Guilin Travel Budget: How Much Does a Trip Cost?

How Much Should You Budget?

Excluding international flights, visas, shopping and personal insurance, a visitor can plan around the following amounts:

These estimates assume that two people share one double room. A solo traveller will usually pay more per person because the room cost is not shared.

For a first visit, a practical personal budget would be:

• 3 days: RMB 2,200–3,500, or about $314–500
• 5 days: RMB 3,500–5,500, or about $500–786
• 7 days: RMB 4,800–7,800, or about $686–1,114

Accommodation Costs

Accommodation is often the largest variable in the total cost. Prices also differ between Yangshuo and the Longji Mountain area.

Budget accommodation

Simple hotels, hostels and basic guesthouses usually cost:

• Double room: RMB 180–300 per night, about $26–43
• Shared by two people: RMB 90–150 per person, about $13–21

Before booking, check whether the property offers:

• A private bathroom
• Elevator access
• Convenient transport
• Registration for foreign passports
• Breakfast

Mid-range accommodation

Three-star hotels, comfortable guesthouses and well-located boutique stays generally cost:

• Double room: RMB 400–800 per night, about $57–114
• Shared by two people: RMB 200–400 per person, about $29–57

This is a comfortable level for most international visitors. It is available in the city, central Yangshuo and areas near the Yulong River.

Premium accommodation

High-end hotels, design guesthouses and mountain-view properties may cost:

• Double room: RMB 900–1,800 per night, about $129–257
• Shared by two people: RMB 450–900 per person, about $64–129

Weekend and holiday prices can be much higher, especially for river-view or mountain-view rooms.

Food Costs

Local food is generally more affordable than in many major Western tourist destinations, although restaurants near West Street and popular attractions tend to charge more.

Budget food

• RMB 60–100 per day, about $9–14
• Rice noodles, local snacks, simple meals and ordinary restaurants

A bowl of local rice noodles is one of the easiest ways to keep food costs low.

Mid-range food

• RMB 120–250 per day, about $17–36
• Local restaurants, regional dishes and occasional speciality meals

Sharing several dishes is often more economical than ordering separate Western-style meals.

Premium food

• RMB 300–600 per day, about $43–86
• Scenic restaurants, seafood, speciality restaurants and higher-end meals

Beer, fish, river fish and restaurants in scenic areas can be considerably more expensive. Ask about the price, portion size and whether fish is charged by weight before ordering.

Helpful ordering phrases

If you do not eat spicy food, you can say:

• Bù yào là: No chili, please
• Shǎo là: A little chillii
• Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn: I am allergic to peanuts
• Wǒ bù chī hǎixiān: I do not eat seafood

Local Transportation Costs

Transport within the city

Typical urban transport costs include:

• Bus: RMB 2–3 per ride, about $0.30–0.43
• Short taxi or ride-hailing trip: RMB 15–40, about $2–6
• Daily urban transport: around RMB 20–60, about $3–9

If you stay near the main attractions, many places are within walking distance.

City to Yangshuo

Depending on the transport method:

• Coach or tourist bus: RMB 50–100, about $7–14
• Ride-hailing car or shared transfer: RMB 100–200, about $14–29
• Private car: priced by vehicle and route

Private transfers are more convenient when you have a lot of luggage, but they cost more.

City to Longji

Plan approximately:

• Public transport or tourist transfer: RMB 100–200, about $14–29
• Private transfer or car hire: RMB 600–1,200 per vehicle per day, about $86–171

The price of a private car is usually for the entire vehicle, not per passenger. It can be reasonable when shared by two to four people.

High-speed rail from other Chinese cities

Domestic arrival costs should be added separately. Current public fare searches give examples such as:

• Guangzhou to the area: about RMB 186–214 one way, or $27–31
• Shenzhen: about RMB 310–390 one way, or $44–56
• Shanghai: about RMB 600–700 one way, or $86–100
• Beijing: about RMB 800–950 one way, or $114–136

China Railway 12306 notes that fares vary by train, seat class, date and fare policy. Always confirm the final price on the official booking platform.

Attraction and Activity Costs

Li River cruise

Cruise prices depend on the boat category, service level and whether meals are included:

• Three-star cruise: around RMB 215, about $31
• Four-star cruise: around RMB 360, about $51
• Higher-level or themed cruises: potentially more

The official Li River website provides information on three-star, four-star, and five-star cruises, as well as routes and ticketing services.

Longji Rice Terraces

For planning purposes, use the following estimates:

• Scenic-area admission: around RMB 80, about $11
• Round-trip cable car: around RMB 100, about $14
• One-way cable car: around RMB 70, about $10

The cable car is optional. The official scenic area information lists the adult admission price at RMB 80, while concessions and local arrangements should be checked before travel.

Yulong River bamboo rafting

Bamboo rafting is often priced by raft or route:

• Around RMB 200–320 per raft, about $29–46
• For two people sharing: approximately RMB 100–160 per person, or $14–23

Confirm whether the ticket includes transfers, insurance and the return journey.

City attractions

Urban attractions vary:

• Free or low-cost public parks: RMB 0–50, about $0–7
• Standard paid attractions: RMB 50–100, about $7–14
• Night cruises or combination activities: approximately RMB 90–250, about $13–36

With a smaller budget, combine free riverside walks and public areas with one major paid experience such as a river cruise.

Daily Budget Levels

Budget travel

Around RMB 250–450 per day, or $36–64:

• Shared accommodation: RMB 90–150
• Food: RMB 60–100
• Transport: RMB 30–80
• Attractions and activities: RMB 50–120

Mid-range travel

Around RMB 450–800 per day, or $64–114:

• Shared comfortable accommodation: RMB 200–400
• Food: RMB 120–250
• Transport: RMB 50–120
• Attractions and activities: RMB 100–250

This is the most practical level for many international visitors.

Premium travel

Around RMB 900–1,800 per day, or $129–257:

• Higher-end hotels or scenic guesthouses
• Private transfers
• Specialty restaurants
• Better cruise categories
• Private guides or customised activities

The daily cost can be higher if you choose luxury accommodation and private transport throughout the trip.

Sample Budgets

Budget 3-day trip

Mid-range 5-day trip

Mid-range 7-day trip

Costs Not Included

The estimates above do not include:

• International flights
• Domestic flights
• Visa fees
• Travel insurance
• Premium shopping
• Private guides
• Bars and nightlife
• High-end performances
• The extra cost of staying in a private room alone

Travellers arriving from Beijing, Shanghai or another distant city may need to add several hundred to more than RMB 2,000 for transportation.

How to Save Money

Avoid major Chinese holidays.

Spring Festival, the May holidays, summer vacation and the National Day holiday can raise hotel and transport prices. Weekdays are usually quieter and more affordable.

Share a room

Sharing a double room is one of the simplest ways to reduce the per-person cost.

Do not use a private car every day.

Use public transport, ride-hailing or electric scooters in suitable areas. Save private transfers for Longji or longer routes shared by several travellers.

Choose the right cruise level.

A three-star or four-star cruise already provides access to the main river scenery. A five-star option is better suited to travellers who prioritise comfort, food, and service.

Spend money on the experiences that matter most.

If your budget is limited, reduce repeated entrance tickets and prioritise:

• A Li River cruise
• Yulong River rafting
• One night in the Longji Mountains
• A memorable regional dinner

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money should I prepare for five days?

Excluding international flights, RMB 3,500–5,500 (about $500–786) is a practical mid-range budget. This assumes two people share one room.

Can I travel on RMB 200 per day?

If accommodation and long-distance transport are excluded, RMB 200 can cover a very economical day. A cruise, a rafting trip, or a private car will require a larger budget.

Is Yangshuo more expensive than the city?

West Street, scenic areas and weekends are often more expensive. Guesthouse prices near the Yulong River vary widely, so booking early helps.

How much should I budget for Longji?

For admission, basic transport and one night in budget accommodation, plan approximately RMB 300–700 per person, or $43–100. Private cars, better rooms, and cable cars will increase costs.

Do I need to carry a lot of cash?

Most daily expenses can be paid through mobile payment, but international visitors should confirm that their bank card, Alipay or WeChat Pay works correctly. A small amount of cash remains useful in villages and mountain areas.

Is tipping required?

China generally does not have the same fixed tipping culture as the United States or some European countries. Restaurants, taxis, and other travel services usually do not require a tip.

Final Thoughts

For a first visit, a comfortable five-day trip usually requires RMB 3,500–5,500, or about $500–786, excluding international flights.

Budget travellers can choose simple accommodation, local restaurants and public transport. Travellers with more money can upgrade their hotels, private transfers, cruises, and dining experiences.

The largest cost differences usually come from accommodation, cruise category, Yangshuo activities, Longji transport and holiday pricing. Decide your travel dates and accommodation standard first, then build the rest of the budget around them.