Looking to plan a little trip between now and the 23rd in southern/western Yunnan, ideally making our way towards Guilin/Guangxi province. We want to go there via train or bus, breaking the journey there up a bit.

I was thinking about going to Jianshui, Xishuangbanna but looking for some general advice. Thanks:)

Banna is a nice place to go but I think it's a bit wet right now. Jianshui would be okay.

Guilin is directly east of here as the crow flies. Unfortunately there is no direct route east, so it takes ages to get there. You want to enjoy the journey, but also need to leave enough time to enjoy Yangshuo, as it is one of the most beautiful parts of China (in my opinion). I suggest you do a circuit by train. First head northeast into Guizhou, stopping to see some of the unique canyons. From Guiyang (capital of Guizhou), you can take a train to Guilin. Spend a few days exploring the incredible scenery area surrounding Yangshuo, it's very peaceful and stunningly beautiful outside of the town itself. Then take a high speed to Nanning, where you can catch the sleeper train to Kunming. If you have to spend time in Nanning, there is a really beautiful new park on hills in the outskirts of the city which is a good place to chill out, but otherwise, my impression was its a dull city.

(you could also do this circuit the other way around, probably makes no difference)

Banna is going to take you away from Guilin. If you do Banna, might as well go to Laos instead of Guangxi if your China visa allows for return.