Guilin Transportation Guide: Navigating the City Like a Local

Guilin, famous for its karst mountains and Li River scenery, offers a mix of modern and traditional transportation options. Whether you’re arriving by air, exploring the city, or venturing to nearby attractions like Yangshuo or Longsheng, this guide will help you navigate Guilin with ease.

1. Getting to Guilin: Air Travel

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is the main gateway, serving both domestic and international flights.

• Domestic Routes: Direct flights connect Guilin to major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Xi’an.
• International Routes: Limited international flights include routes to Seoul (Incheon), Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Taipei.
• Airport Tips:
  • The airport is about 28 km from downtown Guilin. A taxi ride costs around ¥80–100 (USD 11–14) and takes 40–50 minutes.
  • Airport Shuttle Buses run to downtown hotels (¥20–30/USD 3–4) and major bus stations.
  • For real-time flight updates, check the airport’s official website or apps like Ctrip or Flightradar24.

2. Public Transportation in Guilin

Guilin’s public transit system is affordable and covers most tourist spots.

Buses

• Network: Over 100 bus lines connect downtown areas, suburbs, and nearby counties.
• Fares: ¥1–2 (USD 0.14–0.28) per ride; pay with cash or the Guilin Public Transport Card (available at convenience stores or IC card centers).
• Key Routes:
  • Bus 1/100: Connects Guilin North Railway Station to downtown (e.g., Elephant Trunk Hill, Zhengyang Pedestrian Street).
  • Bus 3/16: Heads to scenic spots like Reed Flute Cave and Seven Star Park.
• Tips:
  • Download Baidu Maps or Google Maps for real-time bus schedules.
  • Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM, 5:30–7:00 PM) for a smoother ride.

Taxis

• Fares: Starting at ¥9 (USD 1.25) for 2 km, then ¥2/km (USD 0.28/km).
• Tips:
  • Use apps like Didi Chuxing (China’s Uber) for transparent pricing and English support.
  • Insist on using the meter to avoid overcharging.

Subway (Under Construction)

Guilin is building its first subway line (Line 1), expected to open in 2026. Until then, rely on buses and taxis.

3. Best Ways to Explore Guilin

Electric Scooters (Recommended for Short Trips)

• Rental Shops: Popular near tourist hubs like Elephant Trunk Hill and Yangshuo West Street.
• Cost: ¥30–50/day (USD 4–7) with a refundable deposit.
• Tips:
  • Wear a helmet and check brakes before riding.
  • Use Amap (Gaode Map) for navigation—it shows scooter-friendly routes.

Bicycles

• Rental: Hotels and bike shops offer daily rentals (¥10–20/USD 1.40–2.80).
• Best Routes:
  • Li River Bike Path: A 10 km scenic route from Guilin to Yangshuo.
  • Ten-Mile Gallery (Shili Huahua): Flat terrain near Yangshuo with limestone peaks.

Private Cars & Tours

• For Groups: Hire a car with a driver (¥400–600/day, USD 56–84) for flexibility.
• Tour Packages: Agencies like Guilin途尔汽车租赁 offer customized itineraries to Longsheng Rice Terraces or Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces.

4. Intercity Travel: Guilin to Yangshuo & Beyond

Guilin → Yangshuo (65 km)

• High-Speed Train: ¥25–30 (USD 3.50–4.20), 30 minutes (from Guilin North/South Station to Yangshuo Station).
• Li River Cruise: A 4-hour scenic boat ride (¥210–245/USD 30–34) from Guilin’s Zhujiang Pier to Yangshuo.
• Buses: ¥25–30 (USD 3.50–4.20), 1.5 hours from Guilin Bus Station to Yangshuo.

Guilin → Longsheng Rice Terraces (100 km)

• Buses: ¥30–40 (USD 4.20–5.60), 2.5 hours from Guilin Qin Tan Bus Station to Longsheng.
• Private Tours: Recommended for hiking the terraces and visiting Huangluo Yao Village (“Long Hair Village”).

5. Essential Tips for Travelers

• Language: Download Google Translate for Chinese phrases like “Where is the bus stop?” (公交车站在哪里？Gōngjiāo chēzhàn zài nǎlǐ?).
• Traffic Rules: Cars drive on the right side. Pedestrians should use crosswalks, as jaywalking is risky.
• Weather Impact: Rain is common in spring/summer—carry a foldable umbrella and waterproof bags for electronics.
• Scams Alert: Avoid unlicensed taxis; always use metered rides or ride-hailing apps.

Final Thoughts

Guilin’s transportation is a blend of efficiency and charm. Whether you’re gliding along the Li River by boat, zipping through streets on a scooter, or marveling at rice terraces by private car, getting around is part of the adventure. Plan ahead, stay flexible, and embrace the journey—just like the locals do!