Which place is cheaper, Shanghai 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 Shanghai?
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 Shanghai can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Shanghai?
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.
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".
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 PricesShanghai Prices
China Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $86Shanghai $131
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $86, while the average daily cost in Shanghai is $131. 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 Shanghai in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Shanghai $82
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Shanghai $164
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Shanghai
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Shanghai? 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 $43Shanghai $3.90
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Xingping hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin International Airport (KWL): $49
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Longsheng (Ping'an / Dazhai ) from Yangshuo: $78
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Longsheng hotel: $85
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3-4 hours): $99
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$3.62
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Two Subway Tickets$0.84
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shanghai
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Shanghai:
- Shanghai to Xi’an Bullet Train Ticket with Local Hotel Private Transfers : $245
- 1 Day-Pass for Disneyland Shanghai and Private Transfer Package: $245
- Shanghai Pudong Int’l Airport Private Arrival Transfer to Yiwu City Area : $226
- Shanghai To Beijing Bullet Train Ticket with Local Private Transfer : $211
- Chartered Transfer Vehicle in Shanghai: $200
- Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) Departure Transfer (central Shanghai to Airport): $180
- Ningbo City Private Arrival Transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport: $177
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Zhouzhuang Self-Guide Trip with Private Transfer: $171
- Shanghai to Suzhou and Tongli Water Town Self-Guide Tour Private Round Transfer: $171
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Wuzhen : $166
- Shanghai to Hangzhou Private Transfer with Stop at Xitang Water Town: $157
- Shanghai Pudong Airport To Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport one way private transfer: $155
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Shanghai?
Prices for flights to both Shanghai 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 $32Shanghai $37
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: $35
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Typical Food Prices in Shanghai
Some typical examples of dining costs in Shanghai are as follows:
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Dumpling Breakfast$1.39
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Desserts in Jinmao Building Observatory$20
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Ajisen Lunch for Two$7.24
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Cantelope$1.67
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Dumplings and Soup$2.09
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Duck Dinner$4.18
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Pastries$2.92
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Barbeque Dinner$8.91
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shanghai
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Shanghai.
- Authentic Local Food Tour In Downtown Shanghai-Tip Based: $3.51
- Online Cooking Class Dim Sum by Sunflower Li: $20
- Online Cooking Class Sesame Chicken by Sunflower Li: $20
- Ancient Town Food Tour: $60
- 3 Hours City Walk in French Concession and Street Food Tour: $60
- Shanghai Half day Biking and Local Food Tour: $68
- Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket with Dinner: $68
- Evening Walking Food Tour: $69
- A Delicious Food Tour Through the Heart of the City: $72
- Authentic Local Food Tour in Central Shanghai: $79
- Eat Like a Local Shanghai Breakfast Food Tour: $79
- Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai's French Concession: $85
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $24Shanghai $8.50
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: $45
- Impression Sanjie Liu Show Ticket Booking : $45
- Yangshuo Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $45
- Impression Liusanjie Show Ticket: $48
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $53
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $56
- Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $69
- Entry Ticket to Liu San Jie Impression Show: $71
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:
- Half-Day Private Tour of Shanghai Bund with River Cruise or Tower View: $124
- Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights: $108
- Shanghai Layover Tour to Xinchang Water Town with City Highlights Option : $135
- Shanghai private Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town and tallest tower: $230
- Yiwu International Trade City Private Day Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train: $183
- Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Museum Private Shanghai Day Tour: $175
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Self-Guided Day Tour from Shanghai: $88
- water village of shagnhai tour: $248
- 1 Day Shanghai Airport Layover Private Tour for City Highlights: $202
- 1 Day Shanghai City Private Tour: $92
- 1 Day Shanghai Highlight Small Group Tour: $124
- 1 Day Shanghai Private Tour: $180
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Shanghai $7.41
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): $23
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Shanghai, we can see that Shanghai 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 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 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 Shanghai Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Shanghai?
Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Shanghai, 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 Shanghai?
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 Shanghai in the Summer?
Both Shanghai and Yangshuo during the summer are popular places to visit. Also, most visitors come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.
Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Shanghai in the summer. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Shanghai fluctuates around 28°C (83°F).
Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. Yangshuo usually gets more rain in July than Shanghai. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Shanghai 28°C (83°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Shanghai in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Shanghai. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.
In the autumn, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Shanghai. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yangshuo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Shanghai averages at about 19°C (65°F).
In October, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Shanghai 19°C (65°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Shanghai in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Shanghai. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Shanghai this time of year.
It's quite cold in Shanghai in the winter. In January, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Shanghai. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 10°C (49°F), and Shanghai fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).
Yangshuo usually gets more rain in January than Shanghai. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Shanghai 4°C (39°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Shanghai in the Spring?
Both Shanghai and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many travelers come to Shanghai for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.
Yangshuo is a little warmer than Shanghai in the spring. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Shanghai fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. It's quite rainy in Yangshuo. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Shanghai. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Shanghai receives 102 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Shanghai 15°C (58°F)
Typical Weather for Shanghai and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Shanghai | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 4°C (39°F) | 39 mm (1.5 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 9°C (48°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 15°C (58°F) | 102 mm (4 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 20°C (67°F) | 113 mm (4.5 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 152 mm (6 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 128 mm (5 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 28°C (82°F) | 133 mm (5.2 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 24°C (75°F) | 156 mm (6.1 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 19°C (65°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 13°C (55°F) | 52 mm (2 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (44°F) | 35 mm (1.4 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.