How to Get to Guilin from Other Chinese Cities

What Is the Best Way to Reach Guilin?

Most international visitors arrive by either:

1. High-speed train
2. Domestic flight

High-speed rail is usually the most convenient option from Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong and Nanning. Flying is generally more efficient from Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu or Kunming.

China Railway 12306 provides official train searches, ticket booking, refund and change services, and timetable information. Foreign passengers can use a valid passport that meets the relevant requirements, although identity verification may be required before the first journey. Bring the same passport used for the booking.

Travel Comparison by Departure City

The times and fares below are general planning estimates, not fixed quotations for a specific travel date.

Airfares change significantly. Booking early and avoiding public holidays usually gives you more affordable options.

From Guangzhou

Guangzhou is one of the easiest starting points.

Take a high-speed train from Guangzhou South.

The journey usually takes around two to two and a half hours. Second-class tickets can often be booked at around RMB 186–250, or $27–36.

Advantages include:

• City-centre access to the railway station
• No long airport check-in process
• Flexible luggage arrangements
• Frequent departures
• Easy connections to the city or Yangshuo

When booking a hotel, decide whether you want to arrive at Guilin Railway Station, Guilin North or Guilin West. The correct choice depends on your accommodation and itinerary.

From Shenzhen

High-speed rail is also usually the best choice.

From Shenzhen North Railway Station

The journey generally takes three to four hours. Plan around RMB 240–350, or $34–50, for a second-class ticket.

When searching, compare:

• Shenzhen North to Guilin North
• Shenzhen North to Guilin West
• Shenzhen North to Yangshuo

Some trains from southern China stop at Yangshuo Railway Station. However, Yangshuo Railway Station is not the same as West Street or the town centre. You will still need a local transfer after arrival.

Is flying from Shenzhen worth it?

Usually not. Even if the flight itself is short, you must account for airport transport, check-in, security, baggage collection, and the transfer after landing.

Unless you find a particularly good fare, high-speed rail is normally simpler.

From Hong Kong

Travellers from Hong Kong can use the high-speed railway from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.

Hong Kong West Kowloon to the region

Direct high-speed services generally arrive at Guilin West Railway Station and take around 3 to 3.5 hours. Check the Hong Kong MTR high-speed rail platform or 12306 for the exact train and fare.

A second-class ticket can be budgeted at around RMB 450–600, or $64–86.

Remember to:

• Bring the passport used for the booking
• Allow extra time for border and security procedures
• Confirm that the arrival station is Guilin West
• Arrange the transfer to your hotel
• Avoid connecting immediately to a river cruise

From Nanning

Nanning is another useful gateway, especially for travellers already exploring Guangxi.

Take high-speed rail or an intercity train.

The trip usually takes about two and a half to three and a half hours. Plan around RMB 150–250, or $21–36.

This route is useful for visitors who want to combine:

• Nanning
• Beihai
• Guilin
• Yangshuo

A possible regional itinerary is:

Nanning → Guilin → Yangshuo

or:

Nanning → Yangshuo → Guilin

Choose the order based on your hotel bookings and departure plans.

From Shanghai

Flying is usually faster from Shanghai.

Take a domestic flight.

The flight generally takes about two and a half to three hours, excluding airport transfers and check-in.

Approximate one-way airfare planning:

• Early booking or low season: RMB 500–900, about $71–129
• Normal travel periods: RMB 900–1,500, about $129–214
• Holidays or last-minute booking: potentially more

The local airport publishes current flight plan information for routes to and from major Chinese cities.

Take the train

High-speed rail generally takes about seven to nine hours. Second-class tickets can be booked at approximately RMB 600–800, or $86–114.

Choose the train if you enjoy long-distance rail travel or want to see more of inland China. For a short holiday, flying is usually more efficient.

From Beijing

Flying is usually the most practical option.

Take a flight

The flight normally takes around three hours. When planning your trip, remember that Beijing has more than one airport. Check whether your flight leaves from Beijing Capital International Airport or Beijing Daxing International Airport.

Approximate air-ticket planning:

• Low season or early booking: RMB 600–1,000, about $86–143
• Normal periods: RMB 1,000–1,800, about $143–257
• Public holidays: potentially more

Take the train

High-speed rail usually takes about 9 to 11 hours. Second-class tickets can be planned at about RMB 800–1,000, or $114–143.

This can work if the railway journey is part of your travel experience, but it is not usually the most time-efficient route.

From Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an and Kunming

These cities generally have flight connections, while some also offer high-speed rail options.

From Chengdu

• Flight: approximately 1.5–2 hours
• Train: usually longer
• Airfare planning: RMB 400–1,500, or $57–214

From Chongqing

• Flight: approximately 1.5 hours
• Train: around 3–5 hours, depending on the service
• Airfare planning: RMB 300–1,200, or $43–171

From Xi’an

• Flight: approximately 2 hours
• Train: around 7–9 hours
• Airfare planning: RMB 500–1,500, or $71–214

From Kunming

• Flight: approximately 2 hours
• Train: around 5–7 hours
• Airfare planning: RMB 500–1,500, or $71–214

Travellers combining Yunnan, Guizhou, Sichuan, and Guangxi should compare prices and the order of routes.

Which Railway Station Should You Choose?

Do not search only for “Guilin.” Confirm the exact station shown on your ticket.

Guilin Railway Station

This station is closer to the city centre and is convenient for:

• Elephant Trunk Hill
• Two Rivers and Four Lakes
• Central hotels
• Restaurants and city walks

Guilin North Railway Station

This is an important high-speed rail hub. It usually offers many intercity connections, but you may need a taxi, a ride-hailing car, or a bus to reach central hotels.

Guilin West Railway Station

Some high-speed services, including current Hong Kong services, use this station. It is farther from many central attractions, so plan the last part of your journey in advance.

Always check the exact train and stop on 12306 because schedules and station assignments can change.

From the Airport to the City

The main airport is Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL).

Common transport options include:

• Airport shuttle bus
• Taxi
• Ride-hailing car
• Pre-booked transfer

The airport’s official website lists information on city shuttle buses, intercity buses, taxis, and ride-hailing pickups.

For planning, allow approximately RMB 20–30 ($3–4) for an airport bus, and around 40–60 minutes to reach the city. Routes and fares may change, so check the airport information after booking your flight.

From the Airport Directly to Yangshuo

You may not need to enter the city first if Yangshuo is your first destination.

The official Li River scenic area website currently lists a customised passenger transport route between the airport and Yangshuo. Check the latest departure times, fares and booking instructions before travelling.

This direct option can save a transfer, especially if you are carrying luggage.

How Foreign Visitors Buy Train Tickets

Use the official China Railway 12306 website or app.

The basic process is:

1. Create an account
2. Add your passport information
3. Complete identity verification
4. Enter the departure and arrival stations
5. Select a date and train
6. Complete payment

Some users with foreign passports may need to complete verification at a station counter, especially on their first booking.

Important booking tips

• Enter your name exactly as shown on your passport
• Use the same passport on the travel date
• Check the exact departure and arrival stations
• Confirm whether a transfer is required
• Check whether the train stops at Yangshuo
• Arrive at the station 45–60 minutes before departure

Train or Plane?

From Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong

Choose high-speed rail in most cases. Railway stations are often more convenient than airports, and the overall journey is usually straightforward.

From Nanning

Choose high-speed rail or an intercity train.

From Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an

Compare flights first. Flying usually saves a significant amount of time.

From Chengdu, Chongqing and Kunming

Compare the actual price and total journey time on your chosen date.

Reaching Yangshuo and Longji After Arrival

From the city to Yangshuo

Common options include:

• High-speed train
• Coach
• Tourist shuttle
• Ride-hailing car
• Private transfer

With large luggage, a direct transfer is easier. Budget travellers can use coaches and public transport.

From the city to Longji

Common options include:

• Tourist shuttle
• Long-distance coach
• Private car
• Pre-booked transfer

The Longji mountain area requires additional time for mountain roads, scenic-area transfers and walking. Do not estimate the journey only from the map distance.

Travelling directly from Yangshuo to Longji is possible, but the two destinations lie in opposite directions. Returning through the city may be simpler for many visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take the train or fly from Guangzhou?

Take the high-speed train in most cases. The trip takes about two to two and a half hours and is usually easier door-to-door.

How long does the train from Shenzhen take?

Usually around three to four hours, depending on the departure station, arrival station and train.

Can I travel directly from Hong Kong?

Yes. Hong Kong West Kowloon has high-speed services to the area, generally arriving at Guilin West. Check the date-specific timetable before booking.

Which railway station is most convenient?

Guilin Railway Station is usually best for central hotels and city attractions. Guilin North is useful for many high-speed connections. Guilin West requires more attention to the final transfer.

Can I go directly from the airport to Yangshuo?

Yes. The official Li River website currently lists airport-to-Yangshuo passenger transport services, although times and fares may change.

Can foreigners buy train tickets through 12306?

Yes. A valid passport that meets the railway requirements can be used, but identity verification may be necessary.

How early should I book?

Popular routes, weekends and public holidays can sell out quickly. Search early and follow the current booking rules shown by 12306.

Can I go directly to Yangshuo after arriving?

Yes. From the airport, check the direct passenger service. From a railway station, use a coach, a ride-hailing car, or a local transfer.

Final Thoughts

Reaching Guilin from other Chinese cities is relatively straightforward once you match the route to your departure city:

• Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Hong Kong: high-speed rail
• Nanning: high-speed rail or intercity train
• Shanghai, Beijing and Xi’an: compare flights first
• Chengdu, Chongqing and Kunming: compare flights and trains

As a Chinese person, I suggest that first-time international visitors confirm three things before departure:

1. Whether to arrive in the city or go directly to Yangshuo
2. The exact railway station printed on the ticket
3. The final transfer from the airport or station to the hotel

Once these details are arranged, the rest of the journey is usually much easier.