A Travel Price Comparison for China Guilin vs. Shenyang for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Guilin or Shenyang?

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

Where Should I go: Guilin or Shenyang?

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.

Shenyang

Shenyang, China is the capital, and largest, city in the Liaoning Province in northwest China which borders North Korea. Shenyang has a long, imperial, history and is the birthplace of the Qing Dynasty. The city has a blend of beautifully preserved architecture and modern buildings, creating a pleasant atmosphere for exploring!

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.


Which place is cheaper, Shenyang or Guilin?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, while the average daily cost in Shenyang 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 Guilin and Shenyang in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Guilin $34
    Shenyang $41
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Guilin $68
    Shenyang $82
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Shenyang

Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Shenyang? 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 Shenyang


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
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Guilin $5.77
    Shenyang $19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

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


  • Taxi
    $2.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • [Airport Transfer] Haikou Airport ⇔ Haikou City Transfer ☆ High reputation for service! <Charter charter> *: $23
  • Transfer from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Guilin City Center: $41
  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
  • Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $267
  • Private Guilin Airport Transfer to Yangshuo: $42
  • Private Departure Transfer: Downtown Guilin Hotel to Airport (KWL): $25

Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Shenyang?

Prices for flights to both Shenyang 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 $22
    Shenyang $18
Typical Food Prices in Guilin

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


  • 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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Guilin $28
    Shenyang $7.70
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:

  • 2-Day Self-Guided Guilin Tour with 4 Star Boat, Yangshuo and Longji Terraces : $200
  • Full-Day Guilin Li-River Cruise with 4 star boat and Reed Flute Cave Tour: $262
  • Full-Day Yangshuo Sunrise and Li-River cruise with the 4 Star Boat Private Tour: $272
  • Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour with the Ping'an and Dazhai Village: $209
  • 1 Day Guilin to Yangshuo with top scenery & culture private tour : $79
  • 1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver: $219
  • 1 Day Private Tour: Li River Cruise from Guilin & Yangshuo Biking: $169
  • 1 Day Relaxing Li River Cruise Private Tour with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room: $251
  • 1 Day Relaxing Li River Cruise With The 4 Star Luxury Boat lower Deck Seating: $225
  • 1 Day Yangshuo Countryside Hiking along the Yulong river Private Tour: $103
  • 1 Day Yangshuo private Day Tour with the Scooter: $105
  • 1 day Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside with Scooter Private Tour: $204

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Guilin $5.73
    Shenyang $5.83


When comparing the travel costs between Guilin and Shenyang, we can see that Shenyang 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 Guilin Expensive? and Is Shenyang Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Guilin or Shenyang?

Shenyang has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Shenyang, 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 Shenyang?

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 Guilin or Shenyang in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Shenyang.

In the summer, Guilin is a little warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Shenyang averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite rainy in Shenyang. Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Shenyang. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Guilin 30°C (86°F) 
    Shenyang 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Shenyang in the Autumn?

Both Shenyang and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.

In October, Guilin is generally much warmer than Shenyang. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Shenyang fluctuates around 10°C (51°F).

In October, Guilin usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Guilin 23°C (73°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (51°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Shenyang in the Winter?

Both Shenyang and Guilin during the winter are popular places to visit.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Shenyang. Guilin is much warmer than Shenyang in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Shenyang fluctuates around -11°C (13°F).

Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Shenyang. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Guilin 10°C (49°F) 
    Shenyang -11°C (13°F)

Should I visit Guilin or Shenyang in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Shenyang.

In the spring, Guilin is much warmer than Shenyang. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Shenyang averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Shenyang. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Shenyang receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Guilin 20°C (68°F) 
    Shenyang 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Shenyang and Guilin

Guilin Shenyang
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) -11°C (13°F) 8 mm (0.3 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) -7°C (19°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 10°C (50°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 25°C (77°F) 174 mm (6.9 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 24°C (75°F) 153 mm (6 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (51°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) -7°C (19°F) 10 mm (0.4 in)