A Travel Price Comparison for China Zhengzhou vs. Guilin for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Zhengzhou or Guilin?

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 Zhengzhou and Guilin can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Guilin?

Zhengzhou

Along the Yellow River, a city from the future and the past resides. Ancient pagodas, futuristic domes, verdant gardens - Zhengzhou is a myriad of many worlds in one urban area. The provincial capital of the Henan Province, Zhengzhou is the encapsulation of a perfect city from its delicate balance of the natural and urban spheres. It was born during the Sui Dynasty, and its actual location was in the modern-day Chenggao. Moreover, Zhengzhou works as the political, economic, technological, and educational center of the province. The city is also one of the eight great ancient capitals of China, with a collection of architecture and art originating during iconic dynasties. These relics of the old world include the Shaolin Monastery, Henan Museum, the Pagoda Forest, the Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory, the Songyue Pagoda, the Emperors of Yan and Huang, and the scenic views of the Yellow River. With over nine million inhabitants, Zhengzhou continues to grow at a thriving rate. It also should be noted that in June 2012, Greater Zhengzhou was named one of the thirteen emerging megacities in China according to the Economist Intelligent Unit. Known internationally for its amazing culmination of culture and history, Zhengzhou is the ideal city for travelers and inhabitants alike.

Guilin

Guilin is a city in Southern China situated on the west bank of the Li River with Hunan to the north. Its name means, "Forest of Sweet Osmanthus," owing to the large number of fragrant Sweet Osmanthus trees located in the city. Products like tea, sugar, and wine, can be made from the tree and are found in many shops throughout Guilin. A popular tourist destination, the city is renowned for its scenery of karst topography with unique mountains jutting out of the urban landscape.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Shanghai, The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in China.


Which place is cheaper, Guilin or Zhengzhou?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $98, while the average daily cost in Guilin is $67. 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 Zhengzhou and Guilin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Zhengzhou $36
    Guilin $34
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Zhengzhou $72
    Guilin $68
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Guilin

Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Guilin? 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 Zhengzhou


Hotels in Guilin


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.
    Zhengzhou $63
    Guilin $5.77

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:

  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
  • One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
  • Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
  • Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
  • Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
  • Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
  • Zhengzhou Special Car Service, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $27
  • Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
  • Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Guilin

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Guilin are as follows:


  • Taxi
    $2.76

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Guilin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Guilin:

  • 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers: $83
  • Guangzhou Baiyun Airport Chauffeur Service , to Dongguan Transfer: $71
  • Guilin Private Transfer (English-speaking) Between Guilin Hotels & Yangshuo: $93
  • Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Airport to Hotel Roundtrip: $99
  • Guilin Railway stations Transfer Service: $37
  • Guilin Transfer Services: Airport,train station & hotel: $57
  • Guilin liangjiang Airport Chauffeur Service,Guilin Airport Transfer: $57
  • Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip Transfer: $57
  • Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $75
  • Haikou Meilan Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer, Pick up: $54
  • Haikou Meilan International Airport Chauffeur Service, Haikou Airport Transfer: $50
  • One Way Transfer Service between Guilin city and airport: $43

Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Guilin?

Prices for flights to both Guilin and Zhengzhou 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
    Zhengzhou $28
    Guilin $22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Zhengzhou

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Zhengzhou.

  • Zhengzhou Erqi Square and Night Markets Private Tour including Dinner: $145

Typical Food Prices in Guilin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Guilin:


  • Fresh Coconut Drink
    $1.38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Guilin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Guilin.

  • Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour: $62
  • Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour: $286

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Zhengzhou $8.20
    Guilin $28

Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou

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

  • Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
  • Private Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $126
  • Private Independent Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $158
  • Private Independent Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $169
  • Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
  • All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
  • Zhengzhou Yellow River Scenic Spots Private Tour : $209
  • Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
  • Zhengzhou Private Half-Day Tour: Shaolin Temple & Kungfu Show: $222
  • Private Tour to Zhongyue Temple and Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $233
  • Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233

Typical Entertainment Prices in Guilin

Here are a few typical costs in Guilin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Entrance to the Caves
    $17

Tours and Activities in Guilin

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

  • Guilin Four lakes night cruise with the English speaking driver from Guilin hotel: $47
  • Half-Day Self-Guided Yangshuo Xianggong Hill Sunrise Tour: $52
  • Li River Cruise Ticket Booking (E-ticket & Seat Reservation): $54
  • Private Full-Day City Tour with Fubo Hill: $59
  • Full-Day Guilin Essence and Lifestyle Walking Tour: $69
  • Private Bike Tour: Yangshuo Countryside: $72
  • Kayaking Adventure with Local Guide: $72
  • Yangshuo Old Town and Li River Cruise from Guilin: $72
  • One Day Private Longshen Rice Terraces Tour Including Lunch: $73
  • Half/Full day Yangshuo Cuiping hill Sunset Private Tour: $73
  • Full/Half-Day Yangshuo Xianggong Mountain Sunrise Private Tour: $77
  • 1-Day Longji Terrace Fields-Dazhai village Tour with the English Speaking Driver: $79

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Zhengzhou $6.32
    Guilin $5.73


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Guilin, we can see that Zhengzhou is more expensive. And not only is Guilin much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Guilin would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Guilin 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 Zhengzhou would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zhengzhou than you might in Guilin.

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


Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Guilin?

Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Guilin. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Guilin, 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 Zhengzhou or Guilin?

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 Zhengzhou or Guilin in the Summer?

Both Guilin and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities.

Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Guilin in the summer. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Guilin fluctuates around 30°C (86°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Guilin. It's quite rainy in Zhengzhou. In July, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Guilin. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Zhengzhou 28°C (83°F) 
    Guilin 30°C (86°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Guilin in the Autumn?

Both Guilin and Zhengzhou during the autumn are popular places to visit.

In the autumn, Zhengzhou is cooler than Guilin. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zhengzhou in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Guilin averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in October than Guilin. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Guilin 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Guilin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Guilin.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Zhengzhou. In January, Zhengzhou is generally much colder than Guilin. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 1°C (34°F), and Guilin fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In January, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Guilin. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Zhengzhou 1°C (34°F) 
    Guilin 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit Zhengzhou or Guilin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Guilin.

Zhengzhou is cooler than Guilin in the spring. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Guilin fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite rainy in Guilin. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in April than Guilin. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Guilin receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Zhengzhou 16°C (61°F) 
    Guilin 20°C (68°F)

Typical Weather for Guilin and Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou Guilin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 15 mm (0.6 in) 10°C (49°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Mar 9°C (48°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 129 mm (5.1 in)
Apr 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 263 mm (10.3 in)
May 22°C (71°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 334 mm (13.2 in)
Jun 27°C (80°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 28°C (82°F) 320 mm (12.6 in)
Jul 28°C (83°F) 137 mm (5.4 in) 30°C (86°F) 206 mm (8.1 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 121 mm (4.8 in) 30°C (86°F) 168 mm (6.6 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 27°C (81°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Oct 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 93 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 25 mm (1 in) 17°C (63°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 6 mm (0.2 in) 12°C (53°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)