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

Should you visit Shenzhen or Guilin?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Shenzhen and Guilin 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: Shenzhen or Guilin?

Shenzhen

Located in the Guangdong Province of southeastern China, Shenzhen is a metropolis that connects Hong Kong to China's mainland. It is one of China's most populous cities, inhabited by vast array of people from other Chinese regions.  It is perhaps best known for it shopping, collection of amusement parks, green parks, museums and galleries, and a few historic sites. It is on UNESCO's Creative Cities list.

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 Sightseeing Tours in China, The Best Cultural Tours in China, The Best Luxury Tours to China, and The Best Budget Tours to China.


Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Shenzhen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

  • Shenzhen Prices
    China Prices
    Guilin Prices
    China Prices
  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    Shenzhen $140
    Guilin $84

The average daily cost (per person) in Shenzhen is $140, 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 Shenzhen and Guilin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Shenzhen $91
    Guilin $35
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Shenzhen $182
    Guilin $70
Compare Hotels in Shenzhen and Guilin

Looking for a hotel in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen


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.
    Shenzhen $15
    Guilin $5.85

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen

Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • A One-Way Disneyland Pick-Up Transfer to Hong Kong Hotel: $33
  • Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to Hong Kong Airport (HKG) -Departure Private Transfer : $45
  • A One-Way Hotel Pick-Up Transfer to Ocean Park Hong Kong: $26
  • Arrival Transfer Hong Kong Kai Tak Port to Hong Kong by Minivan: $80
  • HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $141
  • Hong Kong Airport (HKG) to Hong Kong - Arrival Private Transfer: $65
  • Hong Kong Airport HKG Private Transfer to Kowloon City: $33
  • Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong Arrival Private Transfer: $59
  • Hong Kong Airport Transfer: $119
  • Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong City Private Arrival Transfer: $92
  • Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $138
  • Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) Private Transfer: $28

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:

  • Transfer from Guilin Hotels to Yangshuo Town: $37
  • Private Transfer: Guilin to/from Zhangjiajie/Fenghuang: $256
  • Private Transfer: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo Hotel: $115
  • Private Transfer from Zhangjiajie to Guilin: $387
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo/Guilin to Sanjiang and stops Longji Rice Terraces: $160
  • Private Transfer from Haikou (HAK) airport to/from Sanya hotel: $120
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Longji terraces: $168
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhaoxing and stops at Chengyang Dong Village: $197
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Zhangjiajie: $387
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Longji rice terraces area: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin to Fenghuang and stops at Hongjiang: $267
  • Private Transfer from Guilin hotel to Longsheng hotel: $80

Is it cheaper to fly into Shenzhen or Guilin?

Prices for flights to both Guilin and Shenzhen 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
    Shenzhen $35
    Guilin $39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • HK Night Cruise with Dinner Buffet and Temple Street Tour: $63
  • Vegetarian Food Tour: $79
  • Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $108
  • Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
  • Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $144
  • Hong Kong Crazy Rich Asian Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private : $166
  • Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $166
  • Hong Kong Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $166
  • Kowloon Night Street Food Tour with a Local: Private & Customized: $185

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.

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
  • Wukong Guilin Neighborhood Food Tour: $65
  • Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Shenzhen $17
    Guilin $28

Tours and Activities in Shenzhen

For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Skip the Line! Walk to the Peak: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Hong Kong Self-Guided Audio Tour: $9.00
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $11
  • One Way Express Ticket in Kowloon Station Hong Kong Airport: $12
  • One Way Hong Kong Airport Express Ticket: $13
  • Hong Kong Citizen exclusive *sky100 Ticket [F-HC1_HK]: $14
  • Round Trip Express Ticket in Tsing Yi Station Hong Kong Airport : $14
  • [Entry After 6pm] sky100 Min. 2pax Ticket (F-II_2P): $17
  • Walking Tour in Hong Kong - Local Experience (New & Best) : $17
  • Promo 20% off sky100 Ticket for Overseas' Tourist (F-KE): $21
  • Hong Kong Airport Express Tickets Kowloon Station Round Trip: $22
  • Round Trip Hong Kong Airport Express Tickets: $25

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:

  • 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 : $120
  • 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 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
  • 1 day Li River cruise & Yangshuo countryside private day tour : $103
  • 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour: $70
  • 1-DAy Private Guilin -Li River Cruise-Yangshuo Highlights tour: $70

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Shenzhen $19
    Guilin $5.81


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Shenzhen and Guilin, we can see that Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen Expensive? and Is Guilin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Shenzhen or Guilin?

Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Shenzhen 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 Shenzhen or Guilin?

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 Shenzhen or Guilin in the Summer?

Both Guilin and Shenzhen during the summer are popular places to visit.

In the summer, Shenzhen is around the same temperature as Guilin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Shenzhen in July average around 30°C (85°F), and Guilin averages at about 30°C (86°F).

Guilin gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Shenzhen. Shenzhen usually gets more rain in July than Guilin. Shenzhen gets 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit Shenzhen or Guilin in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Shenzhen and Guilin.

In October, Shenzhen is generally a little warmer than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Shenzhen average around 26°C (78°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Shenzhen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Shenzhen usually receives more rain than Guilin. Shenzhen gets 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Shenzhen 26°C (78°F) 
    Guilin 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Guilin in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Shenzhen as well as Guilin.

Shenzhen is much warmer than Guilin in the winter. The daily temperature in Shenzhen averages around 16°C (60°F) in January, and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Shenzhen usually gets less rain in January than Guilin. Shenzhen gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Shenzhen 16°C (60°F) 
    Guilin 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Shenzhen or Guilin in the Spring?

Both Guilin and Shenzhen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.

In the spring, Shenzhen is a little warmer than Guilin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Shenzhen in April average around 23°C (73°F), and Guilin averages at about 20°C (68°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. In April, Shenzhen usually receives less rain than Guilin. Shenzhen gets 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Shenzhen 23°C (73°F) 
    Guilin 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Guilin and Shenzhen

Shenzhen Guilin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 16°C (60°F) 26 mm (1 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 19°C (66°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 23°C (73°F) 154 mm (6.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 27°C (80°F) 325 mm (12.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 29°C (83°F) 382 mm (15 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 30°C (85°F) 323 mm (12.7 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 29°C (85°F) 393 mm (15.5 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 28°C (83°F) 300 mm (11.8 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 26°C (78°F) 143 mm (5.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 21°C (70°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 17°C (63°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)