Yichang to Guilin

Question

We are disembarking from Yangtze cruise at Yichang on 17th May. We want to spend 5 nights in Guilin. Can anyone help with the transfer. As far as I can see I will need to make a stop. I would prefer trains but will fly. My question is where should we go through. Very happy to stay overnight somewhere if it’s an interesting city/town. All suggestions welcome. Thank you Anne Marie

Answer

Traveling from Yichang to Guilin involves covering a significant distance across China. Since you prefer trains but are willing to fly, here are your main options for the transfer, along with suggestions for interesting stopovers.

By Train:

There is no direct high-speed train from Yichang to Guilin. You would need to transfer at a major hub such as Wuhan or Changsha.
Yichang to Wuhan: High-speed trains take around 1.5–2.5 hours. Wuhan is a vibrant city with the historic Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake scenic area, which can make for an interesting overnight stop.
Wuhan to Guilin: High-speed trains take approximately 7–9 hours, depending on the train. This is a long journey, so consider an overnight stay in Wuhan if you want to split travel time and explore the city.

By Flight:

Yichang has an airport (Yichang Sanxia Airport), but there are no direct flights to Guilin. Flights generally connect through Chengdu, Changsha, or Guangzhou.
Yichang to Chengdu: Flight around 1.5 hours. Chengdu is famous for pandas, Sichuan cuisine, and cultural heritage. You could spend a day or overnight here if you have time.
Chengdu to Guilin: Flight around 2 hours. This option reduces total travel time compared to trains but involves two flights and airport transfers.
Yichang to Changsha: About 1 hour flight. Changsha has a vibrant local culture, including Orange Isle and Mount Yuelu, which could be a nice stopover.

Other Considerations:

If you prefer minimizing transfers, flying via Chengdu or Changsha is faster than using trains.
If you enjoy scenic train rides and want a more relaxed pace, taking the high-speed train with an overnight stop in Wuhan or Changsha can be more interesting.
Booking in advance is recommended for both high-speed trains and flights, especially in May as it can be a busy travel season.

Overall, for a balance of sightseeing and travel efficiency, you might consider: