Which place is cheaper, Zhangjiajie or Guilin?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Guilin or Zhangjiajie?
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 Zhangjiajie can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Guilin or Zhangjiajie?
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.
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie, China is a picturesque city located in the northwest of the Hunan Province. This ancient city, which dates all the way back to the Stone Age, is famous for being home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Zhangjiajie is also known for being a popular filming location and and overall great place to escape the bustling Chinese cities. Zhangjiajie has its own dialect, which is a branch of the Hunan and Southern dialects, so Mandarin does not always translate when trying to speak to locals here.
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 $67Zhangjiajie $63
The average daily cost (per person) in Guilin is $67, while the average daily cost in Zhangjiajie is $63. 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 Zhangjiajie in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personGuilin $34Zhangjiajie $30
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomGuilin $68Zhangjiajie $60
Compare Hotels in Guilin and Zhangjiajie
Looking for a hotel in Guilin or Zhangjiajie? 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 $5.77Zhangjiajie $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:
- 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 Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
- Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
- Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo up to 15pax: $190
- Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
- Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Airport to Hotel in Yangshuo: $115
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhangjiajie
Also for Zhangjiajie, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Car Transfer From WLY to Glass Bridge (Round Trip ): $105
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie Train Station to Fenghuang hotel: $149
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Fenghuang and stops at Furong old town: $187
- Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin or Yangshuo: $256
Is it cheaper to fly into Guilin or Zhangjiajie?
Prices for flights to both Zhangjiajie 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 $22Zhangjiajie $20
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
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Guilin $28Zhangjiajie $23
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:
- 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
Tours and Activities in Zhangjiajie
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Zhangjiajie.
- Virtual Guided Tour: Visit China's Landscapes with Hollywood Movies: $16
- Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge Ticket: $57
- Tianmen Mountain day tour: $96
- Full-Day Private Tour of Zhangjiajie(Wulingyuan) National Forest Park: $115
- Full-Day Private Tour of Tianmen Mountain: $122
- Join-in Tour: Day Tour to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge : $125
- 1-day Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge Tour: $132
- Private Day Tour of Baofeng Lake and Yellow Dragon Cave: $140
- 1 Day Private Expedition Tour to Binlang Valley: $142
- 1-Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Tour: $146
- Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain Glass Bridge day tour: $150
- 1 Day Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain and Glass Skywalk Tour: $154
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayGuilin $5.73Zhangjiajie $16
When comparing the travel costs between Guilin and Zhangjiajie, we can see that Guilin 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 Zhangjiajie Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Guilin or Zhangjiajie?
Guilin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Zhangjiajie. When comparing the sizes of Guilin and Zhangjiajie, 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 Zhangjiajie?
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 Zhangjiajie in the Summer?
Both Zhangjiajie and Guilin during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Guilin is around the same temperature as Zhangjiajie. Typically, the summer temperatures in Guilin in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 29°C (85°F).
Zhangjiajie gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. Guilin usually gets more rain in July than Zhangjiajie. Guilin gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyGuilin 30°C (86°F)Zhangjiajie 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Zhangjiajie in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Guilin and Zhangjiajie.
In October, Guilin is generally a little warmer than Zhangjiajie. Daily temperatures in Guilin average around 23°C (73°F), and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).
In October, Guilin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Zhangjiajie. Guilin gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 90 mm (3.6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberGuilin 23°C (73°F)Zhangjiajie 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Zhangjiajie in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Guilin as well as Zhangjiajie.
Guilin is much warmer than Zhangjiajie in the winter. The daily temperature in Guilin averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Zhangjiajie fluctuates around 5°C (42°F).
Guilin usually gets more rain in January than Zhangjiajie. Guilin gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryGuilin 10°C (49°F)Zhangjiajie 5°C (42°F)
Should I visit Guilin or Zhangjiajie in the Spring?
Both Zhangjiajie and Guilin are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Guilin is a little warmer than Zhangjiajie. Typically, the spring temperatures in Guilin in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Zhangjiajie averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhangjiajie. It's quite rainy in Guilin. In April, Guilin usually receives more rain than Zhangjiajie. Guilin gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Zhangjiajie receives 166 mm (6.5 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilGuilin 20°C (68°F)Zhangjiajie 17°C (63°F)
Typical Weather for Zhangjiajie and Guilin
| Guilin | Zhangjiajie | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (42°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (44°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 11°C (52°F) | 112 mm (4.4 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 166 mm (6.5 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 179 mm (7 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 199 mm (7.8 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 125 mm (4.9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 85 mm (3.3 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 90 mm (3.6 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 70 mm (2.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 44 mm (1.7 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.