Which place is cheaper, Ise 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 Ise?
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 Ise can help you decide which place is right for you.
Where Should I go: Yangshuo or Ise?
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.
Ise
A coastal city of Japan, Ise is best known for the Ise Shrine, arguably the holiest and most important Shinto site and the reputed home of the Emperor's Sacred Mirror. The shrine dates back to 4 BC and actually consists of two shrines: the inner shrine called Naiku and the outer shrine called Geku.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to China, The Best Tours for Seniors to China, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Japan, and The Best Cultural Tours in Japan.
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Yangshuo Prices
China PricesIse Prices
Japan Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayYangshuo $86Ise $110
The average daily cost (per person) in Yangshuo is $86, while the average daily cost in Ise is $110. 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 Ise in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personYangshuo $26Ise $43
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomYangshuo $52Ise $86
Compare Hotels in Yangshuo and Ise
Looking for a hotel in Yangshuo or Ise? 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.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ise Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Yangshuo $43Ise $45
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Yangshuo
Also for Yangshuo, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- From Yangshuo Via Ferrata with Transfer 3 hours Private Tour: $89
- From Rock Climbing with Transfer Private (3 hours): $69
- Guilin Private Transfer in English-speaking Services: Between Airport & Yangshuo: $106
- Guilin: Li River Cruise with Transfer to Yangshuo: $80
- Impression Liu Sanjie - Ticket Booking (including Round-trip Transfer): $62
- Private Airport Transfer: Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport: $45
- Private Departure Transfer: Yangshuo to Guilin Train Stations: $49
- Private Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show with Hotel Transfer: $88
- Private One Way Transfer Service to Guilin City Hotel or Airport from Yangshuo: $48
- Private Transfer from Xingping hotel to Longsheng hotel: $107
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo hotel to Guilin hotel: $37
- Private Transfer from Yangshuo(Xingping) Train Station to Yangshuo Hotel: $21
Is it cheaper to fly into Yangshuo or Ise?
Prices for flights to both Ise 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 $33Ise $43
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: $45
- Full-day Cultural Experience: Taichi, Cooking & Painting Lessons: $100
- The impression Liu sanjie show and local dinner in town : $145
- Combo Impression Sanjie Liu Show and Authentic Cooking Experience: $199
- Yangshuo Full Day Tour: Cooking class, River boat, Light Show: $259
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Yangshuo $24Ise $6.04
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
- Yangshuo Via Ferrata Ticket: $49
- Yulong River Bamboo Rafting Experience: $52
- Yangshuo Ruyi peak & round way cable car ticket: $55
- Yangshuo Walking Day Tour: $56
- Half/Full-Day Yangshuo Countryside Moderate Cycling and Sightseeing Private Tour: $60
- Ticket of Impression Sanjie Liu Show: $62
- Amphibious Off-Road Biking Experience: $67
Tours and Activities in Ise
Here are a few actual costs in Ise for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Express Tour of Japan’s Most Sacred Shrine: $47
- Full-Day Guided Tour of Shrines and Oharaimachi: $138
- Guided Bar-Hopping Tour with Food and Drinks: $85
- Ise Grand Shrine and Okage Yokocho Guided Tour: $149
- Island Adventure Sea Kayak Tour(Ise-Shima): $47
- Toba Private Customizable Half Day Tour: $215
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayYangshuo $34Ise $4.68
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Yangshuo and Ise, we can see that Ise 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 Ise would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ise 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 Ise Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Yangshuo or Ise?
Yangshuo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ise. When comparing the sizes of Yangshuo and Ise, 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 Ise?
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 Ise in the Summer?
The summer brings many poeple to Yangshuo as well as Ise. Additionally, many visitors come to Ise in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.
Yangshuo is a little warmer than Ise in the summer. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 30°C (86°F) in July, and Ise fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).
It's quite rainy in Ise. Yangshuo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Yangshuo usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ise. Yangshuo gets 206 mm (8.1 in) of rain, while Ise receives 219 mm (8.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyYangshuo 30°C (86°F)Ise 26°C (79°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Ise in the Autumn?
Both Ise and Yangshuo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Ise for the shopping scene during these months.
In the autumn, Yangshuo is a little warmer than Ise. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Yangshuo in October average around 23°C (73°F), and Ise averages at about 17°C (63°F).
It rains a lot this time of the year in Ise. In October, Yangshuo usually receives less rain than Ise. Yangshuo gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Ise receives 145 mm (5.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberYangshuo 23°C (73°F)Ise 17°C (63°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Ise in the Winter?
Both Ise and Yangshuo during the winter are popular places to visit. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ise because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.
The weather in Ise can be very cold. In January, Yangshuo is generally much warmer than Ise. Daily temperatures in Yangshuo average around 10°C (49°F), and Ise fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).
Yangshuo usually gets more rain in January than Ise. Yangshuo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ise receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryYangshuo 10°C (49°F)Ise 5°C (40°F)
Should I visit Yangshuo or Ise in the Spring?
The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Yangshuo and Ise. Also, the beaches are the main draw to Ise this time of year.
Yangshuo is much warmer than Ise in the spring. The daily temperature in Yangshuo averages around 20°C (68°F) in April, and Ise fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).
Ise receives a lot of rain in the spring. Yangshuo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Yangshuo usually receives more rain than Ise. Yangshuo gets 263 mm (10.3 in) of rain, while Ise receives 149 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilYangshuo 20°C (68°F)Ise 13°C (56°F)
Typical Weather for Ise and Yangshuo
| Yangshuo | Ise | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 10°C (49°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
| Feb | 11°C (51°F) | 87 mm (3.4 in) | 5°C (41°F) | 61 mm (2.4 in) |
| Mar | 15°C (59°F) | 129 mm (5.1 in) | 8°C (46°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) |
| Apr | 20°C (68°F) | 263 mm (10.3 in) | 13°C (56°F) | 149 mm (5.9 in) |
| May | 25°C (77°F) | 334 mm (13.2 in) | 18°C (65°F) | 162 mm (6.4 in) |
| Jun | 28°C (82°F) | 320 mm (12.6 in) | 22°C (71°F) | 236 mm (9.3 in) |
| Jul | 30°C (86°F) | 206 mm (8.1 in) | 26°C (79°F) | 219 mm (8.6 in) |
| Aug | 30°C (86°F) | 168 mm (6.6 in) | 27°C (81°F) | 176 mm (6.9 in) |
| Sep | 27°C (81°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 23°C (74°F) | 238 mm (9.4 in) |
| Oct | 23°C (73°F) | 93 mm (3.7 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 145 mm (5.7 in) |
| Nov | 17°C (63°F) | 81 mm (3.2 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 80 mm (3.1 in) |
| Dec | 12°C (53°F) | 47 mm (1.9 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 40 mm (1.6 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.