Some advertising in Guilin
In general, local products are about 10 times cheaper in China when compared to the west, but you have to bargain. Without negotiation, you will pay at least 10 times more, so more or less as much as things cost in the west. With good negotiation skills, foreigners will be able to fix the price somewhere in the middle, which should be fair enough for both sides. Only few places know price tags, like super markets. Western products are significantly more expensive than in the west due to import taxes. If not, they are most likely fake.
It is difficult to move in China without the help of a local. You probably cannot read, and understand Chinese, and you are not allow to drive without a Chinese driving license.
Best thing probably is to hire a local guide. Even though they always get on my nerves, they can arrange things that are otherwise out of reach for you. I would negotiate with a few to probe the prices. And I wouldn't pay (the full amount) upfront.
cu,
bbb