Stay in Guilin or Yangshuo: A Quick Decision Within 5 Minutes
Home Destinations Guilin

Stay in Guilin or Yangshuo: A Quick Decision Within 5 Minutes

Written by Carper Updated Sep. 3, 2025

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.

Content Preview

Yangshuo Should Be Your First Choice Over Guilin

Stunning Karst Landscape in Yangshuo with Li RiverEnjoy the Stunning Landscape of Yangshuo

Compared 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?

Reed Flute CaveReed Flute Cave in Guilin City

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 neighbouring 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. And 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 LightsThe Night View of the Karst City Illuminated by Colorful Lights

Maybe 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 YangshuoBoutique hotels in Yangshuo

If 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.

Travel With China Highlights

Still have no clue about planning a Guilin tour? Let us lend you a hand.

Our tours are designed based on well over decades of experience and feedback from our clients. Feel free to customize the sample tour to your requirements, and we will do our best to meet your needs. Reach out to us now to start your journey.

Start planning your tailor-made tour with 1-1 help from our travel advisors. Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Click to Sign up

Why China Highlights

Customize Your Tour

Customize Your Tour

  • Travel Advisors Rooted in China
  • Instant Response, No More Waits!
  • Direct Connections, Supreme Values
Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
Ensure Your Satisfaction

Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
  • 20% more space on your group's transportation.
  • 24/7 emergency support.
Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
China Highlights logo
4.9 Trip Advisor rating (10,000+ reviews)
98.5% Excellence Trip Advisor
Featured on
China Highlights was featured on these medias.

China Highlights International Travel Service Co., LTD
Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China