Thorn Tree travel forum

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Yangshuo and Lijiang are both great. Both are also very touristy. You have already pointed out the differences in the 2 places, I guess it just depends on which interests you have. I have an equal opinion on both (the opinion is: awesome, but overrated). Don't let the companions or lack thereof issue affect your decision-- you can find foreigners at either place. Rain could be an issue, and you are right about Guilin getting rain in May, but Yangshuo is best seen in each type of weather anyway (rainy fog on karsts is not ugly).

I would try to go for 4 days to either, not 3. Also with a short amount of time, you would want to fly from Kunming to Lijiang.

There are nice hotels in both places with private rooms but if you are going alone I would stay in a hostel, even if you get a private room in a hostel, in the hope of meeting some fellow travelers.

Unfortunately, I have stayed at the Yangshuo Paradise Hotel. It has nice rooms I guess but is expensive and has terrible service. They will even scam you when getting a taxi. Not worth the price-- I will never stay there again. You are right, you will probably not meet too many foreigners at this hotel, just see them being toted around by tour guides.

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Thanks for your response. Ohh...good to hear about on the Yangshuo Paradise. Although, the "Spring Special" they are quoting of a standard garden-view room for around RMB 400 sounded like a good deal compared with big city China prices.

So...if hostels are a better choice for meeting people does anyone have any reco's for nice ones in Yangshuo or Lijiang w/private rooms?

Thanks,
Tim