Guilin is an exciting destination known for its beauty, culture, food, and exciting activities. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Guilin?
A typical traveler spends $84 (¥602) per day on a trip to Guilin. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Guilin based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $39 (¥281) on meals
- $5.85 (¥42) on local transportation
- $70 (¥498) on hotels
A one-week trip to Guilin for two people costs, on average, $1,182 (¥8,428). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$591
¥4,214
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$1,182
¥8,428
-
One Month
Per person
$2,532
¥18,060
-
One Week
For a couple
$1,182
¥8,428
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$2,363
¥16,856
-
One Month
For a couple
$5,064
¥36,120
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Guilin cost?
A one week trip to Guilin usually costs around $591 (¥4,214) for one person and $1,182 (¥8,428) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Guilin on average costs around $1,182 (¥8,428) for one person and $2,363 (¥16,856) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Guilin will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Guilin on average costs around $2,532 (¥18,060) for one person and $5,064 (¥36,120) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Guilin expensive to visit?
In Guilin, budget travelers spend $34 (¥242) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $84 (¥602) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $204 (¥1,462) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Guilin.
Guilin is a smaller destination that invites a diverse group of visitors, each with unique travel styles, spending behaviors, and budget levels. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You may find Guilin to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Asia, Guilin is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Mashiko or Khao Yai National Park.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Guilin Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Guilin?
The average Guilin trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Guilin travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Guilin cost?
Guilin on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$14
(¥100)
|
$35
(¥249)
|
$85
(¥608)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$2
(¥16)
|
$6
(¥42)
|
$15
(¥107)
|
|
Food2
|
$16
(¥112)
|
$39
(¥281)
|
$98
(¥698)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$12
(¥86)
|
$28
(¥201)
|
$57
(¥407)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$1-4
(¥9-27)
|
$3-9
(¥21-62)
|
$6-17
(¥40-119)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Guilin cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Guilin on a Shoestring Budget?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $34 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Luckily, Guilin offers plenty of hostels, including CyanBox Hostel, Guilin Murphy Youth Hostel, and Waiting You Guilin. Staying at hostels like these means you can enjoy affordable dorm accommodation along with a lively social vibe, though amenities might be minimal.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're traveling for leisure as a couple or family, you'll likely opt for a mid-range hotel, dine at trendy restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Most tourists in Guilin are inclined to explore its main attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Remember, most activities come at a cost. Hence, it's realistic to anticipate your daily budget will be about $84 per person, per day.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you want a vacation with premium amenities and superior service, brace yourself for a price near $204 daily. Choosing upscale hotels, dining at award-winning eateries, enjoying lavish excursions, and using taxis or private drivers around the destination will require a luxury budget. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as 1-DAY Private Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Villages Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Guilin
The cost of hotels in Guilin can be quite surprising. Luxury accommodations come with higher prices and more amenities, especially during peak season. Off-season rates average $, but peak season () average prices jump to $. Overall, prices range from $ to $. Hostels are often the cheaper option, especially in dorms. You can save by booking early, traveling in the off-season, or taking advantage of promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Guilin for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $70 (¥498). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $35 (¥249) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Guilin? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
Traveling in the low or shoulder season (and not in ) means you'll enjoy lower accommodation prices and fewer tourists around.
Transportation Budget in Guilin
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $5.85 (¥42) per person, per day, on local transportation in Guilin. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Guilin is significantly more than public transportation.
-
Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$5.85
¥42
The main airport of the area is Guilin Liangjiang International Airport. It is located in Liangjiang and offers both domestic and international flights.
By train, Guilin Main Train Station and Guilin North Train Station are on the Hunan–Guangxi Railway and Guiyang–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, which are the main railways connecting Guangxi with central and southern China. High-speed trains are available at North Station between Guilin and Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Changsha, Guiyang, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Public transportation is available by taxi and double-decker bus, as well as on sightseeing boats on the city's canals and lakes.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Downtown Hotel for $25 details
- 2-hours Yangshuo Yulong Bamboo Boat Tour with the Round-way Private Transfers for $83 details
- Private Arrival Transfer: Guilin International Airport (KWL) to Yangshuo for $49 details
How much does it cost to go to Guilin? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Guilin will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Typical prices for transit in Guilin are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the overall transportation costs in Guilin. Keep in mind that your individual costs will vary based on your method of transit, as hired cars such as taxis are generally much more expensive than public transportation.
Food Budget in Guilin
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
-
While restaurant and meal prices in Guilin can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Guilin is $39 (¥281) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$39
¥281
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Guilin is around $39 (¥281) per person, with previous travelers spending from $16 to $97. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Guilin are as follows:
- Breakfast: $4 to $12
- Lunch: $6 to $16
- Dinner: $12 to $27
- Coffee: $3
- Fast Food or Street Food: $6
Guilin cuisine is known for its small bites and spices, especially chili. The city boasts Three Treasures: Guilin chili sauce, Guilin Sanhua Jiu (a liquor distilled from rice), and Guilin pickled tofu. The chili sauce is used widely in local cooking and consists of fresh chili, garlic, and fermented soybeans. Beyond the Three Treasures, Guilin rice noodles have been a local breakfast staple since the Qin Dynasty, traditionally served with horse meat, though you can have without as well. Another popular dish in Guilin is zongzi-a dumpling made from glutinous rice and mung bean paste wrapped in a bamboo or banana leaf. Any of these dishes, characterized by a subtle sweetness and delicate use of spices, can be found just about anywhere in the city. Most eateries are located on Binjiang Road, Jiefang West Street, Putuo Road, Meishi Cheng (Cate City, left of the bus station), and Zhishan Road with a popular one located near the bell tower in the Center Square.
Many accommodations throw in breakfast at no extra cost, though others might charge you for it. The price and quality can greatly vary by hotel. Knowing this in advance can help you figure out if you need to spend more money. You might find the hotel's buffet is worth it, or you may prefer to grab a cheaper bite at a local bakery or cafe.
Opt for a water bottle rather than spending on drinks all the time. It's also a more sustainable choice.
Before you head out on a tour, be sure to find out which meals are included. You could end up paying for some meals out of pocket, which can impact your budget.
Taking a food tour or cooking class is a great way to experience the culture in Guilin. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Half day Yangshuo Cooking lesson Small Group Tour for $62 details
- Full-Day Li-River with the 4 Star Luxury Boat VIP Room and Yangshuo Cooking Tour for $286 details
- Countryside Cycling 1-day Tour with Cooking Class for $306 details
Typical food prices in Guilin, as reported by previous travelers, are outlined below. These costs offer a snapshot of what meals might cost in the city. Your personal expenses will vary depending on the type of dining experiences you choose and the dishes you order.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Guilin
Calculated from travelers like you
-
Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Guilin typically cost an average of $28 (¥201) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$28
¥201
With a landscape cut by the winding Li River around jagged mountain scenery, Guilin is most famous for its natural scenery. A cruise along the river brings visitors past displays of karst topography worthy of an art gallery. With stark mountains, traditional villages, bamboo groves, and local farmers at work in the fields, the sights along the river are beautifully picturesque. The mountainous surroundings also make for some of the most mysterious caves, open for visitors to explore a large number of stalactites, stalagmites, and other rock formations. Reed Flute Cave is perhaps the most notable. A natural limestone cave gleaming with multicolored lights, the cave has been a popular attraction for more than a millennium.
In addition to cruising by boat along the Li River to take in Guilin's renowned scenery, it is also common to enjoy the region along the Li on foot. Hiking trails along the river offer great opportunities to see the gorgeous Li River scenery and the life of riverside farmers. Nature and wildlife tours are also available for those who prefer a more guided activity.
The Lijiang Folk Customs Garden is another popular place to visit in Guilin for an experience of culture, art, folklore, dance, food and beverage, plus beautiful views of the Lijiang River. The park hosts traditional performances of the local culture as well as recreated dwellings from the villages of the indigenous Miao, Yao, Dong and Zhuang peoples. It is a wonderful opportunity to engage in the traditions and culture that have long been established in the region.
The Riyue Shuangta Cultural Park is another hot spot of Guilin. It sits as a large leisure park in the heart of the city, with two symbolic towers (Sun Tower and Moon Tower) standing in the middle of Shan Lake. The towers are beautifully lit at night with panoramic views of the city from the top.
Other popular attractions of the region include Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin Yaoshan Mountain Scenic Resort, Guilin Botanical Garden, and Guangxi Guilin Forest Park.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Guilin. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Private Day Tour: Longji Rice Terraces and Long Hair Village for $100 details
- Small Group: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Village Tour for $80 details
- Li River Cruise with bamboo Rafting & Xianggong Hill Private Tour for $110 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Guilin, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
-
Entrance to the Caves
¥120
Nightlife Budget in Guilin
Calculated from travelers like you
-
The average person spends about $5.81 (¥41) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Guilin per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$5.81
¥41
The nightlife is always tempting, but cutting down on drinks is an effective way to manage your travel spending.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 9, 2025
Traveling in Guilin
Guilin, China
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.
Neighborhoods & Around
Yangshuo is a county of Guilin, located about 65 km south of Guilin's center. It is well known for West Street, one of its oldest and most bustling neighborhoods. It is a place where east meets west and cultures collide to create an environment of eclectic activity from souvenir shopping by day to dining by night. The road is completely laid in marble with a simple courtyard-like setting and has opportunities to try flavors from all walks of the world. Attracting more tourists than natives, it is sometimes referred to as the "foreigner's street" or the "global village." A popular local dish of the village is the beer fish. Caught fresh from the Li River and prepared with a delicate sauce it is said to taste great with beer. Some popular cafes include MeiYou Cafe, Anne's Art Cafe, and Paris Cafe. Visually, culturally, and flavorfully, West Street is a neighborhood of the world.
Also nearby is Longsheng, known for similar mountain scenery and its beautiful rice terraces carved into the surrounding hills.
Related:
Looking for a hostel in China?
Traveling alone to Beijing or Hong Kong or want to party in Shanghai?
We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
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.