Which place is cheaper, Guangzhou or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Yangshuo or Guangzhou?
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 Guangzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Guangzhou?
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.
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 The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Beijing, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Lhasa.
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Yangshuo Prices
China PricesGuangzhou Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $91Guangzhou $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $91, while the average daily cost in Guangzhou is $110. 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 Guangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $27Guangzhou $61
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $54Guangzhou $122
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Guangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo 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.Yangshuo $45Guangzhou $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Liusanjie Light Show with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $69
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $42
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Longsheng (Ping'an / Dazhai ) from Yangshuo: $78
- 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 Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Round way private transfer from Xingping hotel: $67
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guangzhou:
- Guangzhou Layover Visa-Free Private Tour with Airport Transfer: $200
- Guangzhou Layover: Private Airport Transfer & City Options: $199
- Guangzhou Railway Station Transfer & Executive Support: $199
- Private Round-Trip Airport Transfers in English-speaking Services: $197
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $189
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou Int Airport (CAN) to Shekou Port: $189
- Private Transfer from Guangzhou city hotels to Shekou Cruise Port: $171
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 15 Pax: $170
- Guangzhou Airport to Hotel: Private Transfer for up to 5 pax: $130
- Pearl River Night Cruise with Private Transfers in Guangzhou: $129
- Guangzhou Private Arrival Transfer: Airport to Hotel: $120
- Guangzhou Night Pearl River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer: $96
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Guangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Guangzhou 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
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Food Meals for one dayYangshuo $34Guangzhou $36
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Yangshuo
For Yangshuo, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Market Trip: $45
- Yangshuo Hans Street Food Tour: $60
- Yangshuo Cooking Class with Local Market Experience: $88
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town: $145
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guangzhou.
- Old Town Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $79
- Half Day Cantonese Cooking Class for Chinese Culinary Experience: $80
- Guangzhou Night Walking and Food Tour: Led by Local Cantonese: $82
- Food Tour - Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop: $96
- Tanxiu Banquet Immersive Drama and Dinner Experience in Foshan: $98
- Private Guangzhou Night Tour Pearl River Cruise & Dim-Sum Dinner: $110
- Private Guangzhou Evening Food Tour with Pearl River Night Cruise: $140
- 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
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Michelin Restaurant&Local Food Market: $180
- Private Guangzhou Food Tour Yumcha and Local Food Market Explore: $180
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $25Guangzhou $19
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket: $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- 4-Hour Small Group Rock Climbing Tour in Yangshuo: $61
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67
- Guilin: Eternal Love Show Ticket with Interactive Activities: $70
Tours and Activities in Guangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Guangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 Day Relaxing Exploring Tour in Guangzhou: $156
- 3-Hour Private Tour to Museum of Nanyue King Tomb in Guangzhou: $91
- 4-Hour Private Flexible Guangzhou City Tour with Dim-Sum Option: $100
- 5-Hour Private Guangzhou Yumcha Tasting with Local Food Market Experience: $118
- 6-Day Guangzhou to Guilin Scenic Tour: $1,598
- Ancient Foshan Day Tour from Guangzhou: $201
- Ancient Water Village Folk Houses and Wine Museum Private Tour: $220
- Baiyun Mountain Canton Tower Iconic City Landmarks Private Tour: $180
- Bruce Lee Hometown Martial Art Culture Lion Dance Private Tour: $220
- Canton Tower and Pearl River Cruise Guangzhou Private Night Tour: $140
- Customised Private Guangzhou City Tour with Flexible Itinerary: $180
- Customized Guangzhou City Tour with Local Insights: $250
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $35Guangzhou $15
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Guangzhou, we can see that Guangzhou is more expensive. And not only is Yangshuo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 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 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 Guangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Guangzhou?
Guangzhou has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Guangzhou, 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 Guangzhou?
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 Yangshuo or Guangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Guangzhou.
In July, Yangshuo is generally around the same temperature as Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 30°C (86°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (84°F).
It's quite rainy in Guangzhou. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in July than Guangzhou. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 228 mm (9 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Guangzhou 29°C (84°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Guangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Guangzhou and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Guangzhou in the autumn. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 23°C (73°F) in October, and Guangzhou fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).
In October, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Guangzhou 25°C (76°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Guangzhou in the Winter?
Both Guangzhou and Yangshuo during the winter are popular places to visit.
In the winter, Yangshuo is cooler than Guangzhou. Typically, the winter temperatures in Yangshuo in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Guangzhou averages at about 14°C (58°F).
Yangshuo usually gets more rain in January than Guangzhou. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Guangzhou 14°C (58°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Guangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Guangzhou.
In April, Yangshuo is generally cooler than Guangzhou. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 20°C (68°F), and Guangzhou fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).
Guangzhou receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Guangzhou. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Guangzhou receives 182 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Guangzhou 22°C (72°F)
Typical Weather for Guangzhou and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Guangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 14°C (58°F) | 43 mm (1.7 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 65 mm (2.6 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 85 mm (3.4 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 22°C (72°F) | 182 mm (7.2 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 284 mm (11.2 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 258 mm (10.1 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 228 mm (9 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 221 mm (8.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 172 mm (6.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 25°C (76°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 20°C (68°F) | 42 mm (1.7 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 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.