How to Get from Guilin to Yangshuo, Xingping and Longji

How Do You Travel to These Destinations?

Yangshuo, Xingping, and Longji are all near Guilin, but they lie in different directions and offer distinct experiences.

Yangshuo: Cycling, bamboo rafting and countryside travel
Xingping: Li River scenery, the old town and photography
Longji: Rice terraces, hiking and ethnic villages

The best route depends on where you are staying, how much luggage you have and whether you prefer speed, scenery or convenience.

Quick Comparison

Destination	Best Option	Approximate Time	Planning Cost
Yangshuo	River cruise or high-speed train	Half-day by cruise; 20–40 minutes by train	RMB 215–360 for cruise; RMB 20–40 by train
Xingping	Train to Yangshuo Station, then local transfer	About 1–1.5 hours	RMB 30–60
Longji	Tourist shuttle or private car	About 2.5–4 hours	RMB 80–150 by shuttle; RMB 600–1,200 per car

These figures may not include scenic-area transfers, entrance tickets, luggage services or waiting time for a private vehicle.

1. Guilin to Yangshuo

Option 1: Li River Cruise

For a first visit, a river cruise is the most scenic way to reach Yangshuo. Standard cruises usually depart from Mopan Mountain Pier or Zhujiang Pier and end in Yangshuo.

Along the way, you can see:

Karst peaks
Riverside villages
Farmland
Bamboo rafts
Changing landscapes along the river

A cruise is ideal for:

First-time visitors to China
Travellers who want the complete river scenery
Photographers
Visitors who prefer sightseeing during the transfer

Remember that the cruise ticket does not normally mean boarding directly from your hotel. You may still need to arrange:

Hotel-to-pier transport
Ticket and seat information
Meals
Luggage arrangements
Transport from the pier to your hotel

The official Li River website currently lists standard cruise prices of around RMB 215 for a three-star cruise and RMB 360 for a four-star cruise. Check the latest schedule before booking.

Option 2: High-Speed Train to Yangshuo Station

The train is one of the fastest ways to travel. The journey itself usually takes around 20–40 minutes.

However, there is one very important detail: Yangshuo Railway Station is not in central Yangshuo or near West Street. It is located near Xingping.

After arriving, you need another transfer by:

Local bus
Shuttle
Ride-hailing car
Taxi
Hotel pickup

Reaching central Yangshuo usually takes another 40–60 minutes, depending on traffic and your final destination.

Search the following routes on 12306:

Guilin Railway Station to Yangshuo
Guilin North to Yangshuo
Guilin West to Yangshuo

Always check the departure station before booking.

Option 3: Coach or Tourist Bus

Coaches connect Guilin with Yangshuo and several locations along the Li River. The official scenic-area transport page lists services from Guilin South Bus Station, Guilin North Bus Station and Qintan Bus Station.

The journey usually takes around 1.5–2 hours. A planning budget of RMB 50–100 (about $7–14) is reasonable.

This option suits:

Budget travelers
Visitors who do not want to book a train
Travellers staying near a bus station
Flexible itineraries

Option 4: Ride-Hailing Car or Private Transfer

A car usually takes about 1.5–2 hours to get from the city.

Ride-hailing car: around RMB 200–400 per vehicle, or $29–57
Private transfer: around RMB 300–600 per vehicle, or $43–86

A private car can be worthwhile for two to four travellers with luggage.

2. Guilin to Xingping

Xingping is close to Yangshuo but has a quieter travel style. It is especially suitable for river scenery, the old town and photography.

Option 1: Train to Yangshuo Station, Then Transfer

The usual route is:

Guilin → Yangshuo Railway Station → Xingping Old Town or Xingping Pier

Because the railway station is near Xingping, you do not need to travel through central Yangshuo first.

The official scenic-area transport page lists a shuttle between Yangshuo Railway Station and Xingping Pier. During busy periods, vehicles may depart when full; during quieter periods, departures may be adjusted to align with train arrivals.

The complete journey usually takes around 1–1.5 hours.

Option 2: Bus from Yangshuo to Xingping

If you are already staying in Yangshuo, taking a local bus is usually the simplest option.

The official transport page currently lists a Yangshuo–Xingping bus service with reference operating hours from 6:30 to 19:20 and intervals of around 15 minutes. Check the current schedule before departure.

The trip usually takes about 40–60 minutes and costs approximately RMB 20–40 ($3–6).

Option 3: Coach from Guilin

Some bus stations in Guilin operate routes toward Yangshuo, Yangdi and Xingping. The exact departure station and schedule should be confirmed on the day. of departure

The journey usually takes around two to two and a half hours.

Option 4: Bamboo Raft from Yangdi to Xingping

If you want to combine transport and sightseeing, you can travel from Yangdi Pier to Xingping by bamboo raft.

This option is ideal for:

Travellers who enjoy water scenery
Photographers
Visitors who want a slower river experience
People are already planning a Yangdi itinerary

Rafting services may be suspended due to heavy rain, rising water levels, or safety controls. Check official river notices before travelling.

3. Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces

Longji is in the mountains north of Guilin, in a different direction from Yangshuo and Xingping. It is a large region rather than a single attraction.

The main areas include:

Ping’an Rice Terraces
Jinkeng Dazhai
Ancient Zhuang Village
Xiaozhai Rice Terraces

When booking transport or accommodation, do not simply write “Longji.” Confirm the exact village or scenic area.

Option 1: Tourist Shuttle

Tourist shuttles and scenic-area transfers are the easiest choice for many first-time visitors.

A typical route is:

Guilin city → Longji ticket area → Specific village or scenic area

The journey usually takes around 2.5–4 hours. Plan approximately RMB 80–150, or $11–21, for a one-way shuttle, depending on the route and operator.

Before booking, confirm:

Whether the vehicle stops at the entrance or the village
Whether a scenic-area shuttle is included
Whether the ticket is included
Whether you must carry your luggage uphill
Whether the service reaches Ping’an or Jinkeng

Option 2: Public Transport

Budget travellers can first travel to Longsheng County or Longji Town, then switch to a local vehicle for the specific terrace area.

The general route is:

Guilin → Longsheng or Longji Town → Scenic-area transfer → Village accommodation

This option is cheaper but requires more transfers and more preparation.

It suits experienced backpackers and travellers with light luggage. For first-time visitors who do not speak Chinese, private transfers are usually less stressful.

Option 3: Private Car

A private car is one of the most convenient options, especially for two to four travellers.

Round-trip private car from the city: approximately RMB 600–1,200 per vehicle
Approximately $86–171

The price depends on:

Vehicle type
One-way or round trip
Waiting time
Ping’an or Jinkeng
Delivery to the guesthouse
Weekend and holiday demand

Confirm whether the car can enter the scenic area or only reach the main entrance.

Option 4: Yangshuo Directly to Longji

Direct travel from Yangshuo to Longji is possible, but the two areas are in different directions. Public transport is usually less convenient than travelling from Guilin.

Options include:

A direct tourist shuttle to Jinkeng Dazhai
Private car
Returning to Guilin before continuing north
Transferring through Longsheng County

Plan at least 3.5–5 hours, or longer depending on the route.

Should You Return to Guilin Before Going to Longji?

There are two practical options.

Option A: River and Yangshuo First, Longji Later

Guilin → Yangshuo → Xingping → Guilin → Longji

Advantages:

Easy to understand
Suitable for first-time visitors
Easier luggage and hotel planning
Longji becomes a separate mountain trip

The main disadvantage is the longer transfer between the river area and the mountains.

Option B: Yangshuo Directly to Longji

Guilin → Yangshuo → Longji → Guilin

This can save one return trip if you have booked a direct transfer. However, services may be limited, and travel time is longer.

For first-time visitors, I usually prefer the first option unless a reliable direct transfer has already been booked.

Suggested Routes by Trip Length

Three days

Choose:

Guilin city → Li River cruise → Yangshuo

Or:

Guilin → Yangshuo Railway Station → Xingping → Yangshuo town

Do not add Longji to a three-day trip.

Five days

A possible route is:

Day 1: Guilin city
Day 2: Li River cruise to Yangshuo
Day 3: Yangshuo and the Yulong River
Day 4: Yangshuo or Xingping
Day 5: Return to Guilin or continue to Longji

If you include Longji, reduce the number of activities in Yangshuo.

Seven days

A deeper route could be:

One night in the city
Two nights in Yangshuo
One night in Xingping
Two nights in Longji

The route becomes:

Guilin → Li River → Yangshuo → Xingping → Guilin → Longji

Common Transport Mistakes

Assuming Yangshuo Station is in the town centre

It is near Xingping, not West Street. Plan the final transfer before buying the train ticket.

Treating Longji as one entrance

Ping’an, Jinkeng and Ancient Zhuang Village require different transport arrangements.

Forgetting the pier transfer

Li River cruises usually depart from piers outside the city centre.

Confusing Guilin’s railway stations

Guilin Railway Station, Guilin North and Guilin West are different locations.

Ignoring weather restrictions

Heavy rain and rising water can affect cruises, bamboo rafting and local transfers. Check the official scenic-area notices before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the fastest way to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo?

The high-speed train is usually the fastest, with a journey of around 20–40 minutes. You still need another transfer from Yangshuo Railway Station to the town centre.

What is the most scenic way to reach Yangshuo?

The Li River cruise is the best choice for scenery. The high-speed train is better for speed and luggage.

Which train station should I use for Xingping?

Buy a ticket to Yangshuo Railway Station. The station is near Xingping, and you can continue on a shuttle to the old town or the pier.

How long does it take to get from Yangshuo to Xingping?

The local bus usually takes around 40–60 minutes. Check the latest timetable before leaving.

Can I visit Longji as a day trip?

Yes, but it will be a long day. Staying overnight is much better for sunrise, sunset and village life.

Can I travel directly from Yangshuo to Longji?

Yes, through a direct shuttle or private car, but public transport is more complicated. A pre-booked transfer is recommended for visitors with large luggage.

Should I choose Ping’an or Jinkeng?

Ping’an is suitable for classic viewpoints and established walking routes. Jinkeng is larger and offers a wider range of viewpoints and accommodation options. Choose according to your fitness level, season and transport plan.

Final Thoughts

The best way to travel from Guilin to Yangshuo, Xingping and Longji depends on your priorities:

Choose the cruise for scenery
Choose the train for speed
Choose the bus for a lower budget
Choose a private car for luggage and flexibility
Choose a tourist shuttle for a simpler trip to the mountains

As a Chinese person, I would recommend this route for a first visit:

Guilin city → Li River cruise → Yangshuo → Xingping → Guilin → Longji Rice Terraces.

It moves naturally from the river to the countryside and then into the mountains, giving international visitors a fuller experience of southern China.