Which place is cheaper, Hangzhou or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Yangshuo or Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Hangzhou?
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.
Hangzhou
Hangzhou is a city in Eastern China, about an hour by train from Shanghai, renowned for its historic relics and natural beauty. Each year it attracts more than 20 million tourists who come to see what the city has to offer. Set amongst the natural scenery of lakes and mountains, Hangzhou is modern city that coexists with the old. Historic pagodas and cultural sites built around the central lake sit like they belong amidst the skyscrapers and bustling markets of today.
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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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $72Hangzhou $65
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, while the average daily cost in Hangzhou is $65. 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 Hangzhou in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Hangzhou $23
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Hangzhou $46
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Hangzhou
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Hangzhou? 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 $42Hangzhou $8.13
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $75
- 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 hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Longsheng hotel: $85
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Xingping hotel: $21
- Private Yangshuo Transfer from Hotel to Longji terraces Hotel: $96
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Hangzhou:
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Local Bus for Two$0.55
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hangzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Hangzhou:
- Private Botique Tour: Essential Hangzhou Sightseeing with Hotel or Railway Station Transfer: $207
- Hangzhou to Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $173
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with stop-over at Wuzhen Water Town: $165
- Private Transfer to Putuo Mountain from Hangzhou: $165
- Hangzhou Private Transfer to Shanghai with Drop-off Options : $131
- Private Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport from Hangzhou: $129
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Private Transfer: $128
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer to Yiwu City from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport: $125
- Private Transfer between Hangzhou City Center and Qiandao Lake : $121
- Private Transfer to Suzhou City from Hangzhou: $113
- Private Transfer to Hengdian World Studios from Hangzhou: $113
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Hangzhou?
Prices for flights to both Hangzhou 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 $19Hangzhou $18
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
Typical Food Prices in Hangzhou
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Hangzhou:
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Breakfast Pastries$2.35
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Pizza Hut Lunch$11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Hangzhou
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Hangzhou.
- All Inclusive Night Tour with Impression West Lake Show VIP Ticket and Dinner: $117
- VIP Seated Enduring Memories of Hangzhou Show Tour with Authentic Dinner: $127
- Private Amazing Hangzhou Airport Layover Tour with Lunch or Dinner Option : $170
- Wuzhen Ancient Water Town Private Night Tour from Hangzhou with Dinner Option: $185
- Enduring Memories of Hangzhou West Lake Show VIP Ticket with Authentic Dinner: $191
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $23Hangzhou $20
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
- All Inclusive Private Hiking Tour in Yangshuo: $84
- Yangshuo Parasailing Experience Ticket: $89
Tours and Activities in Hangzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Hangzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Hangzhou Private Day Tour of West Lake, Lingyin Temple and Tea Village: $199
- 1-day Village Tea Picking, Roasting & Serving Guided Private Tour from Hangzhou : $244
- 2-Day Huangshan Mountain Sunset Climb & Sunrise Camp Guided Tour from Hangzhou : $162
- 4-Hour Hangzhou City Private Customized Tour with Options: $112
- 4-Hour Hangzhou Summit and Former Residence of Xueyan Hu Private Tour: $141
- All-inclusive Customized Hangzhou Layover Tour: $190
- Amazing Landmarks Hangzhou Private Day Tour: $225
- Best Price: Impression West Lake Show Ticket: $59
- Best of A Comprehensive Tour of the City's Top Sights: $153
- China Academy of Art Architecture & Longjing Tea Plantation Private Tour: $212
- Cirque Du Soleil Ticket : $120
- Classic Hangzhou Two-Day Tour Plus Tea Plantation Exploration: $256
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Hangzhou $10
When comparing the travel costs between Yangshuo and Hangzhou, we can see that Yangshuo 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 Yangshuo Expensive? and Is Hangzhou Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Hangzhou?
Hangzhou has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Hangzhou, 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 Hangzhou?
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 Hangzhou in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Hangzhou.
Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Hangzhou in the summer. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 29°C (85°F).
It's quite rainy in Hangzhou. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in July than Hangzhou. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 129 mm (5.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Hangzhou 29°C (85°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Hangzhou in the Autumn?
Both Hangzhou and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities.
In the autumn, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Hangzhou. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yangshuo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Hangzhou averages at about 19°C (66°F).
In October, Yangshuo usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hangzhou. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Hangzhou 19°C (66°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Hangzhou in the Winter?
Both Hangzhou and Yangshuo during the winter are popular places to visit.
It's quite cold in Hangzhou in the winter. In January, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Hangzhou. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 10°C (49°F), and Hangzhou fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).
Yangshuo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Hangzhou. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Hangzhou 5°C (41°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Hangzhou in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Hangzhou.
Yangshuo is a little warmer than Hangzhou in the spring. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Hangzhou fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).
Hangzhou 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 Hangzhou. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Hangzhou receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Hangzhou 16°C (61°F)
Typical Weather for Hangzhou and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Hangzhou | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 88 mm (3.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 10°C (50°F) | 115 mm (4.5 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 130 mm (5.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 159 mm (6.3 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 25°C (77°F) | 185 mm (7.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (84°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (76°F) | 171 mm (6.7 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 90 mm (3.5 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 58 mm (2.3 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 49 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.