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

Should you visit Nanjing or Guilin?

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

Should I visit Nanjing or Guilin? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Where Should I go: Nanjing or Guilin?

Nanjing

Nanjing is the capital city of the Jiangsu Province on the central eastern coast of China, just north of Shanghai. This historically and culturally rich city lies at the lower end of the Yangtze river, resulting in lush and scenic landscapes. Nanjing is well-known for having many popular historical sites, some of which have been listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

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 Historical Tours in China, The Best 10-Day Tours in China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in China, and The Best 2-Week Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Nanjing?

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 Nanjing is $97, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $84. 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 Nanjing and Guilin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nanjing $47
    Guilin $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nanjing $94
    Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Nanjing and Guilin

Looking for a hotel in Nanjing 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 Nanjing


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.
    Nanjing $39
    Guilin $5.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nanjing

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nanjing:

  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Transfer from City Center: $32
  • Huangshan Tunxi International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Area: $20
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Arrival Private Transfer : $36
  • Nanjing Airport (NKG) to Nanjing - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $73
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $53
  • Nanjing Lukou Airport Chauffeur Service, Nanjing Airport Transfer, Pickup: $63
  • Nanjing Lukou Int Airport (NKG): Private Transfer to Nanjing: $178
  • Nanjing Lukou International Airport Private Arrival Transfer to City Center: $45
  • Nanjing Private Round Trip Transfer to Niushoushan Cultural Park: $67
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG) to central Nanjing: $116
  • Nanjing Private Transfer from Nanjing central to Nanjing Lukou Airport (NKG): $115
  • Nanjing Railway Station Private Arrival Transfer to City Hotels: $35

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

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


  • Taxi
    $2.81

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
  • Guilin Airport to Yangshuo: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $190
  • Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $58
  • Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
  • Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $58
  • Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
  • Private Airport Transfer: Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $45
  • Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel: $25
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin Train Stations to Downtown Hotel: $17

Is it cheaper to fly into Nanjing or Guilin?

Prices for flights to both Guilin and Nanjing 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
    Nanjing $28
    Guilin $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nanjing

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

  • 3-Hour Nanjing Authentic Local Food Tour by Public Transportation: $93
  • Flexible Private Nanjing City Night Tour with Dinner Option : $112
  • Nanjing City Private Night Tour with Qinghuai River Cruise and Dinner Option: $114
  • Nanjing Tangshan Mountain Hot Spring Experience and Hot Pot Dinner: $175
  • Private Amazing Nanjing Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner: $181

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.

  • Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nanjing $9.42
    Guilin $28

Tours and Activities in Nanjing

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

  • Flexible Private Nanjing Independent Tour : $63
  • Nanjing Self-Guided Day Tour with Private Car and Driver Service: $70
  • Nanjing Private English Tour Guide Service: $75
  • Private Amazing Nanjing City Day Tour in Your Way: $75
  • Nanjing Professional English Tour Guide Service: $91
  • Yangzhou Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver Service : $94
  • Zhenjiang Self-Guided Tour from Nanjing with Private Car and Driver service : $101
  • Half-Day Nanjing City Private Flexible Tour : $109
  • 4-Hour Nanjing Private Tour: Xiaoling Tomb, Ming City Wall and Memorial Hall : $115
  • Nanjing Private Night Tour: Confucian Temple Area, Ming City Wall, Laomendong: $116
  • Nanjing Private Flexible Day Tour with Ancient and Modern History: $119
  • Half-Day Private Customized Nanjing City Tour: $122

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
  • Guilin City Center Walking Group Tour at Night for Three Hours: $50
  • Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $51
  • Small Group: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Village Tour: $57
  • One Day Private Longji Rice Terraces with Minority village tour: $59
  • Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $60
  • Guilin Classic Li River Day Tour with Xianggong Hill : $65
  • Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
  • Li River Cruise West Street and Reed Flute Cave Day Tour: $69
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
  • 1-DAy Private Guilin -Li River Cruise-Yangshuo Highlights tour: $70
  • Guilin Tour Guide Service : $72

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nanjing $9.62
    Guilin $5.81


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


Which is Bigger, Nanjing or Guilin?

Nanjing has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Nanjing 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 Nanjing 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 Nanjing or Guilin in the Summer?

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

In July, Nanjing is generally around the same temperature as Guilin. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 28°C (83°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 Nanjing. In July, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Guilin. Nanjing gets 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nanjing 28°C (83°F) 
    Guilin 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Guilin in the Autumn?

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

Nanjing is cooler than Guilin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nanjing averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Nanjing usually gets less rain in October than Guilin. Nanjing gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nanjing 17°C (63°F) 
    Guilin 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Guilin in the Winter?

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

Nanjing can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Nanjing is much colder than Guilin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nanjing in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Guilin averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In January, Nanjing usually receives less rain than Guilin. Nanjing gets 27 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nanjing 3°C (37°F) 
    Guilin 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Nanjing or Guilin in the Spring?

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

In April, Nanjing is generally cooler than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Nanjing average around 15°C (60°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Guilin. Nanjing receives a lot of rain in the spring. Nanjing usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Nanjing gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nanjing 15°C (60°F) 
    Guilin 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Guilin and Nanjing

Nanjing Guilin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 15°C (60°F) 101 mm (4 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 21°C (69°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 25°C (77°F) 114 mm (4.5 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 174 mm (6.9 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 28°C (83°F) 158 mm (6.2 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 23°C (74°F) 105 mm (4.1 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 25 mm (1 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)