Guilin or Yangshuo: Which one should you visit?

Guilin and Yangshuo are synonymous with some of the most spectacular landscapes in China. So much so, that many people travel all the way to Guangxi just to cruise the Li River and see those karst mountains up close, which look like they’ve been plucked straight from a traditional Chinese painting.

And the good news is that on Trip.com you have everything you need to organise your trip without any hassle. Whether it's flights, trains or hotels in the area, it's all in one place.

⚖️ Guilin vs Yangshuo: what’s the difference?

Although they are separated by just over an hour's journey, Guilin and Yangshuo offer quite different experiences. If you're unsure between the two, this comparison will help you decide at a glance.

🏞️ What to see in Guilin and Yangshuo: Best places and activities

Guilin and Yangshuo are like two sides of the same coin. Guilin brings together the more urban attractions, with its historic centre, its lakes and those karst hills that even sneak into the middle of the city. Yangshuo, on the other hand, concentrates the landscapes that you have surely already seen on postcards from China.

The best thing to do is combine both stops, and here we’ll tell you the must-see attractions in each.

🐘 Must-visit places in Guilin

To start with, Guilin won't fail to impress you, not even on your first walk. Here lies the key to the city: it blends natural monuments with urban corners so seamlessly you barely notice the join.

• Elephant Trunk Hill: the most iconic image of Guilin, and it’s no coincidence. This rock formation is shaped like an elephant drinking water from the Li River, and at night, with the lights on, it’s a whole different story.
• Reed Flute Cave: one of those caves with stalactites that look deliberately sculpted, with light displays that give it an almost otherworldly feel.
• Two Rivers and Four Lakes: the Shan and Rong lakes area, perfect for a peaceful evening stroll, with its illuminated bridges and that feeling of being in the heart of the city without the noise of the centre.
• Sun and Moon Pagodas: two towers, one copper and the other glazed glass, connected by a tunnel under Shanhu Lake. Honestly, at night, with those golden and silver lights, it’s one of the most beautiful postcards you’ll take away from Guilin.
• Li River cruise: one of the region's star attractions, offering hours of sailing between karst mountains that seem to change shape as you glide past.
• Seven Stars Park: a vast natural space, perfect if you want to disconnect from the city's pace without leaving it entirely.

🌄 What to see in Yangshuo and its surroundings

And that's where Yangshuo comes in, completely changing the pace of the trip. Here, it's less about monuments and more about pure scenery, so get ready to slow down and enjoy the surroundings.

• Yulong River: quieter and less crowded than the Li, perfect for a bamboo raft ride surrounded by mountains.
• Shili Gallery: a road with spectacular views that connects several points of interest, perfect if you're getting around by bike or electric scooter.
• Xianggong Hill: a viewpoint with panoramic views of the entire valley, famous for its sunrises. The climb, although a bit tough, is well worth it.
• Xingping: a small town with one of the most photographed scenes in all of China, the very same one that appears on the 20 yuan note.
• West Street: the liveliest area in Yangshuo, boasting over 1,400 years of history and a buzzing atmosphere of bars and restaurants that stays alive well into the night.
• Moon Hill: a mountain with a natural arch at the summit, involving a climb of about 800 steps, but the views from the top are worth it.

🚄 How to get from Guilin to Yangshuo?

Guilin and Yangshuo are separated by about 65 kilometres (approx.), so getting between the two is quite straightforward. The best option will depend on whether you prefer to enjoy the scenery, save time, or travel on a tighter budget.

🚢 Li River cruise

It is the most famous option and, for many, an unmissable experience. The journey lasts between 4 and 5 hours, departing from the Zhujiang pier and ending in Yangshuo, sailing through the spectacular karst landscapes that have made this region famous.

• ⏱️ Duration: 4-5 hours
• 💰 Price: approx. £40-£70
• 👍 Perfect for: those who want to enjoy the journey as much as the destination.

🚄 High-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo

The fastest way to get there. The journey takes 25-35 minutes, although there is a small detail: the arrival station is Yangshuo Station, located near Xingping, so you will need to add another 20-30 minutes by taxi or bus to reach the centre.

• ⏱️ Duration: 25-35 minutes (+ travel time)
• 💰 Price: £3-£7
• 👍 Perfect for: travellers short on time.

🚌 Bus

The most affordable and simple option. It departs frequently from the centre of Guilin and arrives directly in Yangshuo in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.

• ⏱️ Duration: 1.5-2 hours
• 💰 Price: £2.5-£5
• 👍 Perfect for: those looking to save money.

🚕 Taxi or private transfer

The most comfortable option if you are travelling with luggage, as a family, or in a group. The driver will pick you up from your hotel in Guilin and drop you off directly at your accommodation in Yangshuo, with no transfers or waiting around.

• ⏱️ Duration: approximately 1.5 hours
• 💰 Price: £30-50 per vehicle
• 👍 Perfect for: families, groups or travellers who prioritise comfort.

⏳ How many days do you need in Guilin and Yangshuo?

The truth is that time really changes the experience. You can take a quick getaway or spend several days exploring the region at a leisurely pace. It all depends on your plans, although there is one itinerary that tends to work especially well for most travellers.

📅 Guilin and Yangshuo in 2 days

With 2 days in Guilin and Yangshuo, you'll need to get straight to the point. The most practical approach is to spend the night in Guilin, visit some of its main attractions, and then head to Yangshuo early the next day.

A great combination would be:

• 🏙️ Stroll around Elephant Trunk Hill and the Sun and Moon Pagodas.
• 🚢 Travel down the Li River to Yangshuo, if time permits.
• 🚲 Hire a bike or explore part of the Yulong River before heading back.

📅 3-day itinerary for Guilin and Yangshuo

If you're wondering how many days in Guilin and Yangshuo are recommended, 3 days is usually the sweet spot.

• Day 1: Discover Guilin, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the Sun and Moon Pagodas and take a stroll by Shan Lake.
• Day 2: Take a cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo and spend the afternoon exploring West Street.
• Day 3: Hire a bike, explore the Shili Gallery, cruise down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft and enjoy the rural scenery.

For many travellers, this is the most complete itinerary for Guilin and Yangshuo without needing to rush.

📅 Guilin and Yangshuo in 4 or 5 days

With 4 or 5 days, the region transforms, and that’s where the trip that everyone remembers truly begins.

You can easily add:

• 🌄 Watch the sunrise from Xianggong Hill.
• 🏞️ Spend a few hours in Xingping, one of the most beautiful villages on the Li River.
• 🚲 Explore less-travelled rural paths around Yangshuo.
• 🌾 Take a day trip to the Longji rice terraces.
• 🛶 Spend more time on the Yulong River, whether by bike, on foot, or on a bamboo raft.

💰 Is it cheaper to travel to Guilin or Yangshuo?

In terms of budget, Guilin and Yangshuo are quite similar when it comes to prices. The difference lies more in the type of trip than in the prices. Guilin has a greater range of city hotels and transport, while Yangshuo has many guesthouses and rural accommodation options where it's easy to save money without sacrificing spectacular views.

⭐ So, which is more worth visiting: Guilin or Yangshuo?

For most travellers, the two cities end up being part of the same itinerary, but the experience changes quite a bit depending on where you spend more days. It all depends on what you're looking for.

✅ Choose Guilin if...

• ✔️ You only have one or two days.
• ✔️ You're arriving late, or your train or flight leaves very early.
• ✔️ You want the best train and flight connections.
• ✔️ You're planning to visit the Longji rice terraces.
• ✔️ You prefer a city with more amenities and comfort.
• ✔️ You're looking for a practical base for excursions around Guangxi.

✅ Choose Yangshuo if...

• ✔️ Nature is the main reason for your trip.
• ✔️ You fancy cycling or hiking through rice paddies and mountains.
• ✔️ You want to see the most famous landscapes in Guangxi.
• ✔️ You prefer to stay in boutique hotels or guesthouses surrounded by nature.
• ✔️ Photography is a priority for your trip.
• ✔️ You have three or more days to explore the region at a leisurely pace.

💡 Our recommendation

The truth is that, if you can, the ideal approach is to combine both. Spend your first night in Guilin to take advantage of its connections, and then dedicate the rest of your trip to Yangshuo, which is where you'll find the landscapes that have made this region one of the most spectacular places in China. If you can only choose one destination, Yangshuo usually leaves a much more special memory.

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