Posted by seneca (236 days ago)
For all it's worth - possibly not much - but there are buses from Guangzhou to Bao'an, though that's not exactly Shenzhen Airport. However, a bus trip to Bao'an saves you potentially a one hour bus journey from Shenzhen Train Station (or the bus terminal there) to the airport.
A quick taxi trip would set you back a modest outlay for the short trip to the airport.
Cheap accommodation in Guangzhou? I can't give you websites, but I would try a hotel near Guangzhou Train Station on Huanxi Xilu (there are a couple that are not pricey as opposed to many on the far side of the station square that charge five-star rates).
BUt in the off season you can easily get published rates down to an affordable level.
(I am based in Hong Kong)