Guilin or Yangshuo — are they worth adding?
Guilin and Yangshuo are worth it when karst scenery and slower river-country days are the point. They are less convincing as a rushed scenic trophy between big-city transfers.
Answer
Guilin and Yangshuo give a softer, more rural counterpoint to China’s big-city route. The appeal is not only the famous karst silhouettes; it is the slower pace, river days, cycling or walking, and the relief of staying somewhere that is not another giant urban system. Yangshuo often carries the stronger traveller payoff, while Guilin is useful for access. Add this region if you want scenic breathing room. Skip it if the trip already has Jiuzhaigou, Huangshan, Zhangjiajie or Yunnan competing for the same “one beautiful detour” slot.