A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Yangshuo vs. Christchurch for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Yangshuo or Christchurch?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Christchurch can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Christchurch?

Yangshuo

A county of the city, Guilin, Yangshuo is located in a region famous for its karst topography. Surrounded by jagged mountain peaks and bordered on one side by the Li River, Yangshuo has become a popular home base for tourists looking to explore the region's natural wonders. Backpackers and tourists, both foreign and domestic, come to Yangshuo every year making it a city of many cultures. Most locals are even able to speak English, which is fairly uncommon for Chinese cities.

Christchurch

Christchurch is the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand, right beside the Canterbury Plains. Most people begin their South Island travels here. The city itself can be fascinating to explore so it is worth allowing yourself several days in town as an introduction to the region.

The River Avon flows through the city center, twisting through the old buildings. Christchurch is referred to in New Zealand as the Garden City and it is easy to see why. It's quite a nice city with trees spread throughout. The economy is centered around international tourism as well as foreign education. There is a high Asian student population here, giving the city a diverse feel.

Christchurch's climate is temperate and the city receives moderate rainfall. In January average high temperatures are around 73 degrees Fahrenheit with averages around 52 degrees Fahrenheit in July. There is a sea breeze during the summer months that keep temperatures pleasant. Temperatures can drop below freezing at night during the winter months. Snow may also fall several times a year.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Adventure Tours to New Zealand, and The Best Eco Tours in New Zealand.


Which place is cheaper, Christchurch or Yangshuo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, while the average daily cost in Christchurch is $95. 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 Yangshuo and Christchurch in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Yangshuo $25
    Christchurch $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Yangshuo $50
    Christchurch $98
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Christchurch

Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Christchurch? 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 Yangshuo


Hotels in Christchurch


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.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Christchurch Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Yangshuo $42
    Christchurch $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo

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

  • Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
  • Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
  • Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
  • Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
  • Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
  • Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
  • Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
  • Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Christchurch

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Christchurch:

  • Christchurch Airport (CHC): Transfer to Christchurch hotels: $129
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Luxury Van: $91
  • Christchurch City Hotels to Airport Transfer - Lowest price 1 to 9 Passengers: $78
  • Christchurch Airport: 1-Way Private Transfer to Christchurch: $69
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Airport CHC to Christchurch in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Airport Transfers : Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Departure Private Transfers from Christchurch to Airport CHC in Business Car: $66
  • Christchurch Hotels to Airport Transfer: $51
  • Christchurch to Christchurch Airport(CHC)- Departure Transfer: $32
  • Private Transfer from Lyttelton Port to Christchurch Airport CHC: $29

Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Christchurch?

Prices for flights to both Christchurch and Yangshuo 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
    Yangshuo $19
    Christchurch $31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo

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

  • 3-Hour Yangshuo Cooking Class with Yangshuo Town Shopping: $138
  • Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Yangshuo $23
    Christchurch $17

Tours and Activities in Yangshuo

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.

  • Tour to learn Chinese cuisine in Yangshuo group: $37
  • Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
  • Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
  • Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $47
  • Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
  • Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $56
  • Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
  • Gullin: Li River Cruise with Pickup and Yangshuo: $65
  • Private Half-Day Bike and Bamboo Raft Tour in Yangshuo: $80
  • 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
  • Xingping Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
  • Yangshuo Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89

Tours and Activities in Christchurch

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

  • Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket: $25
  • 8 Day Southern Secrets Small Group Tour: $950
  • Akaroa Day Tour From Christchurch: $113
  • Akaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch: $151
  • Arthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch: $250
  • Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour: $235
  • Arthurs Pass Day Tour With TranzAlpine and Jet Boat Ride : $229
  • Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo: $42
  • Christchurch International Antarctic Centre Entry Tickets: $35
  • Christchurch Scenic Helicopter Tour: $190
  • Christchurch Tram City Tour & Punting Combo: $46
  • Christchurch Zipline Tour: $120

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Yangshuo $33
    Christchurch $11

Sample the Local Flavors in Christchurch

Also in Christchurch, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Full-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $100
  • All-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch: $106
  • From Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara: $119
  • Akaroa Craft Distillery HeliGin Experience: $532


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Christchurch, we can see that Christchurch is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Yangshuo is in Asia and Christchurch is in Pacific, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Yangshuo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Yangshuo 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 Christchurch would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Christchurch than you might in Yangshuo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Christchurch Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Christchurch?

Christchurch has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Christchurch, 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 Yangshuo or Christchurch?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Christchurch is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Yangshuo has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Yangshuo or Christchurch in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Christchurch. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Christchurch because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

Yangshuo is much warmer than Christchurch in the summer. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Christchurch fluctuates around 18°C (64°F)in January.

Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in July than Christchurchin January. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Yangshuo 30°C (86°F) 
    Christchurch 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Christchurch in the Autumn?

Both Christchurch and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Christchurch this time of year.

In the autumn, Yangshuo is much warmer than Christchurch. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yangshuo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Christchurch averages at about 12°C (54°F)in April.

In October, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Christchurchin April. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Yangshuo 23°C (73°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Christchurch in the Winter?

Both Christchurch and Yangshuo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, many travelers come to Christchurch for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Christchurchin July. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 10°C (49°F), and Christchurch fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Yangshuo usually gets less rain in January than Christchurchin July. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Yangshuo 10°C (49°F) 
    Christchurch 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Yangshuo or Christchurch in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Christchurch. Also, many visitors come to Christchurch in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Yangshuo is much warmer than Christchurch in the spring. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Christchurch fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Christchurchin October. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Christchurch receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Yangshuo 20°C (68°F) 
    Christchurch 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Christchurch and Yangshuo

Yangshuo Christchurch
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Feb 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in) 6°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Aug 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in) 7°C (45°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 10°C (49°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Oct 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Nov 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 14°C (58°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Dec 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)