By Plane
Guilin Airport (KWL)
Name: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
Distance to city: 30 km from city center
To city center: Airport shuttle bus (¥20, 50 min), taxi (¥80-100, 40 min)
Direct Flights From
By High-Speed Train
Guilin North Railway Station
Location: High-speed rail station, 10 km from city center
Metro connects to city center. Gateway to Yangshuo and Li River cruise.
Popular Routes
| From | Duration | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guangzhou | 2h-3h | ¥140-250 | ✅ Verified: 43 G-trains daily, fastest 2h05m. Very convenient from Guangzhou! |
| Shenzhen | 3-4h | ¥200-350 | Via Guangzhou, frequent connections |
| Beijing | 10-12h | ¥700-1,200 | Long journey via Guangzhou, consider flying |
| Shanghai | 8-10h | ¥600-1,000 | Via Guangzhou or Changsha |
By Long-Distance Bus
Guilin Long-distance Bus Station
Location: City center
Routes: Routes to Yangshuo, Longji, nearby cities
By Car
From Guangzhou
Distance: 450 km
Duration: 5h
Route: G72 Quanzhou-Nanning Expressway
From Shenzhen
Distance: 550 km
Duration: 6h
Route: G72 via Guangzhou
From Yangshuo
Distance: 65 km
Duration: 1h
Route: G65 Baomao Expressway
Getting Around Guilin
Public Transport
Bus network covers city and attractions (¥1-2). Tourist buses to major attractions. No metro.
Taxi & Ride-Hailing
Taxis affordable (starting ¥8, ¥2/km). Didi app works. Taxi to Yangshuo ¥150-200.
Bike Rental
ESSENTIAL in Yangshuo! Rent bike or e-bike (¥30-80/day) to explore countryside. Guilin city is walkable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to Guilin from Guangzhou?
✅ Verified: High-speed train is best - 43 daily G-trains, fastest 2h05m! Tickets ¥140-250. Very convenient. Flying also works (1h) but train is often more practical.
How do I get from Guilin to Yangshuo?
Two options: (1) Li River Cruise: 4 hours, ¥200-400, stunning scenery - highly recommended! (2) Bus: 1h, ¥20, direct from Guilin South Bus Station. Most travelers take cruise downstream, then stay in Yangshuo. From Yangshuo, bus back to Guilin is easy.
What makes Guilin special?
Guilin is famous for: (1) Karst landscape - "Guilin's scenery is the best under heaven"; (2) Li River cruise - 4-hour scenic boat ride to Yangshuo; (3) Reed Flute Cave - spectacular limestone cave; (4) Elephant Trunk Hill - city's symbol; (5) Longji Rice Terraces - Dragon's Backbone, minority villages; (6) Yangshuo - backpacker town, stunning countryside, rock climbing.
How long should I spend in Guilin area?
Minimum 3 days: Li River cruise + Yangshuo (1-2 days), Reed Flute Cave + city (half day), Longji Rice Terraces (1 day). 4-5 days allows: All above + relaxed Yangshuo time + minority village visits. Guilin-Yangshuo-Longji is one of China's classic tourist routes.
Should I stay in Guilin or Yangshuo?
Stay in YANGSHUO! Guilin is a transit city. Yangshuo has: stunning scenery, West Street nightlife, outdoor activities (cycling, rock climbing, bamboo rafting), more restaurants and hotels. Most travelers do: Arrive Guilin → cruise to Yangshuo → stay 2-3 nights → bus to Guilin for departure.
When is the best time to visit Guilin?
April-October for best weather. Spring (April-May): Misty Li River, comfortable temperature. Summer: Hot but lively, lush scenery. Autumn (September-October): Clear skies, pleasant. Winter: Fewer tourists, but can be cold. Avoid Chinese holidays (Labor Day, National Day) when attractions are crowded.