Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Hongcun?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Hongcun or Guangzhou?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Hongcun and Guangzhou can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.
Where Should I go: Hongcun or Guangzhou?
Hongcun
When you picture ancient China, you likely picture old cobblestone streets, white homes with pointed black roofs and a slight air of mysticism in the surroundings. This is Hongcun.
The backdrop for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is not usually on the top of many traveler's lists. This isn't a bustling tourist town with guides offering to show you the sights or carts peddling the latest tacky souvenir. It's a quiet village where you'll see the real Chinese culture. The homes along the complex water canals air their fish in their windows to preserve it for their family dinners. There is no bowing to tourism here.
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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in China, The Best Adventure Tours to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in China, and The Best Cultural Tours in China.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayHongcun $52Guangzhou $88
The average daily cost (per person) in Hongcun is $52, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $88. 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 Hongcun and Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personHongcun $23Guangzhou $57
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomHongcun $46Guangzhou $114
Compare Hotels in Hongcun and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Hongcun 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.Hongcun $12Guangzhou $14
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou hotel: $33
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou City - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou City to Guangzhou Baiyun Airport (CAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Airport (CAN) to Guangzhou - Arrival Private Transfer: $34
- Guangzhou Downtown Hotel - Baiyun Airport OneWay Private Transfer: $35
- Private Transfer: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guangzhou Nan Railway Station: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Chimelong Safari Park and City Center: $38
- Private Transfer between Guangzhou Baiyun Mountain and City Area: $44
- Private Guangzhou City Center Transfer to Baiyun International Airport : $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou City Center to South Railway Station: $49
- Private Baiyun Airport Arrival Transfer to Guangzhou City Area: $49
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou South Railway Station to City Center : $49
Is it cheaper to fly into Hongcun or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou and Hongcun 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 dayHongcun $19Guangzhou $19
Typical Food Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of dining costs in Hongcun are as follows:
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Lunch for Two$4.81
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Breakfast of Dumplings$2.06
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
- Yum Cha Dim Sum Dinner and Pearl River Night Cruise Private Tour : $94
- Private Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Cruise: $107
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $119
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $130
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour VIP Cruise and Dim-Sum Dinner Option: $146
- 3-Hour Guangzhou Private Cooking Class with Local Market Visit : $165
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Dim-Sum Dinner: $176
- Cantonese Dim Sum Dinner with Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou: $199
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Din Tai Feng Dinner: $199
- Guangzhou Private Night Tour: Lychee Bay, Beijing Road, Cruise, Dinner: $204
- Private City Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $215
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Hongcun $17Guangzhou $18
Typical Entertainment Prices in Hongcun
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Hongcun are as follows:
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Two Entrance Tickets$29
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Reputable Private Guangzhou Tour Guide Service by Xaq: $5.00
- Foshan Classic Old Town Tour : $15
- Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise Ticket (Redemption Required): $21
- Original Martial Arts Tour : $40
- Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Guangzhou Tower: $60
- Discovery more Guangzhou evening foodie tour with locals : $65
- Guangzhou Self-Guided Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $75
- Guided Cycle Tour of Guangzhou: $76
- Flexible Private Guangzhou Shopping Tour with Local Shopping Guru: $77
- Small Group Guangzhou Layover Tour: $87
- Foodie Tour with a Guide: $88
- Guangzhou Walking Tour To Explore The Old Xiguan Area: $89
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayHongcun $14Guangzhou $14
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Hongcun and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Hongcun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hongcun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hongcun 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 Hongcun.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Hongcun Expensive? and Is Guangzhou Expensive?.
When is the best time to visit Hongcun 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 Hongcun or Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hongcun and Guangzhou.
In the summer, Hongcun is around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Typically, the summer temperatures in Hongcun in July average around 29°C (85°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 29°C (84°F).
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the summer. Hongcun gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Hongcun gets 185 mm (7.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyHongcun 29°C (85°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Hongcun as well as Guangzhou.
In October, Hongcun is generally cooler than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Hongcun average around 19°C (65°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
Hongcun usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Guangzhou. Hongcun gets 74 mm (2.9 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 OctoberHongcun 19°C (65°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Hongcun are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
The weather in Hongcun can be very cold. Hongcun is much colder than Guangzhou in the winter. The daily temperature in Hongcun averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).
In January, Hongcun usually receives less rain than Guangzhou. Hongcun gets 38 mm (1.5 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 JanuaryHongcun 4°C (40°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Hongcun or Guangzhou in the Spring?
Both Guangzhou and Hongcun during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Hongcun is cooler than Guangzhou. Typically, the spring temperatures in Hongcun in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 22°C (72°F).
Guangzhou gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Hongcun. Hongcun usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Guangzhou. Hongcun gets 170 mm (6.7 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 AprilHongcun 17°C (62°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Hongcun
| Hongcun | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (40°F) | 38 mm (1.5 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 6°C (42°F) | 68 mm (2.7 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 10°C (51°F) | 117 mm (4.6 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 17°C (62°F) | 170 mm (6.7 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 22°C (71°F) | 189 mm (7.4 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 26°C (78°F) | 235 mm (9.2 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 29°C (85°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 29°C (84°F) | 121 mm (4.7 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 95 mm (3.7 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 74 mm (2.9 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 36 mm (1.4 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.