As one of the top ten scenic spots in China, Guilin karst landscape was included in the World Natural Heritage List in 2014. For thousands of years, the karst landscape in Guilin has allured numerous visitors with its a variety of spectacular formations like peak clusters, peak forests, remnant peaks, and underground caves. All these natural wonders are distributed along the Li River and its branches, making Guilin city area and Yangshuo countryside two main hot places for natural enthusiasts. So many wondered, should we choose to stay in Guilin or Yangshuo for overnight on our Guilin trip? You will find your answers in this ultimate guide.
Guilin city area has convenient transportation, complete supporting facilities, concentrated attractions, and unique cityscape and historical relics. Yangshuo, on the other hand, is a rural leisure resort with beautiful natural scenery and rich traveling experiences. The accommodation choices in Guilin or Yangshuo are essentially a balance between “urban efficiency” and “poetic landscape”. You can flexibly choose where to stay based on your Guilin travel needs, preferences, and budget.
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- Guilin vs Yangshuo – Quick Overview
- Why Stay Overnight in Guilin
- How Many Nights Should You Stay in Guilin?
- Why Stay Overnight in Yangshuo
- How Many Nights Should You Stay in Yangshuo?
- Stay in Guilin or Yangshuo – Which Is Better for You?
- Where to Stay in Guilin?
- Where to Stay in Yangshuo?
- Other Recommended Areas to Stay during Your Guilin Tour
- Sample Itineraries with Both Guilin and Yangshuo
- FAQs About Staying in Guilin or Yangshuo
- Explore Guilin with China Xian Tour
Guilin vs Yangshuo – Quick Overview
“The river flows like a silk ribbon, the mountains rise like jade hairpins”. The unparalleled landscapes of Guilin have left the world in awe. But why is there a dilemma of choosing to stay in Guilin or Yangshuo? Because there are significant differences between the two places: “hustling urban hub for efficiency” versus “picturesque landscapes and in-depth experience”, and the demands of tourists also vary.
Guilin |
Yangshuo |
|
Iconic Attraction |
Li River, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Jingjiang Prince Palace, Two Rivers and Four Lakes |
Yulong River, Ten-Mile Gallery, Yangshuo West Street, Xingping Ancient Town, Impression Liu Sanjie Show |
Suitable for |
Seeking convenient transportation, urban prosperity, historical culture, as well as first-timers |
Loving rural natural scenery, slow-paced leisure experience, outdoor activities and photography |
Ideal Stay |
1-2 nights |
2-3+ nights |
Why Stay Overnight in Guilin
The Gateway to Li River Cruise
Most classic Li River cruises (to Yangshuo) depart from Mopanshan Pier (for a three-star cruise ship) or Zhujiang Pier (for a four-star cruise ship) , about 40 minutes from downtown Guilin. Staying in Guilin ensures you make an early morning departure (first run ship at 08:00 am).
Popular Guilin Tour
A 2-day Guilin highlight tour visiting Elephant Trunk Hill, the 180-million-year-old Reed Flute Cave, and cruising down the Li River to the charming West Street of Yangshuo.
Spectacular Cityscapes & Night Cruises
Staying overnight in Guilin city center (Xiangshan District and Xiufeng District) allows you to make efficient use of the evening time to explore multiple attractions, especially the Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise at night. Guilin night views, city lights and skyline, such as the Sun and Moon Twin Towers and Elephant Trunk Hill at night, etc., are extremely beautiful and splendid. You can take a Guilin city walk along the lake/river after dark.
Convenient Transportation
Guilin is a major transport hub with an airport – Liangjiang International Airport, which covers major cities in China, two train stations (Guilin & Guilin North) – important in the Southwestern railway network, and long-distance bus stations. It’s ideal for an overnight stopover.
Urban Comfort
Guilin City has dense supporting living facilities such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and hospitals. There are more diverse and vibrant night markets and food street cultures. For instance, the Zhengyang Pedestrian Street or East-West Lane offers Guilin’s famous rice noodles and other local delicacies.
How Many Nights Should You Stay in Guilin?
Guilin attractions are relatively concentrated, it is recommended to arrange 1-2 nights to stay in Guilin. Staying for one night allows you to explore city landmarks and take a Li River cruise more conveniently. Staying for two nights makes the journey more relaxed and in-depth, or you can also set aside a separate day to visit Longji Rice Terraces.
Recommended Guilin Tour
Discover Guilin's Elephant Trunk Hill and Reed Flute Cave, cruise the Li River to Yangshuo, then unwind with unlimited activities at Club Med Guilin resort.
Why Stay Overnight in Yangshuo
Wake Up in a Painting: Sunrise & Sunset
Staying in Yangshuo, you can see the beautiful and peaceful scenery outside your window in the morning. Wake up early to see the morning mist at the Yulong River, and watch (photograph certainly) the sunrise at Xianggong Hill. In the evening, you can enjoy the sunset (at Yulong Bay International Camp or Ruyi Peak) and fishing lights (at Xingping or Baisha).
Recommended Guilin Yangshuo Tour
A photographer's dream through Guilin's karst peaks, Longji Rice Terraces at sunrise, and Yangshuo's iconic Li River scenery with Red Yao minority portraits.
Outdoor Adventure Playground
Yangshuo is the perfect base for outdoor adventure, such as cycling through rice paddies, bamboo rafting on the calmer Yulong River, hiking, and rock climbing. Staying in Yangshuo, you don’t need to get up early to hurry, and you can also avoid the tourist rush.
Lively West Street Nightlife & Culture
Taste authentic local cuisine and snacks at the lively Yangshuo West Street Night Market, experience folk bars, cafes, live music, stroll through souvenir shops, and relax in the slow time. You can also witness the magnificent Impression Liu Sanjie show at night. Participate in the daily life of villagers and immerse yourself in the local culture.
Authentic Countryside Immersion
Stay in a boutique guesthouse or hotel nestled among the fields to fully enjoy the tranquil beauty of nature and the countryside. Yangshuo is truly worth an overnight stay to upgrade your “accommodation” to “landscape aesthetic experience”.
How Many Nights Should You Stay in Yangshuo?
Yangshuo features natural scenery and leisure experiences. It is recommended to stay in Yangshuo for 2-3 days or more to do the Yulong River drafting, Ten-Mile Gallery bicycling, and the West Street night tour. If you have plenty of time, you can stay a few more nights to relax and take photos. Don’t miss out on the Impression Liu Sanjie show, Xingping Ancient Town Fishing Lights, Xianggong Hill sunrise, Yinziyan Cave, and more.
Recommended Guilin Yangshuo Tour
Capture breathtaking images of Guilin's dramatic karst landscapes along the Li River, Yangshuo's charming West Street, and the seasonal beauty of Longji Rice Terraces.
Stay in Guilin or Yangshuo – Which Is Better for You?
Stay in Guilin If You Want…
To fully explore Guilin attractions and enjoy the city’s prosperity and convenience (transportation hub), pursuing cost-effectiveness. Suitable for first-timers to Guilin, quick overnight stops, or “efficiency enthusiasts”.
Stay in Yangshuo If You Want…
To pursue unique landscape experiences, enjoy photography, get close to nature, and countryside vacations, and prefer nightlife and folk culture. Suitable for slow-paced adventurers who love natural scenery.
Best Strategy – Split Your Time Between Guilin and Yangshuo
The best answer to stay in Guilin or Yangshuo is dynamic allocation. You can join a Guilin and Yangshuo tour with overnight stays in both destinations, so you can enjoy the city’s bustling and convenience while immersing yourself in the natural tenderness and tranquility.
For example, if you choose a 3-day classic Guilin tour, you can stay in the Guilin city center for the first night. We recommend hotels in the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area, which are convenient for taking a night cruise or visiting Longji Terraces.
The next night, stay in Yangshuo. It is recommended to stay near West Street, by the Yulong River, or in the Xingping Ancient Town for convenient drifting on the Yulong River, cycling at the Ten-Mile Gallery, etc.
Note: Guilin accommodation during the peak season from May to October (especially during the summer holiday) requires advance booking, and some hotel prices may increase.
Where to Stay in Guilin?
For first timers, it is highly recommended to live in the city center. Specifically, the area near Two Rivers and Four Lakes. It is close to the main attractions inside the city and offers great convenience for shopping, dining and transportation. More high-end hotels, mid-end chain hotels and special homestays can be found.
For budget travelers or visitors who stay for a short time, living near transportation hubs, like train station or bus station, will be a better choice. There are more cost-effective economical hotels and it is very convenient to transfer between cities.
Best Guilin Hotels
- Sheraton Guilin Hotel
- Grand Waterfall Hotel, Li River
- Atour Hotel
- Hilton Hampton Xiufeng Hotel, Guilin
- Boyin Li River Retreat (漓江泊隐酒店)
- Poetry & Beyond (SYYF) Li River Courtyard Hotel (诗与远方syyf·漓江院子酒店)
Where to Stay in Yangshuo?
During the Yangshuo tour, the West Street area is most recommended for most travelers. It is right in the center of Yangshuo County, so life will be more convenient. Meanwhile, it is close to Li River and boasts abundant nightlife. The hotels here range from high-end, comfortable to economical ones.
Another popular area is near Yulong River and Ten-mile Gallery. The essence of landscapes in Yangshou gathers here and the rural scenery is very charming with a tranquil environment. There are more boutique resort homestays, designer hotels, hot spring hotels, etc. Some hotels themselves are unique and attractive landscapes.
Best Yangshuo Hotels
- Banyan Tree Yangshuo
- Huashan Yunshe Retreat (画山云舍)
- Yangshuo Tang She Hotel (糖舍)
- Past & Present Retreat (昔时今舍)
- Hilton Garden Inn, Yangshuo
- Rice Paddy Resort (水稻田度假酒店)
Other Recommended Areas to Stay during Your Guilin Tour
Besides the above area, here are other recommended living areas in Guilin, which also offer a better travel experience. Xingping Ancient Town is preferred by many tourists, because it is in the most beautiful section of Li River and is relatively close to Yangshuo train station. There are many river-view hotels and homestays.
It will be unforgettable to live inside the Longji Rice Terrace Scenic Area. Tourists can stay overnight in the local stilted house. Outside the window is the spectacular scene of rice terraces. You will have the chance to appreciate the morning mist, sunrise and sunset.
Sample Itineraries with Both Guilin and Yangshuo
Guilin is almost synonymous with the most beautiful scenery of China. So during your China tours, be sure to travel to Guilin and Yangshuo for 3-4 days to explore its picturesque karst landscapes, and experience its stunning blend of nature and culture!
3 Days Classic Guilin Tour with Yangshuo
Day 1: Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes;
Day 2: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo County, West Street;
Day 3: Xingping Ancient Town, Laozhai Mountain
3 Days Guilin Tour with Longji Terrace
Day 1: Reed Flute Cave, Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven Star Park;
Day 2: Longji Terrace Field;
Day 3: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo County, West Street
4 Days Guilin Culture and Scenery Tour
Day 1: Guilin arrival;
Day 2: Daxu Ancient Town, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave;
Day 3: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo County, West Street;
Day 4: Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, back to Guilin
FAQs About Staying in Guilin or Yangshuo
Which Place is Better As a Base for the Li River Cruise?
Regarding the issue of whether to stay in Guilin or Yangshuo, Guilin is the prime choice for Li River cruise. Because the most classic and complete route of Li River cruise starts from Guilin’s Mopanshan Pier (or Zhujiang Pier) and glides downstream to the Longtoushan Pier of Yangshuo County. The whole journey is about 83 kilometers, covering more than 90% of the Li River breathing scenery. Moreover, Guilin’s pier facilities are more advanced, voyage options are more diverse, and follow-up adventures are more reasonable.
Is It Possible to Have a Day Trip to Yangshuo from Guilin?
Yes, taking a one-day trip from Guilin to Yangshuo is completely feasible, but it requires smart tour planning of time and itinerary. For instance, depart early (in dawn), choose the fastest way of transportation (Li River cruise paired with high-speed train), and focus on visiting iconic attractions such as the Li River itself, Xingping Ancient Town, the serene Yulong River, Ten-Mile Gallery, the lively Yangshuo West Street, etc.
Recommended Guilin Tour:
AM: At 08:30, our English speaking tour guide and driver will pick you up from the downtown hotel. Today will be the highlight of your stay in Guilin as you will be enjoying the amazing Li River Cr...
How Many Days Do I Need to Explore Guilin and Yangshuo?
Typically, we recommend planning 3-5 days for your Guilin and Yangshuo tour. With 3 days, you can arrange a time-efficient journey to cover its essential landscapes, such as Li River cruise, Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Ten-Mile Gallery, Yulong River, Yangshuo West Street, etc. With more time available, you can move further and add more in-depth experiences, such as the Longji Terraced Fields and Xingping Ancient Town.
What Local Dishes Should I Try?
Guilin Rice Noodles, Yangshuo Beer Fish, Lipu Taro Braised Pork Belly, Quanzhou Vinegar Blood Duck, Gongcheng Oil Tea, Stuffed River Snails, Duck Feet Clay Pot, Marinated Noodles, Stewed Old Duck with Gingko Nuts, Osmanthus Cake, Artemisia Leaf Baba, and Nun’s Vegetarian Noodles… Guilin cuisine are a delicious reflection of hills and rivers in Southwest China, blending diverse flavors of Han, Zhuang, Yao, and other ethnic groups.
What Is the Best Option to Travel from Guilin to Yangshuo?
There are four main ways to get from Guilin to Yangshuo:
- By Li River Cruise (Most classic and scenic way): Suitable for tourists who want to enjoy the scenery of the Li River and have plenty of time. It takes about 4 hours.
- By High-speed Train (Fastest way): Take the high-speed train from Guilin Railway Station to Yangshuo, then transfer via a bus or taxi to Yangshuo County, which takes a total of about 1.5 hours.
- By Bus (Most budget-friendly way): Take a bus from Guilin South Bus Station to Yangshuo, which costs about RMB 25 and takes approximately 1.5 -2 hours.
- By self-driving or car chartering (Most Free Way): Approximately 75 kilometers away, you can stop and take photographs at any time. More suitable for families or friends traveling to Guilin together.
Explore Guilin with China Xian Tour
After reading this article, you already know whether you want to stay in Guilin or Yangshuo during your trip. Welcome to join our Guilin tour group to enter this fairyland carved by nature, one of the most beautiful places in China! With over 15 years of experience, China Xian Tour’s professional team will guarantee you a relaxing and memorable Guilin trip.
