Guilin or Kyoto?
 

Hi! I am traveling to Beijing for work in the middle of May, and would like to at least see one other city in Asia while I'm there (I've never been!) I am considering Kyoto or Guilin and would love any suggestions. I am very active, love the outdoors, love food and truly want to see a beautiful place as I've heard Beijing is quite full of smog and very city like (I live in NYC, so am used to this!)

I've been to Guilin and it's a lovely city. I haven't been to Kyoto but it's reputation precedes it. I've never heard the sort of ecstasy inspired by Kyoto used to describe Guilin, which would lead me to believe that if you can see only one, Kyoto might be the one.

Now, if you're speaking of the karst landscape in the general vicinity of Guilin, rather than the city itself, that might be another conversation.

Kyoto is really exceptional. The gardens are amazing. There are temples and shrines, but the gardens are the real highlight. Take a look at some photos of each and see what speaks to you

A bit like comparing a boulder with a Michelangelo.

The one isn't even in the same universe as the other, let alone the same league.

To throw a different idea into the mix: Have you considered Xi'an?

I must admit that even though I barely learn to be civil in any language other than English, I don't like to mix languages on a single trip -- too much for me!

I also like to match my cities to my time. IMO, Kyoto (with Nara) "deserves" at least 6 days. Xi'an is, IMO, a good fit for a stay of 3 or (better) 4 nights.

Just something to consider....

I like kja's idea of visiting Xi'an. It's a fascinating city, and you will love the Muslim/Chinese food. Since you like the outdoors, considering doing a day trip to Huashan, and hiking around there.

With such a short amount of time, I would advise against going to Kyoto. There are so many fascinating places in China, so I would save Kyoto for a time when you can see more of Japan.

Agree - make the most of that Chinese visa. But forget tourist central Guilin. I always traveled in China by train, but there are plenty of flights so you could consider Chengdu instead of Xi'an - pandas, the big Buddha at Leshan, sacred mountains, interesting parks and temples, spicy food....