We visited both Yangshuo and Guilin and can honestly say that both are great destinations. Located very close by each other they offer two different experiences. In this guide we break down:
- Is Guilin worth visiting
- Is Guilin and Yangshuo the same?
- How long to spend in each?
- If you can only visit one, which to choose?
By reading this article you will understand how to choose between Guilin and Yangshuo.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: Should You Visit Guilin or Yangshuo?
| If you want… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Dramatic scenery | Yangshuo |
| Easier transport | Guilin |
| Outdoor adventures | Yangshuo |
| More attractions | Guilin |
| Photography | Yangshuo |
| A short visit | Guilin |
| A relaxing stay | Yangshuo |
What’s the Difference Between Guilin and Yangshuo?
Guilin is a city whereas Yangshuo is a small town. In Guilin there is a central area where tourists will congregate. Yangshuo is a larger area filled with lush greenery and a river. Yangshuo feels more relaxed, there is no reason to hurry here. Guilin is still a big city, there are lots of people and a few things to see, it is a great city to do day trips from, the Longi Rice Terraces are very popular. Yangshuo is a peaceful countryside where you can explore the river and towns along it. It really is one of the most beautiful places in China. There is a big town but the heart of Yangshuo is in the countryside.
Which Has Better Scenery: Guilin or Yangshuo?
The famous scenery in Guilin is the Elephant Trunk Hill, in Yangshuo there is the famous Li River, Yulong River and Xianggong Hill. The landscape is really beautiful with lush green landscapes along the river and karst mountain peaks. For me Yangshuo is the more scenic location. You can read my full Yangshuo article where I detail everything to do and see while you are there.
Is Guilin Worth Visiting?
Guilin is worth visit for a day so you can see Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave. They are interesting and good to see but if I had longer I would make sure to spend extra time in Yangshuo for the natural beauty. Check out my One Day in Guilin Guide so you can schedule your day.
Is Yangshuo Worth Visiting?
Yangshuo is one of the best places to visit in China in my opinion. It has not only stunning scenery but you can experience it by:
- Cycling
- Bamboo rafting
- Hike the karst mountains
- Sunrise viewpoints
Read about what to do in Yangshuo and Xingping, we loved visiting both. You have to go to the Xingping train station to get to Yangshuo so it makes sense to see this town also.
Where Should You Stay: Guilin or Yangshuo?
Many people choose to stay in Guilin and do day trips out to Yangshuo and other areas nearby. It works best to stay in Guilin if you are arriving late, using trains and have limited time. The day trips are convenient and you are right in the transport hub for when you have to leave. This is where we stayed in Guilin and loved it.
I would stay in Yangshuo if you are a nature lover, photographer, adventure traveller, love slow travel or just have more time available to you. We spent 3 days in Yangshuo and 1 day in Guilin. If I could have had another day in Yangshuo I would have taken it. This is the hotel I would book in Yangshuo.
Can You Visit Guilin and Yangshuo Together?
You can visit Guilin and Yangshuo together, they are about 88km or 1.5 hours away from each other by high-speed rail. You can take a tour or hire a private driver also.
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How Many Days Do You Need in Guilin and Yangshuo?
You could spend up to 4 days easily in this area, I could have even spent longer if we had time. This is how I would schedule my time between Guilin and Yanhshuo.
2-Day Itinerary: Stay in Guilin and do a day trip to Yangshuo
3-Day Itinerary: Stay in Yangshuo for all three days or stay in Guilin and do a day trip to Yangshuo and another day trip to Longi Rice Terraces.
4-Day Itinerary: Stay 1 day in Guilin and 3 days in Yangshuo. If you have more than 4 days I would use an extra day in Yangshuo or do the Longi Rice Terrace day trip from Guilin.
Use our Guilin and Yangshuo guides to plan your time in each location.
Guilin vs Yangshuo: Our Verdict
This is which place suits best for each traveller type:
- First-time China visitors: Guilin
- Families: Guilin
- Photographers: Yangshuo
- Backpackers: Yangshuo
- Luxury travellers: Guilin
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yangshuo better than Guilin?
If you want to spend your time in nature then Yangshuo is better, if you prefer a city with easy day trips from it then Guilin is your best base.
Can you stay in Yangshuo and day trip to Guilin?
You could by high speed train as it is an hour and half away however you have to catch the train from Xingping not Yangshuo town. It is easier to day trip to Yangshuo from Guilin. Or just take a DiDi which will be more expensive but save a lot of time.
Is Guilin touristy?
Guilin has a couple of big tourist sites and they are quite busy but the actual city itself didn’t feel overly touristy.
Is Yangshuo touristy?
Yes, Yangshuo is more touristy, there are lots of local tourists here enjoying the natural sights. There can be crowding but it really didn’t bother us, we loved Yangshuo and there was always areas you could go to escape the crowds.
How far is Yangshuo from Guilin?
Yangshuo is about an hour and a half (88km) from Guilin by high speed train however the train stop for Yangshuo is in Xingping. From there you take a DiDi to Yangshuo which is not expensive.
How many days should I spend in Yangshuo?
I would spend up to 4 days easily in Yangshuo, I loved it here. Stay one night in Yangshuo town and see the sights there before taking it slow and soaking up the countryside.
Which is better for photography?
Yangshuo is the better option for photography, there are karst mountains, the rivers and so much lush foliage. It is really a beautiful area.
Guilin and Yangshuo are both great places in China to visit, it will depend on your preferred travel style and how much time you have to decide on which is best for you. For first time visitors to China you may prefer to stay in Guilin and do the organised day trips. If you are backpacking or have more time then I suggest Yangshuo for its natural beauty. Either way you will enjoy your time in the area, it really is beautiful.
Plan your trip:
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We hope this guide helped you plan an unforgettable trip.
