2 days in Guilin/Yangshuo: suggestions needed for hotel

Question

Hello all,

I need a suggestion on WHERE I should reserve a (the) hotel (hotels) for my circa 2-day stay in the Guilin/Yanghsuo area in mid-April.

First, i will briefly explain my program so that you can more easily understand my doubt as to whether I should reserve 2 nights in the SAME hotel or choose TWO different hotels (one night in each).

DAY 0

I would arrive by plane in the late evening (from Xi'an). The idea is to go straight to the hotel (by didi or taxi, I suppose).

DAY 1

In the morning, we would (again, did or taxi, I suppose) go to Zhujiang Pier for the River Li Cruise (4 or 5 star, i have to still look into that). In teh afternoon I would start visting Yangshuo and surrounding areas.

(My plan is to hire a guide, possibly, with private transport for 1,5 day that drives us around the Guilin/Yangshuo area.)

Hotel for the night in/near Yangshuo

DAY 2

still driving around the Guilin/Yangshuo area. In the evening, we would have to be dropped at Guilin airport where we have a late evening flight to Shanghai

My problem: since we would like to stay in one of the nice resorts with the view in Yangshuo, should I reserve there 2 nights (which would mean longer trip to get there in the evening when we arrive + in the morning to get from here to the pier) or take two different hotels (one in Guilin, one in Yangshuo - which saves us some time evening and morning BUT requires to check in and out twice)?

I hope my post is comprehensible. Any suggestion would be welcome.

Answer

Your plan for a short stay in the Guilin–Yangshuo area is well structured and quite typical for travelers who want to experience the famous Li River and the karst scenery within limited time. Since your trip involves both late-night arrival and a cruise departure the next morning, your decision between one hotel or two depends mainly on convenience versus scenery preference.

Option 1: Stay one night in Guilin and one night in Yangshuo

This is the most practical and time-efficient plan. Because your flight from Xi’an arrives late, it would be easier to stay in Guilin city for the first night. Hotels there are only 30–40 minutes from the airport and close to Zhujiang Pier (where the Li River cruise departs). The next day, after the cruise and sightseeing, you can stay the second night in Yangshuo. This minimizes back-and-forth travel and allows you to relax in the scenic area for your final night.

Advantages: Saves travel time after your evening arrival and before your morning cruise; reduces long-distance transfers early in the day; avoids navigating dark mountain roads late at night.
Disadvantages: You’ll have to check in and out twice, which can be slightly inconvenient.
Suggested hotels in Guilin (1st night): Sheraton Guilin Hotel, Aroma Tea House, or Guilin Central Hotel — all near the city center and convenient for early departure to the pier.
Suggested hotels in Yangshuo (2nd night): Yangshuo Mountain Retreat, Yangshuo River Lodge, or Alila Yangshuo for panoramic karst views and a peaceful riverside setting.

Option 2: Stay two nights in Yangshuo

If your priority is enjoying the scenery and staying in a resort with beautiful views, you could base yourself in Yangshuo for both nights. You would head straight from Guilin airport to Yangshuo on your arrival night (around 1.5–2 hours by car). Then, early the next morning, your driver or guide can take you to Zhujiang Pier for the Li River cruise and return you to Yangshuo afterward. This option maximizes comfort and lets you fully enjoy the resort environment without the hassle of switching hotels.

Advantages: More relaxing; unpack once; enjoy luxury and natural surroundings longer; perfect for travelers who value comfort and scenery.
Disadvantages: The transfer from the airport to Yangshuo late at night and early return to the pier in the morning can be tiring, especially after a flight.
Suggested hotels in Yangshuo for two nights: Banyan Tree Yangshuo (luxury riverside), Secret Garden Boutique Hotel (quaint and peaceful), or Moondance Hotel (mid-range with views).

Recommendation:

For a short two-day trip, the most balanced and practical choice is one night in Guilin and one night in Yangshuo. This plan allows you to rest soon after arrival, easily access the Li River cruise, and still enjoy a scenic stay in Yangshuo afterward. However, if you prefer a slower pace and scenic comfort over logistics, staying both nights in Yangshuo can be rewarding — provided you arrange private transport for transfers.

Additional Tips:

Book your cruise tickets in advance; 4-star cruises are sufficient for most travelers and end in Yangshuo around 1:30–2:00 p.m.
Confirm your guide can arrange luggage transfers if you’re switching hotels between Guilin and Yangshuo.
Allow extra time to return to Guilin airport on your final evening — traffic can be slow, and the drive is 1.5–2 hours.

In short, for convenience and efficiency: stay one night in Guilin, one in Yangshuo. For relaxation and scenery: stay both nights in Yangshuo with private transfer support.

2 days in Guilin/Yangshuo: suggestions needed for hotel

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