Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Shanghai?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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: Shanghai or Guilin?
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest and most modern city in China. With a population of over 23 million, it is the economic and financial hub of the country. It also continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in China with regular changes to the city's layout and skyline. It is not uncommon for buildings to be torn down, rebuilt and then torn down and rebuilt again. The city also has skyscrapers that rank among the tallest in the world. It has an ever changing downtown and street scape. In Shanghai, the general mantra remains "out with the old, in with the new".
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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayShanghai $117Guilin $68
The average daily cost (per person) in Shanghai is $117, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $68. 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 Shanghai and Guilin in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personShanghai $82Guilin $35
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomShanghai $164Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Shanghai and Guilin
Looking for a hotel in Shanghai 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.
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.Shanghai $3.95Guilin $5.87
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Shanghai
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Shanghai:
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Taxi Ride$3.66
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Two Subway Tickets$0.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Mount Mogan Self-Guided Tour from Shanghai by Private Transfer: $108
- Private Transfer between Shanghai Pudong Int'l Airport & Hongqiao Airport : $45
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- 3-hour Private Transfer to Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show from City Center: $53
- Amazing Shanghai Night Lights:River Cruise &Private Transfer: $125
- Arrival Private Transfer Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai City by Standard Sedan: $74
- Arrival Private Transfer: Pudong Airport PVG to Shanghai in Business Car : $116
- Arrival Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hotel: $79
- Chauffeur service, Limousine airport transfer in Shanghai-English speaking: $51
- Departure Private Transfer: Shanghai to Pudong Airport PVG in Business Car: $116
- Departure Transfer by High-Speed Maglev Train: Hotel to Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $79
- Hongqiao Airport (SHA) to Shanghai Cruise Port - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $75
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:
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Taxi$2.82
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:
- Private Departure Transfer from Hotel to Guilin Train Stations: $17
- Private Airport Transfer:Guilin Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport: $35
- Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service ,Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
- Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
- Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $59
- Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $59
- Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Xingping hotel: $64
- Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
- Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
- Live Show of Impression Liu San Jie including the Transfer Services: $102
- Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
Is it cheaper to fly into Shanghai or Guilin?
Prices for flights to both Guilin and Shanghai 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 dayShanghai $22Guilin $23
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.41
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$21
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.32
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Cantelope$1.69
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Dumplings and Soup$2.11
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Duck Dinner$4.22
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Pastries$2.96
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Barbeque Dinner$9.01
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Online Cooking Class Fried Rice by Sunflower Li : $20
- Online Cooking Class Handmade Noodles by Sunflower Li: $20
- Aunthentic Local Food Tour in Downtown Shanghai : $32
- Evening Walking Food Tour: $69
- 3-Hour Biking and Local Food Tour: $72
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Late night food tour in Shanghai's French Concession: $88
- Shanghai's Koreatown Food Tour: $91
- 3-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai Night Tour with Local Dinner Option: $100
- Shanghai Hot pot dinner foodie tour with guide and one way private transfer: $113
- Sichuan Hot Pot Dinner with Shanghai Cuisine Tasting: $125
- Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner: $129
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$1.41
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Shanghai $8.59Guilin $28
Typical Entertainment Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Shanghai are as follows:
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30 Minute River Cruise for Two$28
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Zoo for Two$14
Tours and Activities in Shanghai
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Shanghai are as follows:
- The History of the French Concession: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.99
- Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions: $14
- Yu Garden Shanghai Entry Tickets Booking: $15
- Shanghai Yu Garden Entrance Tickets Booking Service: $16
- Shanghai Yu Garden Entrance Tickets Reservation Service: $17
- Shanghai Yu Garden Tour：Harmony & Spirituality in Garden Art: $20
- Shanghai Jinmao Tower 88th floor sightseeing hall: $23
- Shanghai Highlights Walking Tour: $29
- Shanghai bar hopping tour in the former french concession: $29
- Zotter Chocolate Indulgence Tour in Shanghai: $30
- Like a Local Customized Guided Tour: $35
- Shanghai Downtown Hotel to Baoshan Cruise Port:Private with Meet & Greet service: $38
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:
- Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
- Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $51
- One Day Private Longji Rice Terraces with Minority village tour: $52
- Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
- Guilin Classic Li River Day Tour with Xianggong Hill : $55
- Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $61
- Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
- 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
- 1-DAy Private Guilin -Li River Cruise-Yangshuo Highlights tour: $70
- Yangshuo Old Town and 3 star Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
- Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $73
- Half/Full day Yangshuo Cuiping hill Sunset Private Tour: $73
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayShanghai $7.49Guilin $5.83
Sample the Local Flavors in Shanghai
Also in Shanghai, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- 4-Hour Shanghai Pub Crawl (bars & nightclub hopping): $21
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shanghai and Guilin, we can see that Shanghai is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Shanghai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shanghai than you might in Guilin.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Shanghai Expensive? and Is Guilin Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Guilin?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Guilin in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Guilin. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.
In July, Shanghai is generally around the same temperature as Guilin. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 28°C (83°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).
Guilin receives a lot of rain in the summer. Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Guilin. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyShanghai 28°C (83°F)Guilin 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Guilin in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Guilin. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
Shanghai is cooler than Guilin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 19°C (65°F) in October, and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Guilin. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberShanghai 19°C (65°F)Guilin 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Guilin in the Winter?
Both Guilin and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Shanghai can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Shanghai is much colder than Guilin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Shanghai in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Guilin averages at about 10°C (49°F).
In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Guilin. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryShanghai 4°C (39°F)Guilin 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Shanghai or Guilin in the Spring?
Both Guilin and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
In April, Shanghai is generally cooler than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 15°C (58°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).
Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilShanghai 15°C (58°F)Guilin 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Guilin and Shanghai
| Shanghai | Guilin | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Feb | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Apr | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) |
| May | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) |
| Jun | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) |
| Jul | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) |
| Aug | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) |
| Sep | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Oct | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) |
| Nov | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) |
| Dec | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.