter?

Both Picton and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Picton this time of year.

In the winter, Guilin is around the same temperature as Picton. Typically, the winter temperatures in Guilin in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Picton averages at about 10°C (49°F)in July.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Picton. In January, Guilin usually receives less rain than Pictonin July. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Picton receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Picton 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Picton in the Spring?

Both Picton and Guilin during the spring are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Picton for the beaches and the small town charm.

In April, Guilin is generally much warmer than Pictonin October. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 20°C (68°F), and Picton fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in April than Pictonin October. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Picton receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Picton 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Picton and Guilin

Guilin Picton
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 15°C (58°F) 82 mm (3.2 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 10°C (51°F) 113 mm (4.4 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 111 mm (4.4 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 10°C (50°F) 98 mm (3.9 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 15°C (58°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)