Wanfenglin over Yangshuo/Guilin?

Question

Hello all, we're looking to travel to China next May and want to visit one of the famous karst regions. Wanfenglin in Xingyi seems like a less humid, less crowded alternative to the main Guangxi karst area (though still plenty humid and crowded I'm sure). A few questions on Wanfenglin:

Are we right in saying that it is a very similar experience minus the river? Is it harder to get around, or smaller?

Has anyone flown on China United Airlines or Colorful Guizhou Airlines? We would probably fly directly to or from Xingyi at least one direction, from Beijing and/or to Xi'An or Chengdu. Wondering what people's experience is as they both seem to be regional/budget.

We plan to fly into Beijing late on 3rd May, so the first two full days of our trip will be during the May holiday. How busy does the Wanfenglin area get on the tail end of the holiday-- is traffic in the area likely to be bad enough that it's hard to get around?

We're looking at 3 days/3 nights, arriving afternoon of the 4th, then a day each for Wanfenglin and Malinghe, then having most of the last day to do whatever else before flying to Chengdu or heading to Anshun or Guiyang or something.

Last question, not necessarily limited to just Guizhou: there any sinkholes/tiankengs that can be easily visited besides the one in the Wulong karst? Very hard to find anything online.

Any insight is appreciated!

Are there any sinkholes/tiankengs that can be easily visited besides the one in the Wulong karst? Very hard to find anything online.

Answer

Wanfenglin, located near Xingyi in Guizhou province, is indeed a stunning karst region and can be seen as a quieter alternative to the more famous Guangxi karst areas around Guilin and Yangshuo. While it offers a similar dramatic karst landscape, it does lack the large, scenic rivers like the Li River, so the experience is more focused on hills, peaks, and walking trails rather than river cruises.

Regarding accessibility and size:

Wanfenglin is somewhat smaller than the Guilin/Yangshuo area, and the terrain can be more rugged in parts.
The area is less developed for tourism, meaning fewer crowds, but also fewer transport and dining options immediately on site.
Getting around typically involves taxis, Didi, or arranging a private driver/guide, as public transport options within the park are limited.

About regional airlines:

China United Airlines and Colorful Guizhou Airlines are regional carriers, often operating smaller aircraft. Experiences vary, but they generally have punctual service. Expect minimal frills—think basic seating, limited snacks, and tight baggage rules.
Booking in advance is recommended, especially around the May holiday period, as flights can fill quickly and prices may rise.

Concerning May holiday crowds:

The first two days of May are national holidays, and areas near Wanfenglin can see increased local tourist traffic.
Arriving on the afternoon of May 4th, you may still encounter some crowds, but it will be significantly quieter than peak city tourist areas.
Local roads are generally manageable, though it is advisable to start early for key hikes or viewpoints.

For your planned 3-day itinerary:

Day 1 (arrival afternoon): settle into Xingyi, short walk or local sightseeing.
Day 2: full day exploring Wanfenglin, hiking trails, viewpoints.
Day 3: visit Malinghe Scenic Area, known for its river canyon and karst formations, then leisure time before flying out.

Regarding sinkholes/tiankengs outside Wulong:

Guizhou has several impressive karst sinkholes that are visitor-friendly, though less famous than Wulong:

Zhijin Cave area has several collapse dolines accessible via short walks.
Guanling area – known for the Shuanghe Tiankeng Cluster, though visiting can require some local guidance.
Libo Karst – features limestone caves and sinkholes, combined with waterfalls and forested trails.

Most of these sites are reachable by taxi or arranged tour from nearby towns, but they are less developed, so plan for basic facilities and possible guides.

In summary, Wanfenglin offers a more peaceful and scenic alternative to Guilin/Yangshuo, ideal for hiking and photography. Regional airlines are fine but minimal in amenities. May holiday crowds are manageable if you plan early departures, and there are additional sinkholes and tiankengs in Guizhou worth visiting with local guidance.

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