How to Get Around Guilin & Yangshuo: Trains, E-Bikes & the Li River
The short answer: take the Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, then rent an e-bike (¥30–50/day) to explore the countryside. The high-speed rail connects the region, but the last leg to Yangshuo town is a 40-minute car ride. Budget ¥20–50 for transport per day.
Getting to Guilin
- Liangjiang Airport (KWL): About 30 km from the city — the airport bus costs ¥20. Taxis/Didi are ¥80–120.
- High-speed rail: Guilin is well-connected — Guilin North and Guilin West stations serve the high-speed lines from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Changsha, and beyond.
- Tip: Check which station your train arrives at — Guilin North is further from the city center than Guilin West.
Guilin to Yangshuo: The Classic Route
- Li River cruise (漓江游船): 4 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo — the classic way to see the karst peaks. Book in advance.
- Bamboo raft (竹筏): On the essence section (精华段) — quieter and more intimate, but shorter.
- High-speed rail: 30 minutes from Guilin North/West to Yangshuo station — but the station is still 40 minutes by car from the town itself. Factor that in.
- Bus: Direct buses from Guilin to Yangshuo take about 1.5 hours.
Yangshuo: E-Bikes Are the Way
Yangshuo’s countryside is the real attraction — and the best way to explore it is by e-bike.
- Rental: ¥30–50/day from shops in town.
- The Ten-Mile Gallery (十里画廊): The classic ride — karst peaks, rice paddies, and villages.
- Yulong River (遇龙河): A quieter, more beautiful ride along the river.
- Tip: Wear a helmet and watch for tour buses on the main roads.
Getting to the Longji Rice Terraces
- Distance: About 2 hours from Guilin by bus or private car.
- Best time: May–June (flooded terraces, mirror effect) or September–October (golden harvest).
- Stay overnight: A village guesthouse lets you catch the sunrise — it’s worth it.
Taxis & Didi
- Flag-fall: About ¥10 in Guilin.
- Didi: Works in Guilin city and Yangshuo town — but coverage is patchy in the countryside.
- Tip: For the Longji terraces, book a private car or join a day tour — public transport is limited.
Common Pitfalls
- Yangshuo station distance: The high-speed rail station is 40 minutes from the town — don’t plan a tight connection.
- Cash: Small villages and farm restaurants may not take cards — carry some cash.
- Rainy season: June–August the Li River runs muddy — the water is clearest September–November.
FAQ
What is the best way to get around Guilin and Yangshuo? The Li River cruise, then e-bikes in Yangshuo.
How do I get from Guilin airport to the city? Airport bus ¥20, about 30 km.
How do I get from Guilin to Yangshuo? Li River cruise (4 hours) or high-speed rail (30 min + 40 min car ride).
Is the Li River cruise worth it? Yes — the classic way to see the karst peaks.
How do I get to the Longji Rice Terraces? About 2 hours from Guilin — stay overnight for the sunrise.
Last updated: October 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get around Guilin and Yangshuo?
The Li River cruise connects Guilin to Yangshuo. In Yangshuo, rent an e-bike (¥30–50/day) to explore the countryside — the Ten-Mile Gallery and Yulong River.
How do I get from Guilin airport to the city?
Liangjiang Airport (KWL) is about 30 km from the city — the airport bus costs ¥20. The high-speed rail from Guilin North/West stations to Yangshuo takes 30 minutes, but Yangshuo station is still 40 minutes by car from the town itself.
How do I get from Guilin to Yangshuo?
The Li River cruise (4 hours) is the classic way. Or take the high-speed rail (30 minutes) from Guilin North/West to Yangshuo station, then a 40-minute car ride to the town.
Is the Li River cruise worth it?
Yes — the 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo is the classic way to see the karst peaks. Or take a bamboo raft on the essence section (精华段) — quieter and more intimate.
How do I get to the Longji Rice Terraces?
About 2 hours from Guilin by bus or private car. Stay overnight in a village guesthouse to catch the sunrise.