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Guilin to Xingping: 35m Train + Bus or 4h Cruise + Car Combo Win | 2026

Getting from Guilin to Xingping (兴坪: Xīng píng) is more than just a commute—it's the gateway to the most iconic scenery in China.

Depending on your style, you'll cover anywhere from 75 to 105 km on your way to the river.

If you're in a hurry, the high-speed train + tourist shuttle combo is the undisputed champion, getting you there in a quick 35 minutes.

For those who want to soak it all in, a 5-hour luxury cruise + private ride combo offers the most relaxing, family-friendly ride.

Solo explorers seeking a thrill usually opt for the open-air bamboo rafts from Yangdi to Xingping.

However, if you are tall, watch out for the budget buses. While they are cheap, anyone over 185cm will find the legroom a tight squeeze compared to the High-Speed Tourist Line 2 shuttles.

Read on to find the perfect route for your Guilin to Xingping Ancient Town adventure.

Key Takeaways

  • Best for Families: The Li River Cruise is the top choice for groups. It is the only river option for seniors (70+) and young children (under 7 or below 1.2m) who aren't allowed on rafts.
  • Best for Speed: The High-Speed Train is the fastest and most popular route, zipping you to the Xingping area in just 30 minutes.
  • Best for Thrills: The Bamboo Raft from Yangdi to Xingping is strictly for adventurous adults who want an up-close, open-air experience on the water.
  • Budget Tip: The Public Bus from Guilin to Xingping is the cheapest, but legroom is tight, especially if you are over 185cm or have a larger build.

Content Preview

  • triangleGuilin to Xingping Distance & 4 Ways to Get There
  • triangle#1. The Scenic Favorite: Guilin to Xingping by Li River Cruise (5h Total)
  • triangle#2. The Fastest & Most Popular: Guilin to Xingping by High Speed Train (35-65m Total)
  • triangle#3. The Adventurer's Choice: Guilin to Xingping by Bamboo Raft (3-4h Total)
  • triangle#4. The Budget Alternative: Guilin to Xingping by Bus (1.5h)
  • triangleHow to Plan a Trip to from Guilin to Xingping: Travel Length, Best Time & Itinerary
  • triangleFrom Guilin to Xingping: Travel Smarter with Asia Odyssey Travel

Guilin to Xingping Distance & 4 Ways to Get There

A mountain with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view
A mountain with a stunning 360-degree panoramic view

The Guilin to Xingping distance is about 75 to 105 km by road, but your actual travel time depends on whether you choose the river or the rails.

The scenic route covers about 90 km, combining a 60 km Li River Cruise with a 30 km land transfer. For those seeking a thrill, the adventurer's path is roughly 73 km, involving a taxi to Yangdi and a 14 km bamboo raft ride.

If speed is your priority, the Guilin to Xingping train takes a wider 108 km loop but gets you there in record time.

Finally, the direct 75 km road route via bus is the most straightforward choice.

Each way offers a unique look at the karst landscape, so pick the one that fits your luggage and your pace.

Transport From To Distance (Total) Time (Total) Cost (RMB)
Cruise + Car Guilin Mopanshan / Zhujiang Pier Xingping Longtoushan Pier 90 km 5h 300 - 1200
Train + Bus Guilin / Guilin West / Guilin North Yangshuo Station 108.8 km 35-65m 40 - 150
Raft + Taxi Yangdi Pier Xingping Chaobanshan Pier 73 km 3-4h 255+
Direct Bus Guilin South Bus Station Xingping Town 75 km 1.5h 40
Expert Tip

Watch your bags! If you have 3 heavy suitcases, skip the bamboo raft. It is a tight, wet ride not built for big luggage—stick to the train or a cruise instead!

#1. The Scenic Favorite: Guilin to Xingping by Li River Cruise (5h Total)

Fishermen with their cormorant birds and lanterns
Fishermen with their cormorant birds and lanterns

If you travel with families, the Guilin to Xingping ferry—specifically the large sightseeing cruise—is the way to go.

This ISN'T a direct hop; it's a relaxing 2-step journey that lets you soak in the landscape.

You'll spend about 5-6 hours total traveling from the city docks to the ancient town, covering roughly 90 km.

Step 1. Guilin to Yangshuo by Li River Cruise (4h)

You'll depart from Guilin in the morning and float 60 km down the most beautiful stretch of the river. Most travelers choose between the standard 3-star or the more comfortable 4-star ships.

3-Star & 4-Star Cruise Options:

Departure Pier Arrival Pier Time Adult (15+) Child (7-14)
Mopanshan (3★) Longtoushan 09:00-13:35 215 RMB 108 RMB
Zhujiang (4★) Longtoushan 09:00-13:35 360 RMB 180 RMB

5-Star Luxury VIP Boxes:

Departure Pier Arrival Pier Cabin Type Unit Adult (15+) Child (7-14)
Mopanshan Longtoushan Business Class Per Person 1100 RMB 700 RMB
Mopanshan Longtoushan 4-Person Box Per Unit 4500 RMB /
Mopanshan Longtoushan 5-Person Box Per Unit 7500 RMB /
Note

Adults can bring two kids under 6 for free (no seat), but you must register their ID for a "zero-dollar" ticket.

Related Article:How to Get from Guilin to Yangshuo: Distance & 5 Ways | 2026

Step 2. Yangshuo to Xingping by Asia Odyssey Travel's Private Car or a Local Bus (1/2h)

Once you dock at Longtoushan Pier in Yangshuo, you are still about 30 km away from Xingping Ancient Town.

We recommend hopping into one of our private cars for a smooth 1-hour transfer from Yangshuo to Xingping. It beats haggling for a taxi after a long boat ride!

If you're on a budget, look for the Yangshuo Bus Line 2 (阳朔2路). It leaves from the CDC Bus Station (疾控中心公交站) and takes about 2 hours to reach Xingping Bus Station (兴坪客运站).

Departure Arrival Duration Frequency Cost
CDC Bus Station Xingping Bus Station 2 hours 07:00 - 18:30 (Every 15 mins) 12 RMB
Pro Tip

Don't worry about ticket purchase for the bus.

International tourists can now use the "Transport" QR code in Alipay or the "Transit" code in WeChat Pay by linking a Visa or Mastercard. Or, pay with small change.

Watch your legroom if you're tall. Standard city buses use a tight 2+2 layout that feels very cramped for anyone over 185cm.

#2. The Fastest & Most Popular: Guilin to Xingping by High Speed Train (35-65m Total)

Guilin Railway Station
Guilin Railway Station

If you want to spend less time traveling and more time exploring, the Guilin to Xingping train is your best friend.

It's a simple 2-step combo: a lightning-fast train ride followed by a short local shuttle or taxi. Most travelers can get from the city to the river in just over an hour.

Step 1. Guilin to Yangshuo by High-speed Train (20-50m)

Here is the secret: you aren't looking for a "Xingping" station. You need to book tickets to Yangshuo Railway Station, which is actually located right in the hills of Xingping!

Departure Station Time Window Duration Price (RMB) Daily Frequency
Guilin (桂林站) 09:38 - 20:15 35 - 50m 38 - 142 6 Departures
Guilin West (桂林西站) 11:02 - 18:30 20 - 24m 31 - 121 8 Departures
Guilin North (桂林北站) 07:50 - 20:40 22 - 25m 32 - 124 12 Departures
Station Hack

To save time, pick the right station in Guilin.

Guilin Station is right in the city center (10–30 mins away). Guilin North is about 7 km out (50 mins by bus), and Guilin West is the furthest at 12 km (up to 1.5 hours by bus).

Step 2. Yangshuo to Xingping by Taxi or Tourist Shuttle (15m)

Once you step off the train, you are only 8.8 km away from the ancient town.

The Easy Way: Grab a taxi right outside the exit. It costs about 25 RMB and takes only 15 minutes to reach the waterfront.

The Budget Way: Hop on the 15-minute Yangshuo High-Speed Tourist Line 2 (阳朔高铁专线2路) bus ride. It ends at the Xingping Bus Station and runs frequently throughout the day.

Departure Arrival Duration Frequency Cost
Yangshuo Railway Station Xingping Bus Station 15m 07:40 - 19:30 (Every 15 mins) 5 RMB
Traveler Reminder

International travelers can buy bus tickets directly at the Yangshuo Railway Station exit. Just look for the official ticket counter before you head to the bus loading area!

The Yangshuo High-Speed Tourist Line 2 offers plenty of space for both you and your bags. Even at 185–190cm, you'll still have about 15–20cm of breathing room for your knees.

#3. The Adventurer's Choice: Guilin to Xingping by Bamboo Raft (3-4h Total)

Relaxing bamboo raft to Xingping Town
Relaxing bamboo raft to Xingping Town

If you want to feel the pulse of the river, skip the big ships and go for the bamboo raft.

This is a 3-step journey that takes about 3 to 4 hours in total. It is the most "up-close" way to see the karst peaks.

But remember: these are motorized rafts, so expect a bit of noise along with those epic views.

Step 1. Guilin to Yangdi by Taxi (1-1.5h)

Since there are no public buses to the pier, a taxi or private car is the only way to go.

You'll head south for about 55–65 km. It's a 1-1.5 hours ride that drops you right where the water adventure begins.

Step 2. Yangdi to Xingping by Bamboo Raft (1.5h)

This is the highlight! You'll float 14 km through the heart of the Li River landscape, passing the famous Nine Horse Fresco Hill. That takes 1.5 hours.

This is the TRUE Guilin to Xingping ferry experience for those who want to be inches from the water.

Departure Arrival Time Unit Adult Price
Yangdi Pier Chaobanshan Pier 1.5h Per Person 255 RMB
Note

Children (90cm–1.29m) are half-price. Seniors (65–69) pay only for the raft seat.

Step 3. Xingping Chaobanshan Pier to the Ancient Town by Taxi or Hiking (0.5-1h)

Once you dock, you are about 4 km from the center of Guilin to Xingping Ancient Town.

By Taxi: If you're tired, a quick 18-minute taxi will zip you to your hotel for a small fee.

By Hiking: If you have the energy, the walk along the river is stunning. It takes about 1 hour and offers some of the best free views in the region.

Expert Tip

The river actually closes to rafts daily between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to let the large cruise ships pass safely.

Plan to arrive at Yangdi Pier early in the morning so you don't get stuck waiting on the riverbanks!

#4. The Budget Alternative: Guilin to Xingping by Bus (1.5h)

Guilin - Xingping Bus
Guilin - Xingping Bus

If you are looking for the most economical way to move your gear, the Guilin to Xingping bus is the winner.

However, the leg room is a tight squeeze! If you're tall or have a broader build, you'll likely find the space insufficient. For a relaxing trip, stick to the High-Speed Line 2.

It is a direct road route that bypasses the need for train transfers or expensive private cars. While it lacks the "magic" of the river, it is highly reliable and drops you right in the center of Xingping Town.

Departure Arrival Duration Distance Ticket Fare Frequency
Guilin South Bus Station Xingping Town 1.5 h 75 km 40 RMB 07:20, 10:40, 11:40, 13:10, 16:40, 17:40
Traveler Reminder

The Guilin South station (桂林汽车客运南站) is the primary hub for this route. Remember that schedules can shift slightly based on local traffic—give yourself a little buffer time!

How to Book Your Bus Ticket in Guilin, China?

Booking a bus in China as an international traveler is easiest in person. Follow these simple steps:

  • Head to the Station: Take a local taxi or bus (like the K99) to Guilin South Bus Station.
  • Bring Your Passport: You must show your physical passport to buy a ticket at the window.
  • Pay Digitally or with Cash: The ticket counters accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and cash.
  • Find Your Gate: Match the bus number on your ticket to the gate display in the waiting hall.

How to Plan a Trip to from Guilin to Xingping: Travel Length, Best Time & Itinerary

Explore Xingping Old Town in leisure way
Explore Xingping Old Town in leisure way

Now that you've mastered the "how," let's talk about the "when" and "where."

Xingping is the quieter, more soulful cousin of Yangshuo. To get the most out of it, you need to slow down and stay a while.

What's Asia Odyssey Travel's choice? The Li River Cruise + private car combo.

When is the best time to visit?

April and May are the "magic months." This is when you get the misty rain that turns the Li River into a traditional ink painting.

If you prefer clear blue skies and golden rice fields, September and October are your best bet.

How long should you spend? Most travelers find that 3 to 6 days allows for a perfect loop through Guilin, the rice terraces, and the river.

3 Days from Guilin to Xingping: The "Best of the Best" Loop

Perfect for travelers who want to see the icons and get moving.

Day Where to Go What to Do
1 Arrival in Guilin Airport pick-up and check-in near the city lakes.
2 Guilin to Yangshuo Take the Li River Cruise, explore West Street, and see the countryside.
3 Xingping to Guilin Hike to the 20 RMB note view, explore the Ancient Town, and head home.

3 Day Guilin Yangshuo Xingping Tour: Lost in Li River Landscape Painting

Guilin - Yangshuo - Xingping - Guilin

Short Trip 3 Days 4 Places View Detail

5 Days in Guilin and Xingping: Connecting to Longji & Yangshuo

This adds the world-famous Longji Rice Terraces and some secret caves to your mix.

Day Where to Go What to Do
1 Guilin to Longji Hike the Ping'an Rice Terraces and visit local wooden villages.
2 Longji to Guilin Visit the Reed Flute Cave and the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill.
3 Guilin to Xingping Reach the town by train and watch the sunset at Cuiping Mountain.
4 Xingping to Yangshuo Explore the Ancient Town and bike along the Yulong River.
5 Yangshuo to Guilin Take a final bamboo raft ride before your transfer back to the city.

5 Days Guilin Family Tour: Kids-friendly Experience in Yangshuo, Longji & Xingping

Guilin - Longji - Huixian - Xingping - Yangshuo - Guilin

Family Friendly Tour 5 Days 6 Places View Detail

6 Days: The Ultimate Guangxi Tour with Guilin & Xingping

For those who want to catch every sunrise and sunset at the best viewpoints.

Day Where to Go What to Do
1 Guilin Arrival Photograph the Sun and Moon Pagodas at night.
2 Longji Terraces Capture the sunrise at the "Seven Stars with Moon" viewpoint.
3 Longji to Xingping Drive south for a sunset shoot at Cuiping Hill.
4 Xingping Magic Sunrise at Xianggong Hill, followed by cormorant fishing photos.
5 River Life Sunrise at Huangbutan, then a relaxing raft on the Yulong River.
6 Final Views One last sunrise at Tianxin Village before your airport drop-off.

6 Days Guilin Photography Tour with Longji, Xingping & Yangshuo

Guilin - Longji Rice Terrace - Xingping - Yangshuo - Guilin

Photography Tour 6 Days 5 Places View Detail

From Guilin to Xingping: Travel Smarter with Asia Odyssey Travel

Still not sure which boat to catch or which train station to choose? Let us handle the heavy lifting.

Asia Odyssey Travel has a dedicated office right in Guilin city downtown, located on the 7th floor of He Ping Plaza.

We've spent 10+ years helping travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, and beyond navigate the karst landscape. We don't just book tickets; we help you find the secret spots that don't show up on a standard map.

  • Expert Guilin Tours: From 2-day escapes to 6-day deep dives.
  • Full Logistics: We handle your Guilin to Xingping ferry bookings and private river transfers.
  • Local Insight: We know exactly which pier has the shortest lines and which hill has the best light.

Stop by and see us near Elephant Trunk Hill, or let us plan your journey from afar.

We're here to make sure your trip from Guilin to Xingping is as relaxing as the river itself!

faq
Frequently Asked Questions
Expand All
How do I get to Xingping from Guilin? +
The high-speed train is the fastest way (20–30 mins). If you want the views, take the Li River Cruise (4.5 hours). For a cheap, direct road route, grab the bus from Guilin South Station.
How do I get to Xingping Ancient Town? +
If arriving by train, catch a 15-minute taxi or a 5 RMB shuttle from the station. If you arrive by boat, the ancient town is just a 10-minute walk from the pier.
What are the entrance fees for Xingping? +
Entering the Ancient Town is free. You can see the 20 RMB note view for free from the riverbank. You only pay for extras like bamboo rafts (~255 RMB) or park entries.
How long should I spend in Xingping? +
One day is enough for the highlights, but one night is better. Staying over lets you catch the sunset on Laozhai Mountain and a quiet sunrise on the river.
Where to stay in Xingping? +
Stay in the Ancient Town if you want to be near food and shops. Choose Dahebei Village (across the river) if you want total peace and a direct mountain view.
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Don't Stop Here: Our Best Guilin Travel Secrets

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May Hanashima
May Hanashima
Japan
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I just went on a 7days 6nights trip to Bhutan and it was amazing. I sent my inquiries to about 4 different tour agents and Odyssey Travels got back to me immediately. My consultant... I just went on a 7days 6nights trip to Bhutan and it was amazing. I sent my inquiries to about 4 different tour agents and Odyssey Travels got back to me immediately. My consultant was a Mr Vincent Luan and he was a great help to me. Always patient and prompt on his replies. Thank you so much Vincent!My guides for the week was a Mr Songnam Wangdi and I wholeheartedly recommend him should anyone visits Bhutan. He was friendly, always punctual and so knowledgeable about the history of his country and Buddhist monuments. I am grateful to have met such a lovely guide.We had a very friendly driver, a Mr Yeshi too. He was humorous, also friendly and knows his way around town well. I really couldn’t have met a better consultant, guide and driver for this trip. It was perfect. The hotels were comfortable (you are able to mix and match) and Bhutanese food is delicious. My daily trips were also fully customizable as long as I discussed with the guide.With this experience I would absolutely go back to Odyssey Travels for any future trips to Nepal or Tibet. Thank you so much for all your kindness and patience. It was a memorable trip. read more
2024-04-07
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My wife and I decided this time to go on a private tour, and we chose Asia Odyseey primarily because of the responsiveness, timeliness and tact of Ms Cecilia in organizing and prep... My wife and I decided this time to go on a private tour, and we chose Asia Odyseey primarily because of the responsiveness, timeliness and tact of Ms Cecilia in organizing and preparing the trip very well. Yunnan province is large, but we selected a 10 days trip from Kunming, Dali, Lijiang to Shangri-la. With very experienced guides assigned in each location, we saw multiple ethnic cultures, cuisines, religious beliefs, landscapes, as the journey climbs from 1900m to 3600m. Special mentions to Sophie (Kuming), Lisa (Kunming), Sally (Dali), Sandy (Lijiang) and A-Ten (Shangri-La) who all spoke excellent English and were indeed all very friendly. The drivers and their vehicles were also attentive, timely and navigated well. All reservations including the high speed trains, luxurious hotels and sumptuous meals were attended with no fuss and according to our required desires and comforts. We love Yunnan for its climate, the diversity, the ancient history and the warmth of the people we met.I hope to use Asia Odyseey once again in our next wonderful journeys to other unseen and amazing China. read more
2025-07-08
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