While I have not played Guandan specifically, it is a climbing game, like Big Two or Tichu, which I have. The main difference seems to be scoring by the card rank level and the wild cards.

BGG entry: https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/273913/guan-dan

Every accusation a confession.

Azul is better with 2-3 players than at 4.

Others that play well with 2 & 3 players: Dominion Race for the Galaxy Castles of Burgundy