Is Guilin or Yangtze River Cruise Better?
The choice between a Guilin and a Yangtze River Cruise is a difficult one for many travelers. On the one hand, a trip to East China can be more than memorable with Guilin’s breath-taking scenery and gorgeous karst hills. On the other hand, a trip to the Yangtze River can be equally as mesmerizing with its calm waters, lush vegetation, and spectacular riverbanks. So which is better – the Guilin Cruise or the Yangtze Cruise?
Well, each cruise has its own unique advantages and disadvantages. According to travel expert Max Andrews, a Guilin Cruise offers tourists a great chance to view the picturesque landscape of East China. This includes winding rivers, rock-strewn paths, and giant karst landforms. The advantage of going on a Guilin Cruise over the Yangtze Cruise is that it offers a much more intimate experience. The river path is narrower and the scenery is more detailed and diverse.
However, if tourists opt for the Yangtze Cruise, they can expect to see different kinds of attractions. Along the Yangtze River, travelers can experience the hustle and bustle of rural China and visit numerous cultural attractions, from ancient imperial towns and villages to ethnic minority villages. Furthermore, the Yangtze Cruise reveals many hidden gems hidden beneath its waters such as the Three Gorges Dam and shipwrecks.
So which is the better of the two cruises? Well, it really depends on what type of experience you are looking for. If you want to explore the majestic landscape and historical attractions of East China, then a Guilin Cruise may be the better option. However, if you are looking for a more diverse and engaging experience, then a Yangtze Cruise could be more suitable for you.
What is the Guilin Cruise Experience?
The Guilin Cruise is a great way to experience the beauty of East China. Taking a cruise down the Li River is particularly spectacular as it winds its way through stunning karst hills, lush vegetation, and picturesque villages. During the cruise, travelers can admire the karst hills while they leisurely pass by. They can also take advantage of the opportunity to participate in water activities along the banks of the river such as kayaking, fishing, and bird watching.
Alternatively, travelers can take a one-day trip to Yangshuo, which is located at the end of the Li River Cruise. Yangshuo offers plenty of activities such as exploring the colourful markets, visiting shops, and dining in restaurants overlooking the river. There are even special restaurants located in the caves, which are worth checking out.
The main attraction of the Guilin Cruise, however, is definitely the scenery. The karst hills, rivers, and countryside provide an unforgettable experience that many travelers cherish long after the cruise is over. TheLi River Cruise also offers an insight into East China’s culture. Passengers can view the traditional Chinese architecture, observe the locals going about their daily life, and admire their customs.
What is the Yangtze River Cruise Experience?
The Yangtze River Cruise is an adventure in its own right. Although the scenery of the Yangtze River may not compare to the impressive karst hills of the Li River, it does offer a more diverse experience. Along the trip, passengers will get to see some of the most popular attractions in East China such as the Three Gorges Dam, the infamous shipwrecks of the Yangtze, and the beautiful scenery of the riverbanks.
The Yangtze River Cruise is also a great way to encounter the culture of rural China. With stops at ancient imperial towns, villages, and ethnic minority communities, travelers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and customs. Moreover, there are plenty of activities to take part in such as hiking, rafting, and fishing.
Lastly, passengers can also stop at the incredible eroded mountains of the Yangtze River, which are sure to capture the imagination of those on board. These majestic mountains, rising from the river, are an impressive sight to behold.
How Can I Make the Choice?
Making the choice between the Guilin Cruise and the Yangtze Cruise can be difficult. There are many factors to consider such as the type of experience you are looking for and how much time you have. If you want to get an insight into the culture of East China and experience a diverse range of activities, then the Yangtze Cruise would be the better choice.
On the other hand, the Guilin Cruise provides a more intimate experience, allowing you to admire the stunning karst hill scenery of East China at a leisurely pace. If time is not a constraint, then you could opt for both cruises – the perfect mix of culture and natural beauty.
What Should I Pack for a Guilin or Yangtze Cruise?
What you pack for a Guilin or Yangtze Cruise will depend on the season in which you are traveling. Generally speaking, you should bring light and comfortable clothing, as well as waterproof shoes, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Camera equipment and other electronics should also be brought on board. In addition, you will need to bring basic medicines and first aid items, especially if you plan to take part in any water activities such as swimming or rafting.
On the Guilin Cruise, it is a good idea to bring a picnic lunch to take advantage of the calm surroundings. During your picnic, you can admire the stunning karst hills and unique rock formations. On the Yangtze Cruise, it is important to bring insect repellant and mosquito coils in the summer to protect against bugs. Comfortable shoes and clothing are also essential, particularly if you plan to do a lot of hiking.
What Types of Accommodation are Available?
The type of accommodation available on both the Guilin and Yangtze Cruises will depend on the company you choose to book with. Generally speaking, most cruises provide a variety of accommodation options ranging from basic cabins to luxurious suites. Cabins usually provide comfortable bedding and basic amenities such as a toilet and shower. On the other hand, more luxurious suites are available for those who want a more luxurious experience, complete with a balcony, television, and private bathroom.
The accommodation is usually relatively basic on the Li River Cruise, as the focus is more on the landscape and natural beauty rather than the comforts of the cabin. However, you will still find that the cabins are clean and comfortable. On the Yangtze Cruise, cabins are more luxurious as the river boat will be more modern and better equipped.
What is the Cost of a Guilin or Yangtze Cruise?
The cost of a Guilin or Yangtze Cruise will depend on several factors such as the duration of the cruise, the type of accommodation you book, and the company you are booking with. As a general rule, the longer the cruise, the more expensive it will be. The accommodation is also likely to cost more if you opt for a more luxurious suite.
Generally speaking, 4-day cruises can range from US$150 – US$300 per person. A 7-day cruise may set you back US$500 – US$800 per person. Of course, these prices can vary depending on the company you book with and the type of accommodation you choose. It is also worth noting that there are usually discounts available for group bookings.
What Other Activities are Available near the Rivers?
On both the Li River Cruise and Yangtze Cruise, there are plenty of optional activities available near the rivers. For example, along the Li River, travellers can take advantage of the opportunity to take part in water activities such as fishing, kayaking, and bird watching. Alternatively, those on the Yangtze Cruise can explore the ancient imperial towns and villages, or take a hike along the winding banks of the Yangtze.
One of the most popular activities near the Li River is biking. Bike rental is available near the river and it is a great way to explore the local area. There are also a number of local trails that can be explored. On the Yangtze Cruise, travellers can take a hike up the lush hills and take in some of the breathtakingly beautiful views of the river and its banks.
Moreover, there are a variety of cultural experiences that can be enjoyed such as tea ceremonies, cooking classes, cultural performances and lectures. Both the Guilin Cruise and Yangtze Cruise offer passengers a great chance to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and take advantage of the many activities available near the rivers.
