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

Should you visit Hangzhou or Guilin?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hangzhou and Guilin. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Where Should I go: Hangzhou or Guilin?

Hangzhou

Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, and The Best Luxury Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Hangzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hangzhou is $66, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $67. 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 Hangzhou and Guilin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hangzhou $23
    Guilin $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hangzhou $46
    Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Hangzhou and Guilin

Looking for a hotel in Hangzhou or Guilin? 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 Hangzhou


Hotels in Guilin


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.
    Hangzhou $8.17
    Guilin $5.80
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:


  • Local Bus for Two
    $0.56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:

  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area : $29
  • 2-Day Putuo Mountain Self-Guided Tour from Hangzhou by Private Transfer: $282
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
  • Hangzhou Downtown transfer to Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $35
  • Hangzhou East Railway Station Transfer To Hangzhou Downtown City: $32
  • Hangzhou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Shaoxing City : $84
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Xitang Water Town: $177
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: City Hotels to Railway Station: $28
  • Hangzhou Private Transfer: Railway Station to City Hotels: $33
  • Hangzhou Railway Station Private Departure Transfer from City Area : $29

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

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


  • Taxi
    $2.78

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 in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
  • Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
  • Guilin boutique hotel with transfer and Four Lakes walking tour: $169
  • Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport 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
  • Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Haikou Airport Transfer: $56
  • Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
  • Live Show of Impression Liu San Jie including the Transfer Services: $102

Is it cheaper to fly into Hangzhou or Guilin?

Prices for flights to both Guilin and Hangzhou 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
    Hangzhou $18
    Guilin $23
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou

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


  • Breakfast Pastries
    $2.36
  • Pizza Hut Lunch
    $11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou

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

  • All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
  • Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
  • Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
  • Xitang Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner: $203

Typical Food Prices in Guilin

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


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.39

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
  • Yangshuo Country Life Experience with Cooking Class like a Local: $108
  • Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hangzhou $20
    Guilin $28

Tours and Activities in Hangzhou

Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Hangzhou Lingyin Temple Tour : $28
  • Hangzhou Longjing Tea Plantation Culture Experience Tour: $53
  • Hangzhou Tea Culture Experience Tour : $53
  • Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
  • Skip the Line: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $65
  • Zuiyi Hangzhou Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $69
  • Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Ticket with Private Transport: $89
  • Independent Tour to Shaoxing City from Hangzhou: $94
  • Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Hefang Heritage Street : $95
  • 4-Hour Hangzhou Highlights Tour of Lingyin Temple and West Lake: $99
  • The most beautiful temple in China--Yongfu Temple tour with vegetarian lunch: $100
  • Hangzhou Impressoin West Lake- Enduring Memory of Hangzhou Show Tour: $100

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 Yangshuo & Longji Rice Terrace 4 days tour: $21
  • Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
  • Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
  • Li River Cruise Ticket Booking (Free Ticket Delivery & Seat Reservation): $54
  • Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
  • One Day Private Longshen Rice Terraces Tour Including Lunch: $73
  • Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain Sunrise Private Tour: $77
  • 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Pingan village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79
  • 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Dazhai village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79
  • Top Guilin Private & Custom Tours : $79
  • Li River 4 Star Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo Day Tour: $84
  • Private Tour: Yao Mountain and Tea Plantation from Guilin: $84

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hangzhou $10
    Guilin $5.76


When comparing the travel costs between Hangzhou and Guilin, 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 Hangzhou Expensive? and Is Guilin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Hangzhou or Guilin?

Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Hangzhou and Guilin, 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 Hangzhou or Guilin?

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 Hangzhou or Guilin in the Summer?

Both Guilin and Hangzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

In July, Hangzhou is generally around the same temperature as Guilin. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 29°C (85°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. In July, Hangzhou usually receives less rain than Guilin. Hangzhou gets 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hangzhou 29°C (85°F) 
    Guilin 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Guilin in the Autumn?

Both Guilin and Hangzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit.

Hangzhou is cooler than Guilin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hangzhou averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Hangzhou usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Guilin. Hangzhou gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hangzhou 19°C (66°F) 
    Guilin 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Guilin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Hangzhou and Guilin.

Hangzhou can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Hangzhou is much colder than Guilin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hangzhou in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Guilin averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In January, Hangzhou usually receives around the same amount of rain as Guilin. Hangzhou gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hangzhou 5°C (41°F) 
    Guilin 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Hangzhou or Guilin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Hangzhou as well as Guilin.

In April, Hangzhou is generally cooler than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Hangzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Guilin. Hangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Hangzhou usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Hangzhou gets 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hangzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Guilin 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Guilin and Hangzhou

Hangzhou Guilin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 88 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 159 mm (6.3 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 185 mm (7.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 29°C (85°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 29°C (84°F) 145 mm (5.7 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 171 mm (6.7 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)