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

Guilin to Yangshuo Distance & 5 Ways to Get There

Guilin to Yangshuo Map

Depending on which path you choose on the map, the Guilin to Yangshuo distance can range from a quick 60 km river dash to a 100 km loop around the mountains.

Most travelers spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours on the move.

Whether you want to save time or soak in every bit of scenery, there are 5 transport options to fit your vibe:

Option 1: Guilin to Yangshuo Ferry (4h on Cruise): 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star?

Fishermen with their cormorant birds and lanterns

Taking the Guilin to Yangshuo boat is the MOST ICONIC way to see the karst mountains.

You get 4 hours of pure scenery while relaxing on the deck! You have 3 main choices, ranging from budget-friendly to total luxury.

Just remember to bring your original passport and a paper ticket. Try to arrive at the pier 40 minutes before your boat sets sail.

3-Star Guilin to Yangshuo Ferry

This is the "Value Choice" for a comfortable ride that doesn't break the bank.

You'll depart from Mopanshan Pier (磨盘山码头), about 45 minutes from downtown Guilin, and land at Longtoushan Pier (龙头山码头) in Yangshuo. From the arrival pier, a quick 15 RMB electric cart ride gets you to West Street.

Lunch is a simple "aviation-style" box for about 30 RMB, or you can bring your own snacks. The boats have neat seating and an open-air deck for photos.

4-Star Guilin to Yangshuo Ferry

If you want to treat yourself, the 4-star cruise is a fantastic step up. These boats are smaller, carrying only about 80 people, so it feels much more private and quiet.

You'll start at Zhujiang Pier (竹江码头) and land at Longtoushan Pier (龙头山码头). A big plus is the location—you can walk to West Street in 20 minutes once you land.

The best part of this ticket is the food! This ticket also includes a full buffet lunch served on board.

5-Star Guilin to Yangshuo Ferry

For the ultimate splurge, the 5-star boat only carries 40 passengers. It feels more like a private club than a ferry with tons of room to move.

Departing from Mopanshan Pier (磨盘山码头), you'll enjoy a high-end buffet and cool extras. Think tea ceremonies and cormorant fishing shows right on the boat. It's the most exclusive way to travel!

Option 2: Guilin to Yangshuo Bamboo Raft (4h Total): A Bamboo Raft + Taxi Combo

Relaxing bamboo raft to Xingping Town

If the big cruises feel a bit too formal, the Guilin to Yangshuo bamboo raft is the perfect alternative.

This is a motorized raft + taxi combo that gets you much closer to the water. It's a bit more adventurous and offers the best angles for photos.

The full journey takes about 4 hours and involves 3 easy steps.

Just a heads-up: kids under 90cm and seniors over 70 are generally not allowed on the rafts for safety reasons!

Step 1: Guilin to Yangdi by Taxi (1.5h)

Your journey starts with a taxi ride from Guilin to Yangdi Pier. The drive is about 55–65 km and takes you through beautiful local countryside.

I recommend using a ride-hailing app like Didi to ensure you get a fair rate. The ride takes 1.5 hours. It's much more convenient than the 3.5-hour public bus ride.

Step 2: Yangdi to Xingping by Raft (1.5h)

This is the HIGHLIGHT—a stretch of pure river magic. You'll drift past the famous Mural Hill and arrive at the Xingping Chaobanshan Pier (兴坪朝板山码头).

This is exactly where you'll find the landscape from the 20 RMB note, so have your camera ready!

Here are the ticket details:

Step 3: Xingping to Yangshuo by Taxi (1h)

Once you land in Xingping, you still have about 30 km to go to reach the heart of Yangshuo. Again, a taxi or Didi is the fastest way to finish the trip, about 1 hour.

If you're on a budget, catch the Yangshuo No. 2 bus (阳朔2路) for about 15 RMB. It leaves every 15 minutes and drops you off right near the West Street area.

Related Article:Yangshuo to Xingping: 15m Bus vs. Pro-friendly 1h Private Ride

Option 3: Guilin to Yangshuo High Speed Train (2-3h Total): A Train + Taxi Combo

Guilin Railway Station

If you are looking for the FASTEST way to travel on land, the Guilin to Yangshuo high-speed train is a total game-changer. It's the best option to travel from Guilin Train Station to Yangshuo.

Just keep in mind that the train station isn't right in the middle of town, so you'll need a quick taxi or bus ride to finish the journey.

Most travelers find this combo takes about 2 to 3 hours from door to door.

Step 1: Depart from Guilin (0.5-1h)

There are 3 departure stations for the Guilin to Yangshuo train, which can be a bit confusing! I always recommend Guilin Station because it's right in the city center.

Step 2: Guilin to Yangshuo Station by Train (0.5-1h)

Once you're on the train, the ride itself is incredibly fast, taking 30 to 50 minutes. There are 20+ departures every day, so it's very easy to find a time that fits your schedule.

Step 3: Yangshuo Station to the Center by Taxi or Shuttle Bus (1h)

When you arrive at Yangshuo Railway Station (阳朔站), you're actually in a beautiful town called Xingping.

To get to the main Yangshuo tourist area (West Street), you have about 35 km left to go. A taxi or Didi is the most comfortable way to wrap up the trip. The ride takes about 1 hour.

If you prefer the bus, look for the Yangshuo High-Speed Special Line (阳朔高铁专线) right outside the station. It costs 20 RMB and takes you straight to the Yangshuo Fengming Tourist Center (凤鸣游客咨询中心) near the city heart.

Option 4: Guilin to Yangshuo Bus (2.5/4h): The Guilin Airport Shuttle Route is Better

If you are flying into Guilin, the direct bus is often the most practical way to handle the Guilin to Yangshuo leg.

It saves you the hassle of dragging luggage through city traffic or navigating multiple train stations.

I generally ONLY suggest the bus for travelers starting at the airport. While there is a city center route, it involves transfers and local stops that can turn a short 2.5-hour trip into a 4-hour affair.

Route A: Guilin Airport to Yangshuo via the Airport Shuttle (2.5h)

Guilin Liangjiang Airport Bus

This is the Guilin Liangjiang Airport Shuttle (机场巴士阳朔西街线) and by far the BEST way to get from Guilin Airport to Yangshuo.

The bus picks you up right outside Guilin Airport Terminal 2 and drops you off near the famous West Street in Yangshuo.

It's a straightforward ride that costs about 40 RMB. You'll pass through local towns like Putao (葡萄镇) and Baisha (白沙镇), giving you a nice preview of the countryside before you even check into your hotel.

Route B: Guilin City Center to Yangshuo via the Tourist Line (4h)

Yangshuo Shuttle Bus

This Guilin to Yangshuo bus route is more of a local sightseeing journey. It's actually a combination of 2 different bus rides, so it's only for those who really want to see the "slow" side of Guangxi.

First, you'll take a Guilin-Yangshuo Tourist Line (桂林-阳朔旅游观光专线) from the city center down to the Ancient Ferry (Shiwai Taoyuan) area.

From there, you transfer to a local Yangshuo bus to finish the trip. It costs about 60 RMB total, but with the transfers and stops, it's quite a long day on the road.

Option 5: Guilin to Yangshuo Taxi (1.5 hours): Door-to-Door, but Not Recommended

Taking a taxi is the most direct point-to-point way to travel, especially if you have heavy luggage or are traveling with a small group. It usually takes about 1.5 hours to zip down the highway from the city center.

However, I DON'T always recommend this for solo travelers or those without a booking.

Many local drivers may try to negotiate a price that is much higher than the standard platform rate. If you do go this route, it's best to use a ride-hailing app or have your hotel book a reliable private transfer for you.

How to Plan Your Adventure from Guilin to Yangshuo: Best Time, Travel Length & Itinerary

Tranquil Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River

Asia Odyssey Travel's choice? Our favorite way to handle the Guilin to Yangshuo route is the ferry.

It's the most seamless way to combine your "travel day" with the best sightseeing in China. You simply board in the morning and let the scenery come to you.

When' the best time to visit Guilin and Yangshuo? Between April and October. Spring brings the famous "misty rain" that makes the mountains look like a classic painting, while summer offers the clearest blue skies for photography.

How long to stay? Most of our travelers find that 2 to 5 days is the perfect amount of time to soak in the vibes of both the city and the countryside.

Here are some itinerary options for you:

2 Days in Guilin and Yangshuo: The Weekend Warrior

This is a fast-paced trip from Guilin to Yangshuo. It's perfect if you are short on time but want to see the Li River and get a taste of Yangshuo's outdoor life.

2 Days Yangshuo Outdoor Tour from Guilin: Embrace Yangshuo Countryside in Fun Way

Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin

Fun Outdoor Activities 2 Days 3 Places View Detail

3 Days in Guilin and Yangshuo: The Classic Choice

This is our most popular itinerary. It gives you a dedicated day for Guilin's city icons and a full day to breathe in the Yangshuo countryside without feeling rushed.

3 Days Guilin Yangshuo Tour with Li River Cruise & Yulong River

Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin

Guilin Short Trip 3 Days 3 Places View Detail

5 Days in Guilin and Yangshuo: The Deep Dive

If you love adventure and want to get off the beaten path, this is for you. We include some "hidden gem" locations like Xing'an (兴安) and more intense outdoor activities.

5 Days Guilin Yangshuo Summer Tour: Water Fun, Karst Scenery, Outdoor Adventure

Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin

Summer Vacation 5 Days 3 Places View Detail

Tour with Asia Odyssey Travel, the Best Guilin to Yangshuo Transfer Awaits

Why worry about navigating piers and train schedules when you could be enjoying the view? At Asia Odyssey Travel, we've been the local experts for years.

Our local office is right in the heart of downtown Guilin (7th Floor, He Ping Plaza, Qixing District), so we are always close by if you need a hand or a local recommendation.

We specialize in everything from budget-friendly group tours to high-end private transfers.

We've helped travelers from all over the world—including Malaysia, Singapore, and Hong Kong—discover the magic of the Longji Rice Terraces and the Li River.

Whether you want a private guide to show you the hidden paths or just a smooth ride to your hotel, we've got you covered.

Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the "Best landscape under heaven."