Guilin to Xingping Distance & 4 Ways to Get There

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 |
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)

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

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 |
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 |
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)

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 |
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.
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)

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 |
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

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
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
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
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!

