What is the difference between Zhangjiajie or Guilin

China is home to two famous destinations that attract travelers from around the world: Zhangjiajie and Guilin. Both cities offer unique experiences, but which one should you visit? To help you decide, we’ve created a detailed comparison between these two destinations, including travel duration, best time to visit, activities, attractions, and more.

Travel Duration

Zhangjiajie: 3 Days

A trip to Zhangjiajie typically lasts 3 days, allowing visitors to explore the main attractions, such as the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain.

Guilin: 3 to 5 Days

Guilin offers a more relaxed itinerary, with 3 to 5 days being the ideal length for visiting major attractions, such as the Li River, Longji Rice Terraces, and Reed Flute Cave.

Attractions

Zhangjiajie Attractions:

  • Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Famous for its towering sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
  • Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park: Home to the “Heaven’s Gate” arch and a thrilling cable car ride.
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon: Known for its breathtaking views and the world’s longest glass bridge.

Guilin Attractions:

  • Elephant Trunk Hill: An iconic hill shaped like an elephant drinking water.
  • Li River Cruise: One of the most scenic boat cruises in the world, with dramatic limestone peaks.
  • Longji Rice Terraces: Stunning terraces built into the mountainside.
  • Reed Flute Cave: A colorful limestone cave with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Tour Height & Terrain

Zhangjiajie: Mountains and Skywalks

Zhangjiajie is ideal for those who love mountain hiking and adventure. Highlights include glass bridges, ropeways, and elevators on cliff sides, providing thrilling experiences for thrill-seekers.

Guilin: Rivers, Mountains, and Caves

Guilin offers a diverse mix of mountains, rivers, caves, and rice terraces. It’s perfect for those looking for a scenic and serene experience, with activities like hiking, bamboo rafting, and enjoying river cruises.

Transportation

Zhangjiajie:

  • You’ll likely fly into Changsha and then transfer to Zhangjiajie either by plane or train.
  • The transport to Zhangjiajie is less direct, making it a bit more complicated and potentially more expensive.

Guilin:

  • Guilin is easier to reach with direct flights available from most major cities in China and some international destinations.
  • The transportation around the city is also more convenient, with buses, taxis, and boats offering easy access to the main attractions.

Best Time to Visit

Zhangjiajie:

  • Best Time: April to October, with spring and summer offering lush greenery and mild weather.
  • Weather: Hot and wet in summer (24-35°C) and cold in winter (2-14°C). Winters are not ideal for hiking.

Guilin:

  • Best Time: Late March to November. If visiting in winter, Guilin’s weather (9-28°C) is milder and better suited for outdoor activities compared to Zhangjiajie.

Who Should Visit?

Zhangjiajie:

  • Best for: Hikers, thrill-seekers, and young people who enjoy outdoor adventures and spectacular mountain views.
  • If you’re looking for adrenaline-pumping experiences like the Glass Bridge and Skywalk, Zhangjiajie is the place for you.

Guilin:

  • Best for: All age groups, including families and seniors.
  • Perfect for those who enjoy serene landscapes, river cruises, and cultural experiences, such as exploring caves and rice terraces.

Weather Comparison

Zhangjiajie Weather:

  • Summer: 24-35°C, hot and humid, but the forest parks offer some relief.
  • Winter: 2-14°C, not ideal for outdoor activities.
  • Spring/Fall: Mild and pleasant, ideal for hiking.

Guilin Weather:

  • Summer: 28-32°C, hot and humid, but less intense than in Zhangjiajie.
  • Winter: 7-12°C, mild and comfortable for outdoor activities.
  • Spring/Fall: Pleasant weather, perfect for exploring the outdoors.

Attractions Comparison: Zhangjiajie’s Mountains vs. Guilin’s Scenic Beauty

Zhangjiajie’s Unrivaled Mountain Views:

  • Yuanjiajie: Famous for its towering rock pillars, which inspired the landscape in Avatar.
  • Tianmen Mountain: Features the famous Heaven’s Gate arch and thrilling cable car rides.
  • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon: Home to the world’s longest glass bridge.

Guilin’s Diverse Landscape:

  • Li River: Famous for its serene and dramatic limestone karsts.
  • Reed Flute Cave: A colorful, ancient limestone cave.
  • Longji Rice Terraces: Famous for its spectacular terraced farming system.

Tour Duration: How Many Days to Stay?

Zhangjiajie:

  • Ideal Duration: 3 days for a basic tour, 3-5 days for a more in-depth exploration.
  • Recommended Tour: 4-day Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour.

Guilin:

  • Ideal Duration: 3-5 days for a classic tour, 7 days if you want to explore extensively.
  • Recommended Tour: 5-day Guilin and Yangshuo Tour.

Cost Comparison: Zhangjiajie is More Expensive

Zhangjiajie:

  • Higher Costs: Due to transportation and entrance fees to attractions like the Glass Bridge and ropeway rides.
  • Tour Guides: Essential for navigating the extensive parks and mountains, adding to the cost.

Guilin:

  • Lower Costs: More affordable overall, including transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees.
  • Transport: Direct flights to Guilin from major cities make it more accessible and less costly.

Dining and Food: More Options in Guilin

Zhangjiajie Food:

  • Cuisine: Famous for Hunan cuisine, which is spicy and flavorful.
  • Popular Dish: Sanxieguo (a dish made with pork and tripe).

Guilin Food:

  • Cuisine: Offers a variety of local and international cuisines, including Guilin Rice Noodles and Yangshuo Beer Fish.
  • International food options are abundant due to its popularity with tourists.

Things to Do: Thrilling in Zhangjiajie, Relaxing in Guilin

Zhangjiajie Activities:

  • Glass Bridge: Walk on the world’s longest glass bridge.
  • Skywalks and Cable Cars: Experience the thrilling heights.
  • Hiking: Trek through breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Guilin Activities:

  • Li River Cruise: Sail along the picturesque Li River.
  • Bamboo Rafting: Explore the Yulong River on a traditional bamboo raft.
  • Countryside Biking: Cycle through the beautiful Yangshuo Ten-mile Gallery.

Nightlife and Shopping

Zhangjiajie Nightlife:

  • Limited Nightlife: Most tourists stay near the attractions, so nightlife is quieter.
  • Dining: Enjoy food on Pedestrian Streets.

Guilin Nightlife:

  • Vibrant Nightlife: Visit Zhengyang Pedestrian Street or Yangshuo West Street for coffee, drinks, and performances.
  • Cultural Shows: Enjoy the Impression Liu Sanjie light show.

Accommodation Comparison

Zhangjiajie:

  • Recommended Areas: Wu Lingyuan (for proximity to attractions) and Zhangjiajie Downtown.
  • Accommodation: 4-5 star options such as Homeward Mountain Hotel and Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie.

Guilin:

  • Recommended Areas: Guilin Downtown, Yangshuo, and Longji Rice Terraces.
  • Accommodation: Wide range of options, including international hotel chains like Sheraton and Shangri-La.

Zhangjiajie vs. Guilin – Which Should You Choose?

Both Zhangjiajie and Guilin offer unique experiences for travelers.

  • Zhangjiajie is ideal for those seeking adventure, with its breathtaking mountain scenery, thrilling skywalks, and glass bridges. If you’re a hiker or thrill-seeker, this is your destination.
  • Guilin, on the other hand, is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed, scenic experience, with activities like river cruises, cycling, and cultural exploration. It’s a great destination for all ages, from young families to seniors.

Ultimately, the choice depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you’re seeking adventure and stunning mountain views, Zhangjiajie is the right choice. If you prefer a more diverse and relaxed itinerary with serene landscapes, Guilin is the place for you.