Which place is cheaper, Yangshuo or Zhengzhou?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Jump to 
Should you visit Zhengzhou or Yangshuo?
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 Yangshuo can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Zhengzhou or Yangshuo?
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.
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.
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.
-
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayZhengzhou $98Yangshuo $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Zhengzhou is $98, while the average daily cost in Yangshuo is $72. 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 Yangshuo in more detail.
Accommodation
-
Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personZhengzhou $36Yangshuo $25
-
Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomZhengzhou $72Yangshuo $50
Compare Hotels in Zhengzhou and Yangshuo
Looking for a hotel in Zhengzhou or Yangshuo? 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.Zhengzhou $63Yangshuo $42
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Zhengzhou
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Zhengzhou:
- Private Transfer to Guoliang Village and Tunnel from Zhengzhou: $160
- Private Transfer to Shaolin Temple or Dengfeng from Zhengzhou Train station: $132
- Private transfer to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou: $108
- Private Guided Tour/Transfer to Shaolin Temple: $98
- Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes : $95
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Luoyang: $80
- One-Way Private Transfer from Zhengzhou to Kaifeng: $70
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $65
- Zhengzhou Airport Transfer( Hotel to Airport): $59
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer , Zhengzhou Airport Transfer : $53
- Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport Chauffeur Transfer, Zhengzhou Airport Transfer: $31
- [Airport Transfer] Zhengzhou Xinjiang International Airport Zhengzhou City Transfer There is a reputation for high service! : $27
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
Is it cheaper to fly into Zhengzhou or Yangshuo?
Prices for flights to both Yangshuo 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 dayZhengzhou $28Yangshuo $19
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
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
Entertainment
-
Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Zhengzhou $8.20Yangshuo $23
Tours and Activities in Zhengzhou
Here are a few actual costs in Zhengzhou for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Guoliangcun from Zhengzhou: $265
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $275
- All Inclusive Private Day Tour to Yuntai Mountain from Zhengzhou: $265
- All inclusive Anyang Yin Xu ruins and Character Museum day tour from Zhengzhou: $209
- Full-Day Private Kaifeng Highlight Tour from Zhengzhou: $248
- Independent Tour to Shaolin Temple and Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $188
- Kaifeng City Highlights Independant Tour from Zhengzhou: $80
- Private Day Tour to Guoliang from Zhengzhou: $268
- Private Day Tour to Luoyang Longmen Grottoes from Zhengzhou: $210
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple and Songyang Academy from Zhengzhou: $233
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple from Zhengzhou with Flexiable Departure Time: $198
- Private Day Tour to Shaolin Temple with Kungfu Class from Zhengzhou: $287
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
Alcohol
-
Alcohol Drinks for one dayZhengzhou $6.32Yangshuo $33
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Zhengzhou and Yangshuo, we can see that Zhengzhou 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 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 Yangshuo.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Zhengzhou Expensive? and Is Yangshuo Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Zhengzhou or Yangshuo?
Zhengzhou has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Yangshuo. When comparing the sizes of Zhengzhou and Yangshuo, 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 Yangshuo?
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 Zhengzhou or Yangshuo in the Summer?
Both Yangshuo and Zhengzhou during the summer are popular places to visit.
In the summer, Zhengzhou is around the same temperature as Yangshuo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zhengzhou in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 30°C (86°F).
Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in July than Yangshuo. Zhengzhou gets 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Summer Average Temperatures JulyZhengzhou 28°C (83°F)Yangshuo 30°C (86°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Yangshuo in the Autumn?
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zhengzhou and Yangshuo.
In October, Zhengzhou is generally cooler than Yangshuo. Daily temperatures in Zhengzhou average around 16°C (61°F), and Yangshuo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).
In October, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
-
Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Yangshuo 23°C (73°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Yangshuo in the Winter?
The winter brings many poeple to Zhengzhou as well as Yangshuo.
Be prepared for some very cold days in Zhengzhou. Zhengzhou is much colder than Yangshuo in the winter. The daily temperature in Zhengzhou averages around 1°C (34°F) in January, and Yangshuo fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).
Zhengzhou usually gets less rain in January than Yangshuo. Zhengzhou gets 15 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.
-
Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryZhengzhou 1°C (34°F)Yangshuo 10°C (49°F)
Should I visit Zhengzhou or Yangshuo in the Spring?
Both Yangshuo and Zhengzhou are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities.
In the spring, Zhengzhou is cooler than Yangshuo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zhengzhou in April average around 16°C (61°F), and Yangshuo averages at about 20°C (68°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Yangshuo. In April, Zhengzhou usually receives less rain than Yangshuo. Zhengzhou gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Yangshuo receives 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.
-
Spring Average Temperatures AprilZhengzhou 16°C (61°F)Yangshuo 20°C (68°F)
Typical Weather for Yangshuo and Zhengzhou
| Zhengzhou | Yangshuo | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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) |
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.