How to Get to and Around Yangshuo

There is a saying in China that goes "Guilin's landscape is the best in the world, and Yangshuo's landscape is the best in Guilin." Not only has Yangshuo become popular due to its stunning views on streaming media, but Yangshuo has also been a famous destination and a must-see for ages.

To get to Yangshuo, the most common choice is to arrive in Guilin City for a transfer. Besides taking a Li River Cruise, you could opt for a direct train to the Yangshuo Railway Station from other cities, such as Guangzhou and Hong Kong, to save some trouble. However, the train routes and frequency are limited.

As for travel around Yangshuo, popular choices are taxis, bikes, and electric scooters. For active visitors, walking around after a feast is quite lovely thanks to the amazing scenery.

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• How to Get to Yangshuo
• How to Get Around Yangshuo

How to Get to Yangshuo

Yangshuo County is 70 km (45 miles) from Guilin City. Due to the convenience of transportation, people tend to arrive in Guilin first and then go to Yangshuo by river cruises, trains, coaches, and cars.

For the Guilin transportation guide, read on How to Get to and Around Guilin.

By Li River Cruise

The Lunch Buffet of the 4-Star Li River Cruise

This is our most recommended way to travel to Yangshuo.

Compared to other ways to reach Yangshuo, cruising the Li River is relaxing and joyful with stunning karst scenery. Appreciate the crystal-clear water and bamboo-lined banks of the Li River, while karst peaks are receding slowly.

Normally, we would arrange a 4-star cruise for our clients, which has newer decoration, fewer passengers, and larger spaces compared to the 3-star ones.

You would get the chance to taste authentic flavors during the lunch buffet. Try some fresh-fried tiny crabs and shrimps, or savor steamed Li River fish. Feel free to take some photos and breathe in fresh air on the deck. Time flies before you notice you are already arriving at Yangshuo County.

For a luxurious journey, you could opt for a 5-star Li River Cruise to enjoy yourself. The 5-star cruise is limited to 40 passengers in addition to the crew (a 4-star cruise is limited to 80 passengers), with more spacious and comfortable seats and more abundant lunch dishes. However, since the voyage time is the same as other cruises, this may be a relatively low cost-effective choice.

By Train

Yangshuo Railway Station is located 6 km (4 miles) east of Xingping Town, which could be the best long-distance travel option to reach Yangshuo from nearby cities, such as Guangzhou, Guiyang, and Hong Kong.

Yangshuo County is approximately an hour away from Yangshuo Railway Station by coach, and it takes about 30 minutes by taxi. It needs to be noted that traffic could be jammed during holidays and weekends, leading to an hour or more being stuck on the road.

For a smooth journey, we suggest taking a Li River cruise from Guilin to reach Yangshuo during holidays and weekends, to enjoy the view along the way instead of packed like sardines.

By Coach or Shuttle

If you arrive in Guilin by air and are thinking about going straight to Yangshuo, take the Long-distance Line 2 from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport to Yangshuo Coach Station. Shuttles normally depart every 2 hours from about 10 am to 6 pm. You can check the timetable at the airport and book your seat by then.

Traveling from Guilin City, there are three coach stations to choose from, and Guilin South Coach Station(桂林客运南站) is the most recommended among them. It boasts the top frequency and cheapest price, offering coaches departing every 25 minutes between 7 am and 6 pm, and making up a 2-hour journey for about 3 USD/pp.

After you arrive at Yangshuo Coach Station, you would need an extra 30 minutes walk to West Street, or you could catch a taxi for 10 minutes.

By Taxi

It is possible to take a taxi to Yangshuo County from Guilin City, but not recommended.

Taxis cost approximately 40 USD in total, and the rates may be 30% higher or more at night or during public holidays. Due to the language barrier, you will need to tell the driver exactly where you need to arrive in Chinese, and get a hand from your hotel staff in Yangshuo to confirm your destination.

How to Get Around Yangshuo

Yangshuo is best explored at your own pace, and the outdoor, laid-back vibe of the town makes biking or riding a scooter one of the most enjoyable ways to get around. The roads are narrow, the views are spread out across the countryside, and many scenic spots are not accessible by public transportation.

Guesthouses and hotels rent bicycles from about 2 to 10 USD per day, and the deposit is from 30 to 75 USD, depending on the travel season. To save some strength, electric scooters are also recommended, which can be rented for about 15 USD per day.

To cover longer distances, public buses and minibuses are available, but they tend to be slow and infrequent, with fixed stops that may not be convenient.

Taxis, on the other hand, are not always reliable. Many drivers don't use meters and may overcharge tourists. If you do need to take a taxi, be sure to negotiate the price upfront.

For a smooth and hassle-free journey, you can travel with us at China Highlights. We have been based in Guilin for decades, and you can expect a top-notch, personalized private tour with us. Check out our 5-Day Ancient and Scenic Guilin tour, or contact your travel consultant to customize a private tour that suits all your needs.