Hong Kong to yangshuo

Question

Is it more difficult it to travel from Hong Kong to yangshuo than vice versa (in terms of visas from UK) Would prefer to do it this way as dates work better to tie in with spending our anniversary in Yangshuo next April.

Thanks

Answer

Traveling from Hong Kong to Yangshuo is generally feasible for UK passport holders, but there are a few points to consider regarding visas and logistics.

Visa considerations:

UK citizens need a Chinese visa to enter mainland China. Entering from Hong Kong requires presenting a valid visa at the border checkpoint. This applies whether you are traveling from Hong Kong to Yangshuo or the other way around.
If you are using a multi-entry visa, you can enter China from Hong Kong without any additional complications. Single-entry visas will only allow one entry, so ensure your entry from Hong Kong aligns with your visa type.
The China visa requirements are the same regardless of the city of entry, so traveling from Hong Kong is not inherently more difficult than entering from mainland China to Hong Kong and then heading to Yangshuo.

Travel options:

The most common route from Hong Kong to Yangshuo involves taking a high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station to Guangzhou South, then connecting to Guilin North or Yangshuo by train or bus. The journey can take around 6–8 hours depending on connections.
Flights from Hong Kong to Guilin are also available, but they may involve early departures or limited schedules. From Guilin, Yangshuo is about a 1–1.5 hour drive.
Private transfers or organized tours from Hong Kong can simplify the journey but will be more expensive.

Practical advice:

Ensure your Chinese visa is valid for entry from Hong Kong.
Book trains or flights in advance, especially around holidays or weekends, to guarantee availability.
Consider travel time and the desire for comfort; taking the train via Guangzhou South is usually straightforward and efficient.

In summary, entering China from Hong Kong to reach Yangshuo is not more difficult in terms of visas for UK passport holders than other entry points. Planning your route and ensuring a valid visa are the main requirements.