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Guilin Transportation Guide: How to Travel Through China’s Karst Paradise With Ease
Guilin is one of the most iconic destinations in China, a place where limestone pinnacles shape the skyline, rivers flow calmly between rice fields, and ancient villages sit untouched by time. As poetic as Guilin looks in photos, many travelers wonder how to move efficiently between rivers, mountains, rural towns, and scenic landmarks.
The truth is that Guilin offers a surprisingly well-organized transportation system, designed to move visitors from the city center to popular sites like Yangshuo, Longji Rice Terraces, and the Li River with ease. Whether traveling by bus, high-speed train, boat, bicycle, taxi, or local shuttle, Guilin makes exploration uncomplicated once you understand the system.
This extended guide explains every transportation option in Guilin, step by step, with clear instructions on how to use each service, where to board, how to pay, and when each option is most useful. It is optimized for SEO and crafted to be a valuable resource for travel blogs.
Understanding Guilin’s Layout Before Traveling
Guilin is spread across an area surrounded by stunning karst landscapes. The city itself is compact and easy to navigate, but many of its most famous attractions lie outside the center.
• Downtown Guilin
This area includes hotels, pedestrian streets, lakes, parks, and major bus connections.
• Guilin Railway Hubs
Guilin Railway Station and Guilin North Railway Station connect the city with national high-speed train routes.
• Guilin to Yangshuo
Yangshuo lies about 65 kilometers south of Guilin and is often explored together with Guilin.
• Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces
Located in Longsheng County, roughly 90 kilometers away and accessed mostly by bus or private transfer.
• Guilin to Xingping
A traditional town famous for its scenery and river cruises.
Because many attractions lie outside the city, understanding the transportation network helps travelers plan efficiently and enjoy Guilin more deeply.
Guilin Buses: Affordable and Ideal for Exploring the City
Guilin’s bus system is simple, budget-friendly, and reaches nearly all major areas within the city. While some destinations require transfers or long-distance buses, city buses remain one of the most convenient ways for everyday travel.
How to Use Guilin City Buses
Travelers can board buses easily through two payment methods:
•Using QR codes
•WeChat and Alipay support QR code scanning when boarding. After scanning, the system deducts the fare automatically.
•Using small cash or coin
Useful for older buses or travelers without mobile payment methods.
Routes are marked clearly on bus stops, and most stops offer digital display screens showing estimated arrival times.
When City Buses Are Most Useful
• Navigating downtown Guilin
Perfect for reaching Two Rivers and Four Lakes, Elephant Trunk Hill, Sun and Moon Pagodas, and pedestrian shopping streets.
• Reaching suburban parks
Buses run to Reed Flute Cave, Folded Brocade Hill, and Yao Mountain.
• Connecting to railway stations
Travellers arriving by high-speed train can take buses to hotels or major streets.
Overall, buses are inexpensive and efficient for short-distance travel inside the city.
Long-Distance Buses: Important for Reaching Rice Terraces and Scenic Villages
Many of Guilin’s most beautiful attractions require travel into the countryside, especially the Longji Rice Terraces.
• Longji Rice Terraces Bus Guide
Travelers can board long-distance buses to Longji from Guilin Bus Terminal or Guilin Railway Station. Tickets can be bought at the station counters or through mobile booking apps.
Upon arrival in Longsheng County, visitors often switch to scenic shuttle buses that ascend the mountain roads into smaller villages like Ping’an, Dazhai, and Jinkeng. These shuttle buses are organized and designed specifically for tourists.
• Benefits of Long-Distance Buses
• Direct routes to remote villages
• Affordable compared to private cars
• Reliable schedule during peak tourism season
Because the roads to Longji Rice Terraces are steep and winding, buses offer a safe and recommended method for travelers unfamiliar with mountain driving.
Guilin Metro: A Future Possibility, Not a Current Transport Option
Unlike major Chinese cities, Guilin does not have a metro system. Instead, the city relies on buses, taxis, boats, and rail connections. For travelers, this means planning routes based on above-ground transportation.
However, the compact size of Guilin means travel remains smooth and efficient even without a subway system.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing: Easy, Comfortable, and Perfect for Scenic Transfers
Guilin’s taxis are convenient for both city travel and accessing suburban areas. Prices are reasonable and metered, making this one of the most comfortable ways to explore the city.
How to Take a Taxi in Guilin
Taxis are available near hotels, tourist areas, railway stations, and downtown streets. Travelers should ensure the driver uses the meter. Showing the Chinese name of the destination helps prevent confusion.
Ride-Hailing Services in Guilin
Guilin supports major Chinese ride-hailing platforms:
• DiDi
• T3
• Meituan Ride
These services are especially useful for reaching locations such as:
• Reed Flute Cave
• Yao Mountain
• Guilin North Railway Station
• Seven Star Scenic Area
• Hotel pickups and drop-offs
Ride-hailing apps also allow travelers to choose between economy cars, premium vehicles, and multi-passenger vans.
High-Speed Trains: The Best Way to Travel Between Guilin, Yangshuo, and Nearby Regions
Guilin benefits from China’s extensive high-speed rail network. This makes traveling between Guilin, Yangshuo, and other surrounding cities fast and extremely convenient.
Main Train Stations in Guilin
• Guilin Railway Station
Located near the city center, this station serves high-speed and normal trains.
• Guilin North Railway Station
A major high-speed hub with connections across China.
• Guilin West Railway Station
Used mainly for specific intercity routes.
How to Take High-Speed Trains
Travellers can purchase tickets via:
• WeChat, Alipay, 12306 China Rail app, or station ticket counters.
Identity verification is required, and passports are accepted for foreign travelers.
After ticketing, follow the digital signs to waiting rooms and platforms. Trains leave precisely on schedule in China, so arriving early is recommended.
Guilin to Yangshuo by Train
This is one of the most popular routes for tourists. High-speed trains run frequently and take about 25 minutes to reach Yangshuo Station. From Yangshuo Station, shuttle buses and taxis carry travelers to West Street, the Li River, and countryside resorts.
Why Trains Are Ideal for Travelers
• Fast, clean, and comfortable travel
• Reliable departure and arrival times
• Direct access to nearby scenic regions
For travelers planning multi-destination trips in Guangxi, high-speed trains provide unmatched convenience.
Guilin Airport: Gateway to Asia and Conveniently Connected
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is modern, well-organized, and popular among international travelers.
How to Reach Guilin Airport
• Airport buses
These operate between downtown Guilin and the airport, stopping at various hotels and bus terminals.
• Taxis and ride-hailing
Very convenient for early flights or heavy luggage.
• Private transfers
Hotels often arrange airport pickups for an additional fee.
Travelers can buy airport bus tickets from counters at designated stops or on board.
Flying Into Guilin
The airport serves domestic flights across China and international flights to Southeast Asia and East Asia. Upon arrival, travelers find taxis and bus services immediately outside the terminal.
Boats and River Cruising: One of Guilin’s Signature Transportation Experiences
Guilin is famous worldwide for its river scenery. Traveling by boat is not only transportation but a highlight of the whole trip.
Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
This is the most iconic cruise route in China. Travelers board at Mopanshan Wharf. The cruise takes several hours and passes stunning karst mountains, bamboo forests, fishing villages, and limestone cliffs.
Upon arrival in Yangshuo, visitors disembark near West Street, from which hotels, markets, and transportation options are easily accessible.
How to Book a Li River Cruise
• Travel agencies
• Hotel concierge desks
• Official online platforms
• Tourist centers
Boarding procedures are simple: present your ticket, check your cabin number if you choose a larger vessel, and follow staff instructions.
Xingping Bamboo Rafts
Smaller bamboo rafts operate between Xingping and Yangdi. These rafts offer an intimate experience and bring travelers closer to the famous “20 yuan banknote” scenic view.
Raft tickets can be purchased at the pier, and safety vests are provided.
Why River Transport Is Essential in Guilin
• Access to remote villages
• Immersive scenic experiences
• Relaxing travel pace
• Unique photography opportunities
For many travelers, Guilin river cruises become the most memorable part of their journey.
Yangshuo Transportation: A Key Part of Guilin Travel
Yangshuo is a major extension of Guilin tourism. Its transportation system blends rural charm with modern convenience.
How to Move Around Yangshuo
• Shuttle buses
Connect Yangshuo Station with the town center.
• Electric sightseeing carts
Available in major tourist areas.
• Taxis and ride-hailing
Useful for reaching village resorts or riverside hotels.
• Bicycles and e-bikes
The most popular way to explore Yangshuo’s countryside.
Exploring Yangshuo by Bicycle
Cycling routes pass through:
• Karst valleys
• Yulong River
• Rice fields
• Ancient villages
Bike rentals are available in West Street, resort hotels, and specialized shops.
E-Bikes in Yangshuo
E-bikes allow travelers to cover larger distances and explore hidden scenic roads. They operate quietly and are easy to control, even for beginners.
Drivers should stay aware of traffic signs and village regulations.
Walking in Guilin: Perfect for Scenic Areas and Lakeside Routes
Guilin is extremely walkable. The central areas around lakes and parks are linked by pedestrian paths, bridges, and carefully designed promenades.
Best Areas for Walking in Guilin
• Two Rivers and Four Lakes
A beautiful circular route around downtown Guilin.
• Elephant Trunk Hill
Connected by scenic footpaths.
• Sun and Moon Pagodas
Surrounded by easy walking routes.
• Reed Flute Cave area
Quiet, green, and peaceful to explore on foot.
• Walking is often the best way to admire the city’s urban beauty, especially during morning or evening strolls.
Bike-Sharing in Guilin: Convenient and Eco-Friendly
Although not as massive as in major cities, Guilin does support bike-sharing.
How to Use Shared Bikes in Guilin
• Scan the QR code on the bike
• Unlock automatically
• Ride anywhere within the allowed zone
• Park in designated areas
• Payment is calculated by time
Bike-sharing is especially useful for exploring lake areas or traveling short distances between scenic parks.
Tourist Sightseeing Buses: Efficient for Multi-Stop Exploration
Guilin offers sightseeing bus routes that cover major attractions. These buses often follow hop-on-hop-off models, allowing visitors to explore multiple scenic areas with a single ticket.
Buses stop at:
• Elephant Trunk Hill
• Reed Flute Cave
• Folded Brocade Hill
• Seven Star Park
• Various lake viewpoints
This is an excellent option for travelers who want structured, convenient exploration without planning transfers.
Other Local Transport Options in Guilin
Guilin also features unique small-scale transport methods that offer convenience in selective areas.
Electric Carts
Found around popular attractions, electric carts provide short-distance rides at low prices. Travelers simply tell the driver their destination and pay upon arrival.
River Ferries Within the City
Small ferry routes cross lakes and rivers inside the city. These are quick, scenic, and used by both locals and tourists.
Private Transfers and Tour Cars
Travel agencies and hotels arrange private cars for customized travel, especially for:
• Longji Rice Terraces
• Remote villages
• Full-day photography tours
This is ideal for travelers seeking comfort or traveling with families.
Choosing the Best Transportation in Different Scenarios
Because Guilin combines city, river, mountain, and rural landscapes, each situation requires a different transportation choice.
• For exploring downtown
Walking, buses, and taxis are ideal.
• For visiting Reed Flute Cave or Yao Mountain
Taxi or ride-hailing offers convenience.
• For Yangshuo
High-speed train or river cruise.
• For Longji Rice Terraces
Long-distance buses or private transfers.
• For remote scenic routes
Bicycles or e-bikes in areas like Yangshuo.
Planning transportation choices carefully enhances the entire Guilin experience.
Travel Tips for Navigating Guilin Smoothly
• Download navigation apps
Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps provide accurate routes.
• Use mobile payment
Most transportation depends on QR codes.
• Check weather conditions
Guilin’s rivers and mountains influence visibility and road safety during heavy rain.
• Arrive early for river cruises
Boarding procedures can be crowded during peak seasons.
• Carry water and comfortable shoes
Walking is a major part of travel in Guilin.
With simple preparation, travelers can explore Guilin effortlessly.
Final Thoughts: Transportation in Guilin Is Part of the Adventure
Guilin offers a rare travel experience where transportation becomes part of the journey. Boats float along world-famous rivers, shuttle buses climb rice terrace mountains, bicycles glide through karst valleys, and trains race between iconic landscapes. Every movement through Guilin reveals something new—traditional villages, mist-covered peaks, crystal-clear rivers, and vibrant rural life.
For travelers, navigating Guilin is not only manageable but deeply enjoyable. With the right understanding of transportation options, every day becomes smoother, every destination feels closer, and every route becomes part of the unforgettable story of Guilin.
