Stay in Guilin or Yangshuo
For most travelers, it’s best to stay in Yangshuo, thanks to its stunning scenery, international vibe, and wide range of activities. Guilin city, on the other hand, serves as a transportation hub with many urban attractions and concentrated dining options, making it ideal for a short stay.
If you have enough time, the most balanced choice is to spend one night in Guilin and two nights in Yangshuo, allowing you to enjoy both convenience and the full karst landscape experience.
If you only have two days and one night, it’s recommended to spend the first day exploring Guilin city, then head to Yangshuo in the evening for your overnight stay. Alternatively, you can skip Guilin city altogether and go directly to Yangshuo.
Why Yangshuo Is Better Than Guilin
Across four key aspects—scenery, overall experience, accommodation, and transportation convenience—Yangshuo has clear advantages over Guilin.
Scenery – Yangshuo is More Natural
Yangshuo is a continuous landscape of natural beauty. The Ten-Mile Gallery, the Yulong River, the most scenic stretches of the Li River, along with rice fields, bamboo groves, and dense karst peaks, form an uninterrupted panorama—one view after another, without high-rise buildings blocking the scenery. Iconic sights such as the 20 RMB backdrop, the pastoral Yulong River, and the dramatic karst clusters are all concentrated in Yangshuo, making it the world-recognized essence of Guilin’s landscape.
Guilin’s urban area is a built-up city where karst hills are scattered among streets and parks. The peaks are relatively low and dispersed, with high-rise buildings, traffic, and residential areas mixed in—so the natural landscape feels fragmented and less immersive.
Overall Experience – Yangshuo is More Relaxing
Yangshuo is ideal for a slow, laid-back style of travel. You can cycle along the Ten-Mile Gallery, drift gently on a bamboo raft along the Yulong River, hike by the riverside, or wander through ancient villages. The pace is flexible—you can stop anytime for photos or a break, creating a strong sense of ease and relaxation.
In Guilin city, sightseeing mainly revolves around ticketed attractions such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Jingjiang Prince’s Palace, and various pagodas. The sights are more concentrated, with tighter маршруtes that often involve walking from one spot to another. The experience feels more structured and urban, with a stronger commercial atmosphere and fewer opportunities for relaxed, slow-paced exploration.
Accommodation - Stunning Scenery Right Outside Your Window in Yangshuo
Yangshuo offers a vast selection of scenic stays—boutique countryside homestays, rice field retreats, riverside courtyards, and mountain-view villas. Open your window and you’ll see karst peaks, rivers, rice paddies, and bamboo groves. Many properties feature private courtyards, pools, terraces, and panoramic viewing decks, creating a peaceful and private atmosphere—ideal for long stays, remote living, and a relaxing getaway.
In Guilin city, accommodation is mainly standard chain hotels, business hotels, and urban guesthouses. Views are typically of roads, buildings, or commercial streets, with little to no natural scenery—suitable for basic overnight needs, but lacking a true vacation feel.
Transportation - Easier Access to Top Scenic Highlights in Yangshuo
The most scenic highlights of the Li River—from the Yangdi to Xingping section—along with the Yulong River, Ten-Mile Gallery, Moon Hill, the Big Banyan Tree, Xianggong Hill, and Fuli Bridge are all centered around Yangshuo. Most of these iconic landscapes are easily accessible by a short bike ride or taxi.
Guilin city, by contrast, is better suited as a transportation hub, with its airport and high-speed rail connections. It doesn’t offer core natural scenery of the same level, and the main city attractions can usually be covered in about half a day.
Where to Stay in Yangshuo
The most recommended areas to stay are the Yulong River Scenic Area, Xingping Ancient Town, and West Street. In general, hotel prices are similar across these three areas. However, accommodations in the Yulong River area tend to be slightly more expensive.
Yulong River Scenic Area
Escape the crowds—open your window to rice fields and the Yulong River, surrounded by unspoiled countryside scenery. It’s just a 10-minute walk to the Yulong River bamboo rafting dock, and the Ten-Mile Gallery cycling path starts right at your doorstep.
Xingping Ancient Town
Close to the Li River’s iconic highlights such as Huangbu Reflection and Nine Horses Fresco Hill, with well-preserved ancient town charm. Yangshuo Railway Station is located in Xingping—step off the train and you’re right by the old town—making it especially convenient for high-speed rail travelers.
West Street
Located in downtown Yangshuo, where bars, restaurants, and guesthouse hosts generally speak English, and menus are bilingual. The town has a lively, international “global village” vibe—perfect for travelers who enjoy nightlife and a vibrant atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Guilin
For most travelers planning to take a Li River Cruise, it is necessary to stay one night in Guilin, as the cruise departs early in the morning. Traveling to Guilin and boarding the cruise on the same day is usually not feasible.
It is recommended to choose a hotel near Guilin’s city center, as it provides convenient access to major attractions such as the Sun and Moon Pagodas, Fubo Hill, and Elephant Trunk Hill.
Travel to Guilin with Us
As Guilin natives who know the region inside out, we design private tours that give you more flexibility, more local insight, and more meaningful experiences. From iconic highlights to off-the-beaten-path discoveries, we can tailor your Guilin trip around what matters most to you. Here are some of our most popular itineraries: