Which place is cheaper, Shenzhen or Yangshuo?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Yangshuo or Shenzhen?
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 Shenzhen can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Shenzhen?
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.
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.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $72Shenzhen $123
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $72, while the average daily cost in Shenzhen is $123. 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 Shenzhen in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $25Shenzhen $89
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $50Shenzhen $178
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Shenzhen
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Shenzhen? 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
-
Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $42Shenzhen $15
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Yangshuo Rock Climbing with Hotel Transfer (3 hours): $69
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $48
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Yangshuo hotel: $21
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- 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): $75
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Shenzhen
Also for Shenzhen, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Hong Kong Private Transfer to Macau hotel over Bridge: $265
- Hong Kong Disneyland: 1-Day Entry Ticket with Private Transfer: $162
- HK Airport to Cruise Terminal Rounded-Trip Private Transfer by Lexus Luxury Car: $140
- Hong Kong Hassle free Airport Transfers in Tesla or Benz: $137
- A Premium Airport Transfer Service, Meet us at the Arrival Hall!: $131
- Private Transfer: Hong Kong Airport HKG to Hong Kong City in Business Car: $115
- Luxury Private Tesla Transfer: Hong Kong International Airport (From/To HKG): $114
- Transfer Hong Kong to Hong Kong Airport by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
- Transfer Hong Kong Airport to Hong Kong by Luxury Van or Sedan: $111
- Private Airport Transfer Shenzhen Airport - Guangzhou: $106
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Guangzhou - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $104
- Shenzhen Airport (SZX) to Round Trip Private Transfer: $94
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Shenzhen?
Prices for flights to both Shenzhen 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 dayYangshuo $19Shenzhen $20
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
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Vegetarian Food Tour: $77
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Sham Shui Po District: $107
- Hong Kong Food Tour: Central and Sheung Wan Districts: $107
- Secret Food Tour With the Locals in Tin Hau Hong Kong w/ Private Tour Option: $109
- Traditional Chinese Pun Choi cooking class in Hong Kong: $112
- Private Food Tour With the Locals in Hong Kong: $141
- Hong Kong Food Tour with a Local: A Feast for Foodies 100% Personalized: $159
- Kowloon Street Food Tour with a Local: 100% Personalized & Private: $159
- The 10 Tastings of Hong Kong With Locals: Private Street Food Tour : $160
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $23Shenzhen $17
Tours and Activities in Yangshuo
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Yangshuo.
- Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Yangshuo Helicopter Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $149
- 1 Day - Yangshuo Bike Tour: $80
- 1-Day Longji Rice Terraces hiking tour from Guilin/Yangshuo hotel: $188
- 1-Day Tour: Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat and Ruyi Peak Cable Car: $149
- 2 Day - Longji Rice Terraces - Sunrise Hiking Tour: $280
- Full-Day Li-River Tour from Yangshuo to Yangdi With the English Speaking Driver: $159
- Full-day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Villages: $146
- Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Private Tour: $136
- Guilin Highlight Sightseeing Private Day City Tour: $139
- Guilin Tea plantation and Longji Rice Terraces Day Tour from Yangshuo hotel: $181
- Guilin Yangshuo Day tour from Guangzhou by Round Way Bullet Train: $212
Tours and Activities in Shenzhen
For Shenzhen, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- Shenzhen Self-Guided Flexible Tour with Private Car and Driver : $86
- (Private class) Hong Kong gourmet baking experience class: Hong Kong-style egg tart + custard mooncake: $88
- 100% Private & Personalised Tour of Hong Kong With A Local Insider: $63
- 2.5-Hour Shenzhen City-Village Walking Tour: Back In The 90's & TikTok Influence: $51
- 4-Hour Private Hong Kong Layover Tour: $263
- 4-Hour Small Group Kowloon Sightseeing Tour: $103
- A Private Tour of Hong Kong with Mercedes-Benz: $275
- A Taste of Hong Kong: Private Tour With Locals : $125
- Afternoon Hiking Tour Sharp Island Geopark: $38
- Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong: $40
- Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong: $49
- Authentic Hong Kong Private Tour: $275
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $33Shenzhen $19
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Shenzhen, we can see that Shenzhen 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 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 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 Shenzhen Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Shenzhen?
Shenzhen has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Shenzhen, 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 Shenzhen?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Yangshuo or Shenzhen in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Shenzhen.
In the summer, Yangshuo is around the same temperature as Shenzhen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Yangshuo in July average around 30°C (86°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 30°C (85°F).
Shenzhen receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Yangshuo usually receives less rain than Shenzhen. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 323 mm (12.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Shenzhen 30°C (85°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Shenzhen in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Shenzhen.
In October, Yangshuo is generally cooler than Shenzhen. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 23°C (73°F), and Shenzhen fluctuates around 26°C (78°F).
It's quite rainy in Shenzhen. Yangshuo usually gets less rain in October than Shenzhen. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 143 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Shenzhen 26°C (78°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Shenzhen in the Winter?
Both Shenzhen and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities.
Yangshuo is much colder than Shenzhen in the winter. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 10°C (49°F) in January, and Shenzhen fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).
In January, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Shenzhen. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the winter.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Shenzhen 16°C (60°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Shenzhen in the Spring?
Both Shenzhen and Yangshuo during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Yangshuo is cooler than Shenzhen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Yangshuo in April average around 20°C (68°F), and Shenzhen averages at about 23°C (73°F).
Shenzhen 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 April than Shenzhen. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Shenzhen receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Shenzhen 23°C (73°F)
Typical Weather for Shenzhen and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Shenzhen | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 16°C (61°F) | 48 mm (1.9 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 19°C (66°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 23°C (73°F) | 154 mm (6.1 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 27°C (80°F) | 325 mm (12.8 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 29°C (83°F) | 382 mm (15 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 30°C (85°F) | 323 mm (12.7 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 29°C (85°F) | 393 mm (15.5 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 28°C (83°F) | 300 mm (11.8 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 26°C (78°F) | 143 mm (5.6 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 21°C (70°F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 27 mm (1.1 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.