Assumptions for Our Guilin Budget Estimates

Learn more at Lonely Planet Guilin.

You can find the latest updates on South China Karst.

We do not include international or domestic flights to reach the city of Guilin. Visa fees and travel insurance are also excluded from these daily spending estimates. The prices reflect a moderate travel style that focuses on saving money where possible. We assume you are willing to walk and use local buses to get around.

The daily total includes small snacks and bottled water purchased from local convenience stores. We also include the cost of a few cheap entrance tickets for minor attractions. Most of your time will be spent on free activities like hiking and sightseeing. Prices may vary slightly depending on the current exchange rate of the Chinese yuan.

Our comfort tier includes private rooms and occasional meals at nicer sit-down restaurants. Budget travelers should expect to share dorm rooms and eat at small street stalls. Mid-range travelers will enjoy a balance of comfort and value during their entire stay. These assumptions help you plan your finances before you arrive in southern China.

• Key factors included in our budget
  • Local hostel or guesthouse stay
  • Three simple local meals daily
  • Public bus and walking transport
  • Basic snacks and drinking water

Cost Comparison for Exploring the Li River

Choosing the right budget tier depends on your personal comfort needs and travel goals. A budget traveler can survive on very little by focusing on free outdoor activities. The free Li River walking route is the best way to keep costs very low. Mid-range travelers can afford better transport and more variety in their daily meals.

Comfort travelers will spend more on high-end hotels and private tours along the river. Even a luxury trip in Guilin can be cheaper than in many Western cities. The table below shows the expected daily spending for three different travel styles. Use these ranges to decide how much money you need for your China trip.

Food costs in Guilin are generally very low if you stick to local dishes. Transport costs are also affordable if you use the extensive network of public buses. Lodging will be your biggest expense regardless of which tier you choose to follow. Walking the river path helps you avoid the high cost of boat tour tickets.

Remember that prices can rise during major Chinese holidays like the Golden Week. Always carry some extra cash for unexpected expenses or small local souvenirs you find. Planning your budget in advance ensures you have a stress-free time in Guilin. Compare the tiers below to find the best fit for your travel wallet.

Exploring the Free Li River Walking Route

The free Li River walking route typically starts in the small village of Yangdi. You can take a local bus from Guilin to reach this starting point cheaply. Check out these free nature spots in Guilin for more ideas. The path follows the river through some of the most famous mountain scenery.

You will walk past ancient villages where life has not changed for many years. The trail is mostly flat and easy to walk for people of all ages. You should also visit the best free karst hills in Guilin nearby. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes because the walk takes several hours to finish.

One of the best parts of the walk is reaching the town of Xingping. This area is famous for the view shown on the Chinese twenty yuan note. You can take photos of this iconic spot without paying any entrance fees at all. Walking allows you to find quiet viewpoints that the big tour boats always miss.

There are small ferries that cross the river at certain points along the walking trail. These ferries usually cost a very small fee of about ten to twenty yuan. If you want to stay completely free, you can stick to one side of the river. The scenery is beautiful on both sides so you will not miss any major views.

Bring a map or use a GPS app on your phone to stay on track. The trail is generally well-marked but it can be confusing in the small forest sections. Ask locals for directions if you are unsure which way the river path goes next. Most people are very friendly and will point you toward the town of Xingping.

Factors That Change Guilin Travel Costs

The time of year you visit Guilin will greatly affect your total travel costs. Explore other Guilin nature spots with no fees to save money. Hotel prices often double during the peak summer months of July and August. Winter is much cheaper but the weather can be quite cold and very damp.

Your choice of transportation within the city also plays a big role in your budget. Watch the sky change at the best sunset spots in Guilin nature. Using local buses is the cheapest way to travel between the different scenic areas. Taxis and private cars are much faster but they will cost you significantly more.

Food prices vary depending on where you choose to eat your daily meals. Eating at local noodle shops is a great way to save a lot of money. Western-style cafes and hotel restaurants are much more expensive for the average budget traveler. Try the local Guilin rice noodles for a cheap and very delicious breakfast.

Booking your accommodation in advance can help you find much better deals online. Last-minute bookings during busy weekends can be very expensive and hard to find. Stay in neighborhoods outside the main tourist center to find lower room rates. Many hostels offer free drinking water and cheap laundry services for their guests.

How to Save Money in Guilin

Using the free Li River walking route is the top tip for saving money. You avoid the high cost of river cruises which can exceed four hundred yuan. Walking also gives you more time to enjoy the nature at your own pace. Pack a lunch and plenty of water before you start your long day hike.

Download local payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay to get the best prices. Many small shops and street vendors do not accept international credit cards at all. Using these apps makes it easier to pay for cheap local buses and snacks. You can also find discount coupons for some attractions within these popular apps.

Travel with a friend to share the cost of private rooms and taxi rides. Splitting the bill at restaurants allows you to try more dishes for less money. Many hostels have common areas where you can meet other travelers to share costs. Group travel is often more social and much more affordable for budget-conscious people.

Always carry a reusable water bottle to avoid buying expensive plastic bottles every day. Most hostels and guesthouses provide free filtered water for all of their guests. This small habit can save you several dollars over the course of your trip. It is also much better for the environment in this beautiful natural region.

• Money-saving tips to lower costs
  • Use local buses for transport
  • Eat at small noodle shops
  • Book hostels two weeks early
  • Walk between nearby scenic areas

Sample Daily Plan for Budget Hikers

Start your morning early with a bowl of local Guilin rice noodles for breakfast. Learn how to visit Ronghu Lake Park for a relaxing afternoon. Take the morning bus from Guilin bus station to the village of Yangdi. This bus ride is very cheap and takes about ninety minutes to arrive.

Begin your hike along the free Li River walking route as the sun rises. Find out how to see Elephant Trunk Hill free online. Enjoy the quiet river views before the large tour boats start their engines. Stop at a local village to buy a fresh piece of fruit.

Eat your packed picnic lunch while sitting on a rock overlooking the karst peaks. Continue walking toward Xingping and enjoy the changing landscape along the way. Arrive in the old town of Xingping by the late afternoon for some exploration. The ancient streets are perfect for taking photos and seeing traditional Chinese architecture.

Watch the sunset from the riverbank before catching the bus back to Guilin. The return bus runs frequently until the early evening from the Xingping station. End your day with a simple dinner near your hostel in the city. This full day of adventure costs very little but offers amazing travel memories.

1. Sample itinerary for a budget day
   • Eat breakfast at noodle shop
   • Take bus to Yangdi village
   • Hike along the Li River
   • Explore the town of Xingping
   • Return to Guilin by bus