When it comes to visiting Guilin, many would mention that Yangshuo's scenery is a must-see, while Elephant Trunk Hill is the symbol of Guilin City. So it brings out a question: "Should I go straight to Yangshuo and skip the city of Guilin?"
Here is the quick answer:
If your schedule is short and tight, with less than 2 days, go straight to Yangshuo to enjoy the countryside scenery and various activities, where you could relax in a pure pastoral holiday.
But if your trip stretches to 3 days or more, or Longsheng is also in your plan, leave one night or two in Guilin City.
You could do some city sightseeing to enrich your itinerary, as the city has comprehensive infrastructure and convenient transportation, making it easy to visit Yangshuo or Longji Rice Terraces.
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- Yangshuo Should Be Your First Choice Over Guilin
- Is Guilin Worth a Stay?
- How Long to Stay in Guilin and Yangshuo?
- Where to Stay in Guilin and Yangshuo
Yangshuo Should Be Your First Choice Over Guilin
Enjoy the Stunning Landscape of YangshuoCompared to Guilin City, Yangshuo should suit your imagination of karst natural landscape with its rural vibe and stronger vacation attributes.
Unlike developed cities, Yangshuo is a town that has preserved its original rural scenery and low development as much as possible. You can enjoy the idyllic scenery you imagine here, and see people and nature coexisting in harmony.
While activities in Guilin City are mostly limited to sightseeing and indoor activities, Yangshuo offers a wider variety of activities.
Besides biking around the countryside and climbing up one of the karst hills, you can also do caving, whitewater drifting, stand-up paddling, and hiking.
What's more, in response to diverse holiday requirements, Yangshuo's hotels are continuing to upgrade with services and infrastructure, creating top-notch five-star hotels such as Banyan Tree and Sugar House, where you could enjoy a perfect holiday.
Is Guilin Worth a Stay?
Of course, Guilin is worth a stay for its main attractions, such as Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave, or as a base for day trips to neighboring counties like Yangshuo and Longsheng.
Here's how to decide if you need to book a hotel in Guilin:
Traveling Too Early or Too Late?
If your itinerary cannot connect via the Yangshuo Railway Station, we recommend staying overnight in Guilin to take a break.
Since Guilin only has one airport, Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, and the Yangshuo train station isn't as well-connected as Guilin, you may need to use Guilin as a layover stop.
It could be much easier to rest before or after your journey instead of hitting the road immediately.
Want to Explore Beyond Yangshuo?
Guilin, as the transportation hub, could be used as your base to explore the area, especially when you have a tight schedule and want to see more.
For example, landmarks in Guilin City are considered must-sees for first-timers that could be visited within a day, including Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Daxu Ancient Town.
If you're interested in agricultural wonders, the Longji Rice Terraces are also worth a visit, which is only a 2-hour drive from Guilin (vs. 4 hours from Yangshuo).
Unlike Yangshuo's flat paddies, these are ancient mountainside wonders carved by farmers over centuries, which are absolutely stunning.
Interested in the Night View of the Karst City Illuminated by Colorful Lights?
The Night View of the Karst City Illuminated by Colorful LightsMaybe it sounds quite touristy, but the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area comes alive after nightfall, when the trees and mountains are illuminated by colorful lights.
If a 4-hour cruise on the Li River is too long and too boring for you, you might as well try a 1-hour night cruise here instead. It's a magical blend of modern city lights and natural karst scenery, which is a beauty you won't see during the day but after dark.
How Long to Stay in Guilin and Yangshuo?
Typically, we suggest having at least 4 days for your first trip to Guilin, including a day trip each to Guilin City, Yangshuo, and Longsheng.
For families with children and people who are looking for relaxation, we recommend a 5-day trip or more so that you can stay in Yangshuo leisurely as long as possible, and skip the Guilin City and Longji Rice Terraces if you are not interested in.
There is more detailed information and itinerary suggestions. Read on How Long to Spend in Guilin.
Where to Stay in Guilin and Yangshuo
Boutique Hotel in YangshuoIf you are staying in Guilin, hotels in the downtown area should be your top choices, such as Lijiang Waterfall Hotel and the Sheraton. These hotels have convenient transportation, scenic views, lively nightlife, and more food choices.
As for staying in Yangshuo, hotels in the Shili Gallery Area offer stunning scenery and a tranquil environment, which is great for exploring the countryside leisurely and enjoying your vacation.
You can get more detailed information for planning a trip to Guilin. As for more Yangshuo boutique hotels, check out Where to Stay in Yangshuo.
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