Guilin, famous for its stunning karst landscapes and the serene Li River, offers more than just natural beauty—it also presents a compelling balance between affordability and tourist-friendly amenities. For travelers wondering how much it costs to eat, shop, and enjoy daily necessities in Guilin, here’s a detailed, data-driven guide based on up-to-date market information.
Local grocery prices reflect Guilin’s position as a second-tier city—significantly cheaper than first-tier cities like Shanghai or Beijing, yet not ultra-low-cost.
Milk (1 L): ¥11 (approx. $1.44) priceoftravel.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1livingcost.org+2expatistan.com+2nomadlio.com+2
Eggs (12): ¥26 (about $2.80)
Rice (1 kg): ¥8 (~$0.80)
Chicken breast (1 kg): ¥12–14 ($2.19) priceoftravel.com+8expatistan.com+8globalprice.info+8
Apples (1 kg): ¥14 (~$1.44) nomadlio.com+1livingcost.org+1
Bread (500 g): ¥10–13 ($1.33) nomadlio.com+1expatistan.com+1
These prices suggest that stocking up on basic food supplies won’t break the bank. A simple homemade meal for two can cost under ¥50 (~$7).
Rice noodles: a local favorite, typically ¥8–10 per bowl nomadlio.com+6reddit.com+6numbeo.com+6reddit.com
Snack items (skewers, baked buns, fruit cups): ¥2–8 reddit.com+4chinahighlights.com+4globalprice.info+4
Coconut drink: ~¥8
These quick bites are not only cheap but also offer authentic taste and culture.
Local fast food / basic sit-down meal: ¥20–36 (about $3–6)
Western café items (coffee, pastry): ¥20–40 ($3–6)
It’s quite possible to enjoy a satisfying café-style breakfast or lunch for under ¥40 (~$6).
Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: ¥135 (~$19)
Moderately priced dinner (expat source): ¥70–105 per person ($10–15) tripadvisor.com+5expatexchange.com+5expatistan.com+5
A full-service dinner with drinks for two could typically cost ¥200–300 ($29–44), depending on the venue.
Cruise snack bars, park cafés: expect to pay up to ¥40–60 ($6–9) for a meal globalprice.info+3priceoftravel.com+3chinahighlights.com+3.
Some sightseeing meals may cost more if higher-end restaurants are involved.
Bread: ¥10–13 per loaf
Rice: ¥8 per kg reddit.com+4livingcost.org+4numbeo.com+4
Bottled water (1 L): ¥2–4
While data is limited for Guilin, expect Western brand jeans or sneakers to cost from ¥400–600 (~$60–90), similar to other Chinese cities expatexchange.com+5livingcost.org+5budgetyourtrip.com+5.
Local markets provide budget-friendly textiles, souvenirs, and handicrafts, often negotiable and priced between ¥20–100 per item depending on quality.
Although your blog focuses on shopping and dining, it’s helpful to know overall daily expenses.
One-way local transport: ¥2–3.5 ($0.28–0.50)
Taxi (8 km): ¥20 (~$3.5) en.wikipedia.org+3budgetyourtrip.com+3livingcost.org+3
Public transit monthly pass: ~¥80 ($11)
Breakfast: Büown noodles + soy milk – ¥10
Lunch: Noodles or street stall – ¥15
Dinner: Local restaurant – ¥30
Snacks/Drinks: ¥10
Transport (round-trip): ¥6
Total: ¥71/day ($10)
Breakfast: Café set – ¥35
Lunch: Sit-down meal – ¥40
Dinner: Mid-range restaurant – ¥70
Snacks & drinks: ¥20
Transport & occasional taxi: ¥20
Total: ¥185/day ($27)
Breakfast: Hotel buffet – ¥60
Lunch: Upscale restaurant – ¥100
Dinner: Premium dining – ¥200
Drinks/snacks: ¥50
Transport (taxi & occasional private car): ¥50
Total: ¥460/day ($65)
Eat local: Street food and market meals are flavorful and wallet-friendly.
Buy groceries: Cooking simple breakfasts or snacks at your accommodation saves money.
Use local apps: DiDi for transport, Eleme or Meituan for food delivery often have coupons.
Shop mindfully: Off-brand or local markets offer unique souvenirs without the premium price.
Choose mid-range hotels: Many include breakfast, reducing daily expenses.
According to Numbeo and Expatistan:
Casual meal: $4.30 (~¥30) budgetyourtrip.com+1en.wikipedia.org+1numbeo.com+4expatistan.com+4numbeo.com+4
Mid-range dinner for 2: $22–23 (~¥150)
Groceries: milk $1.44, bananas $0.65 nomadlio.com+1livingcost.org+1
Exiap ranks Guilin’s daily cost as:
Budget: $34/day
Mid-range: $84/day
Luxury: $203/day tripadvisor.com+13exiap.com+13budgetyourtrip.com+13
Guilin offers a wide spectrum of pricing that suits every traveler—from backpackers savoring street eats to vacationers dining riverside. Meal-wise, ¥20–40 gets you a proper local lunch, while dinner for two runs ¥135–200 comfortably. Grocery shopping is equally affordable.
If you're aiming to stay under ¥100/day, street vendors and public transit help keep things low. Want a more upscale experience with comfort and style? Expect to spend ¥200–400 daily.
Guilin strikes a fine balance: captivating beauty, rich culture, and surprisingly reasonable costs.
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Author: Guilin Travel
Source: Guilin Travel
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