Guilin to Yangshuo Transport

The 4 Ways to Get from Guilin to Yangshuo

Option 1: Li River Cruise (The Classic)

What to Expect

This is the way most tourists go, and for good reason. The 4-hour cruise from Guilin's Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo takes you through the most scenic stretch of the Li River. You arrive at Yangshuo's West Street pier around 1 PM. Boats depart between 9:00 and 10:00 AM daily.

How to Book

Book through your hotel or Trip.com at least one day ahead. Tickets include a basic Chinese lunch on board. In peak season (April-May, September-October, Chinese holidays), book 2-3 days ahead — cruises do sell out. See our full Li River cruise guide for detailed pricing, photography tips, and scam warnings.

Practical Tips

Sit on the upper deck (outside). You can't see the peaks from inside the cabin. Bring sunscreen — there's no shade on the water. The cruise only runs Guilin-to-Yangshuo direction. If you need to go Yangshuo-to-Guilin, use the bus or a taxi for the return trip.

Option 2: Direct Bus (Fastest & Cheapest)

Where and When

Buses depart every 20-30 minutes from Guilin Bus Station (near Guilin Railway Station, about 10 minutes' walk from the city center) to Yangshuo Bus Station. First bus around 7 AM, last bus around 7 PM. The journey takes about 90 minutes on the G65 highway.

Buying Tickets

Tickets are around 25 RMB and can be bought at the station window — no need to book ahead. Show up, buy a ticket, and you're usually on the next departing bus within 30 minutes. Have cash ready — the ticket window may not accept foreign cards. The bus drops you at Yangshuo Bus Station, about 15 minutes' walk from West Street or a 10 RMB taxi/tuktuk.

Best For

Budget travelers and anyone who wants to get to Yangshuo quickly to maximize exploration time. Also the best option if you've already done the Li River cruise on a previous visit and just need transport.

Option 3: Taxi or Didi

Pricing and Route

A taxi from Guilin city center or the railway stations to Yangshuo costs 150-200 RMB and takes about 75-90 minutes via the highway. From Guilin Airport (KWL), expect 200-250 RMB for the longer distance (about 90 km). Didi — China's Uber equivalent — works well if you have the app set up through Alipay. The Didi app shows the price upfront, so no haggling needed.

Tips for a Smooth Ride

Make sure the driver uses the meter or agree on a price before departing. Show your destination in Chinese: "Yangshuo" (Xi Jie" for West Street area). If your driver doesn't know your specific hotel, navigate using Amap or Baidu Maps (Google Maps doesn't work well in China). Budget 200 RMB in cash as a backup — some taxi drivers don't take QR payment from foreign cards.

Option 4: Private Transfer

Arranging a Transfer

Most hotels can arrange a private car with an English-speaking driver for 250-350 RMB. Book through your hotel the day before — they'll confirm the pickup time, location, and driver's phone number. The driver will hold a sign with your name at the airport or train station exit.

When It's Worth It

Best option if you're arriving late at night (after 9 PM), traveling with heavy luggage, or bringing kids. The door-to-door service saves you navigating bus stations after a long flight or train ride. If you're splitting the cost between 3-4 people, it's only 60-90 RMB per person — competitive with the bus once you factor in station taxis on both ends.

From the Airport

Guilin Liangjiang Airport (KWL)

Guilin Liangjiang Airport is about 30 km west of Guilin city center and about 90 km from Yangshuo. There are two ways to connect to Yangshuo from the airport:

Option A: Direct Taxi to Yangshuo

A taxi from the airport directly to Yangshuo takes about 90 minutes and costs 200-250 RMB. This is the simplest option — no transfers, no waiting. Best if you arrive during the day and just want to get to Yangshuo.

Option B: Airport Shuttle + Bus

Take the airport shuttle bus to Guilin city (20 RMB, about 40 minutes to the Aviation Building stop near the train station). From there, walk 10 minutes to Guilin Bus Station and catch a bus to Yangshuo (25 RMB, 90 minutes). Total: ~45 RMB and about 2.5 hours. Cheaper but more hassle — only worth it if you're on a tight budget.

Late-Night Arrivals

If your flight lands after 10 PM, the airport shuttle and buses will have stopped running. Your only option is a taxi directly to Yangshuo. Arrange pickup with your hotel ahead of time — they can send a driver who'll wait even if your flight is delayed.

Quick Tips

• One-way or round trip? Most visitors go Guilin-to-Yangshuo one way and continue their trip from Yangshuo. If you need to return to Guilin for a flight or train, the bus (25 RMB) is the easiest return option.
• Luggage: The Li River cruise has a luggage hold on board. Buses have under-floor storage. Taxis and private cars fit 2-3 large suitcases in the trunk.
• Motion sickness: The Guilin-Yangshuo highway is smooth and modern — no winding mountain roads. Motion sickness is rarely an issue.
• Travel during rain: All four options run in rain. The Li River cruise is actually more atmospheric with mist on the peaks, though photos will be harder.