Guilin to Yangshuo: Complete Transportation Guide (2025)

The journey from Guilin to Yangshuo is one of China's most scenic routes—karst mountains rising from emerald rice paddies, water buffalo in fields, and the winding Li River. How you make this journey matters as much as the destination.

This guide covers all your options.

Distance and Overview

• Distance: ~65km by road
• Li River cruise: ~83km (longer route following river)
• Typical time: 1-4 hours depending on method

Option 1: Li River Cruise (Most Scenic)

The classic way to travel. A highlight of any China trip.

The Experience

A 4-5 hour boat cruise down the Li River through karst mountain scenery:

• Iconic limestone peaks
• Traditional villages
• Water buffalo
• Cormorant fishermen (sometimes)
• The famous "20 yuan note" view

Practical Details

Detail	Information
Duration	4-5 hours
Departure	Mopanshan or Zhujiang Pier
Arrival	Yangshuo town
Price	¥210-450 depending on boat class
Includes	Lunch (basic), guide
Departure time	9:00-10:00 AM

Boat Classes

Tourist boat (standard):

• ¥210-250
• Large boat, 100+ passengers
• Basic lunch included
• Air-conditioned cabin
• Open deck for photos

3-star boat:

• ¥350-380
• Better seating
• Better food
• Smaller groups

4-star boat:

• ¥400-450
• VIP experience
• Best seats and food
• Smaller groups
• English guide often available

How to Book

• Hotels: Most arrange cruises easily
• Trip.com/Ctrip: Online booking
• Tour agencies: In Guilin city
• Book ahead: High season (Apr-Oct) sells out

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stunning, unforgettable scenery
• Unique experience
• One-way transport included
• Relaxing journey

Cons:

• Only morning departure
• Weather dependent (cancelled in heavy rain)
• Long time commitment
• Can be crowded
• More expensive

Weather Note

The cruise operates most days but:

• Heavy rain = cancellation
• High water = cancellation
• Foggy days = reduced visibility (can still be beautiful)
• Best weather: April-May, September-October

Option 2: Direct Bus (Most Practical)

Fast, cheap, frequent. The practical choice.

From Guilin Bus Station

Guilin South Station (桂林汽车总站):

• Most frequent departures
• Every 15-20 minutes
• 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM
• ¥25-30
• 1.5 hours

From Guilin Train Stations

Guilin Station (桂林站):

• Buses to Yangshuo available
• Every 20-30 minutes
• ¥20-25

Guilin North (桂林北站):

• High-speed rail station
• Direct buses to Yangshuo
• Every 30 minutes
• ¥25

Arrival in Yangshuo

Buses arrive at Yangshuo Bus Station, about 1km from West Street (main tourist area). Easy walk or short taxi.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cheap (¥20-30)
• Frequent departures
• Runs all day
• Reliable schedule
• Fast (1.5 hours)

Cons:

• No river views
• Highway driving
• Less memorable
• Crowded sometimes

Option 3: High-Speed Rail + Bus

Fastest option using modern rail network.

The Route

1. Take high-speed train Guilin → Yangshuo Station
2. Take bus from Yangshuo Station → Yangshuo town

Train Details

Route	Time	Price
Guilin → Yangshuo	25 minutes	¥25-30
Guilin North → Yangshuo	20 minutes	¥25-30

Frequency: Multiple trains per hour

Yangshuo Station → Town

Yangshuo Station is NOT in Yangshuo town—it's about 25km away.

Options:

• Bus: ¥20, 45 minutes, frequent
• Taxi/Didi: ¥80-100, 30 minutes

Total Time

• Train: 20-25 minutes
• Waiting/transfer: 15-30 minutes
• Bus to town: 45 minutes
• Total: 1.5-2 hours

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Modern, comfortable train
• Fast train portion
• Reliable schedule
• Good if continuing to other cities

Cons:

• Station far from Yangshuo town
• Requires transfer
• Total time similar to direct bus
• More complicated

Option 4: Taxi or Didi

Door-to-door convenience.

Details

Service	Price	Time
Taxi (negotiated)	¥250-350	1.5 hours
Didi (app)	¥180-250	1.5 hours

When to Use

• Small groups can share cost
• Luggage-heavy travelers
• Flexible timing needed
• Combined with stops along the way

Route Options

Ask driver to take the scenic route via:

• Xingping town (worth a stop)
• Countryside roads with karst views
• 20-yuan note viewpoint

This adds time but adds value.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Door-to-door
• Flexible timing
• Can stop for photos
• Private experience

Cons:

• Most expensive (unless sharing)
• Need to negotiate or use app
• Miss the river

Option 5: Bamboo Raft (Partial Route)

A more intimate river experience—but only covers part of the journey.

How It Works

Bamboo rafts operate on sections of the Li River, not the full Guilin-Yangshuo route.

Popular sections:

• Yangdi → Xingping (most scenic section)
• Takes 1.5-2 hours
• ¥216 per raft (seats 4)

Getting There

1. Bus from Guilin to Yangdi Pier
2. Bamboo raft to Xingping
3. Bus from Xingping to Yangshuo

Experience

• More intimate than big cruise boats
• Motorized "bamboo" rafts (actually PVC)
• Passes through best scenery
• Can stop for photos

Restrictions

• No children under 7 or adults over 70
• Life jackets required
• Weather dependent

Comparison Table

Option	Time	Cost	Scenery	Best For
Li River Cruise	4-5 hrs	¥210-450	★★★★★	First-timers, photographers
Direct Bus	1.5 hrs	¥25-30	★★	Budget travelers, practical
Train + Bus	1.5-2 hrs	¥45-50	★	Speed, rail fans
Taxi/Didi	1.5 hrs	¥180-350	★★★	Convenience, groups
Bamboo Raft	4+ hrs	¥216+	★★★★★	Intimate experience

My Recommendations

First Visit to Area

Take the Li River Cruise. Yes, it's touristy. Yes, it's a long day. But the scenery is genuinely spectacular and it's a quintessential China experience.

Been Before / Short on Time

Take the direct bus. Cheap, fast, practical.

Want Flexibility

Take a Didi via the scenic route. Stop at Xingping for photos, arrive when you want.

Have Multiple Days

Combine options:

• Day 1: Bus to Yangshuo, settle in
• Day 2: Bamboo raft from Yangdi to Xingping

Tips

Li River Cruise Tips

• Book 1-2 days ahead in peak season
• Bring snacks (lunch is basic)
• Sit on right side of boat going downstream
• Weather can change—bring layers
• Charge your camera

Bus Tips

• Buy ticket at station (easy)
• Keep luggage with you
• Buses are air-conditioned
• Not much English—show "阳朔" on phone

General

• Morning departure recommended for all options
• Weather affects all scenic options
• Yangshuo is small—easy to navigate on arrival

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Planning your Guilin-Yangshuo trip? The China Survival Kit includes regional guides, transportation booking help, and offline maps for navigating rural China.