How to get to Guilin

Guilin is one of the most picturesque corners of China, famous worldwide for its fantastic karst hills and river landscapes. If you are planning to visit Guilin, it is useful to know that the transport infrastructure here is excellently developed. When deciding how to get to Guilin, travellers can choose between comfortable flights, high-speed trains, buses, or travelling by car.

The fastest and most convenient way to find yourself surrounded by the famous karst mountains is to arrive by plane. The city is served by its own facility, Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), located approximately 30 kilometres west of the centre. It is a modern and spacious transport hub, ensuring a comfortable arrival for tourists.

Direct flights connect Guilin with the majority of major metropolises in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Guangzhou. Flights are also operated from Hong Kong and a number of international destinations (predominantly from Asian countries), making it easy to include this picturesque region in any travel itinerary.

Getting from the airport to the city is effortless. Travellers can use taxis, which await passengers at the terminal exit, or take the official shuttle bus. Shuttles run regularly and transport tourists to the Civil Aviation Administration building in the city centre; the journey usually takes from 40 minutes to an hour.

Rail transport is one of the most convenient and popular ways to reach this scenic region. Guilin is a vital transport hub and is excellently connected by a railway network to most major metropolises in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Thanks to infrastructure development, modern high-speed trains arrive here regularly, turning a long journey into a comfortable trip.

Several railway stations operate in the city, so tourists should carefully check the arrival point on their ticket. The main flow of high-speed trains is handled by Guilin North Station (Guilin North) and Guilin West Station (Guilin West). They are located at some distance from the centre, but you can get to your hotel by taxi or public transport. The historic central station also continues to operate, serving a portion of the routes.

Travelling by train, especially high-speed, allows you not only to save time but also to enjoy the views. As you approach your destination, the famous karst peaks and green valleys begin to flash past the window, setting the mood even before you step onto the platform. Direct connections with Hong Kong and Guangzhou make this option particularly attractive for those travelling through the south of the country.

Bus services in this region are excellently developed, and modern expressways allow you to reach the famous karst hills with comfort and without unnecessary expense. One of the most popular routes is the trip from neighbouring Liuzhou: a comfortable bus covers the distance of 160 kilometres in just 2–2.5 hours. For travellers heading from the direction of Hunan province, it is convenient to take a service from Yongzhou, from where the 200-kilometre journey takes approximately 3 hours.

There are also regular services from the city of Wugang, located 180 kilometres away; the travel time in this case will be about 3.5–4 hours. Travelling by bus is not only a budget-friendly way to move around but also a chance to see the non-tourist life of the country, watching the changing landscapes from the window. Most intercity buses arrive at the main Qintan Passenger Terminal, from where it is easy to reach your hotel by taxi or urban transport.

Travelling by car opens up excellent opportunities to explore the picturesque landscapes of southern China at your own rhythm. The fastest route runs from industrial Liuzhou: the distance of 160 kilometres along the expressway can be covered in just two hours. The road from Yongzhou takes about three hours, covering a path of 200 kilometres, while the trip from the city of Wugang (about 240 kilometres) will require approximately 3.5–4 hours of time.

For tourists who do not hold local driving licences, the optimal solution is to book a private transfer or an intercity taxi. This is not the most budget-friendly option, but it ensures a high level of comfort and the opportunity to make stops at viewing platforms along the way. It is best to agree on the cost of the trip with taxi drivers in advance or use official aggregator apps so that the price is fixed and transparent.

To ensure your trip to Guilin brings only positive emotions, it is worth preparing in advance for the local lifestyle and climate. Below are proven recommendations that will help you easily navigate the city and avoid common tourist mistakes.

1. Clothing and Items: The climate here is humid subtropical, and rain can fall suddenly at almost any time of the year. Be sure to bring a compact raincoat and comfortable waterproof shoes with non-slip soles, as exploring karst caves and hills often involves walking on damp steps.
2. Transport: To move around the city, it is most convenient to use taxis via apps (such as those built into Alipay), as drivers rarely speak English. Always have a hotel card or the name of the desired attraction written in Chinese characters to simply show it to the driver or passers-by.
3. Finances: International Visa and Mastercard cards are rarely accepted, mostly only in five-star hotels. The main method of payment is mobile payments via QR codes or cash. We recommend setting up the tourist version of Alipay on your smartphone in advance or always carrying a sufficient supply of cash Yuan.
4. Health and Safety: Guilin is a safe city, but due to the proximity of water and the warm climate, there are many mosquitoes. Be sure to use repellents during walks in nature. Drinking tap water is strongly discouraged — buy bottled water in shops.
5. Communication: English is poorly understood here, even in tourist zones. Your main assistant will be a translation app with offline capability and a photo translation function — this is an indispensable tool for reading menus and signs.
6. Local Etiquette: In China, it is not customary to leave tips in restaurants and taxis; this may even embarrass the staff. However, a small reward for a private guide or driver on an excursion is considered normal. Be prepared for the fact that the concept of personal space here differs from the Western one, especially in queues.
7. What to Avoid: Beware of intrusive "helpers" and unofficial taxi drivers near train stations and popular parks. Also, be careful when invited to a "tea ceremony" by strangers: clarify the cost of the tea in advance to avoid an astronomical bill at the end.
8. Extra Tip: Prepare a 20 Yuan banknote. The famous landscape depicted on its reverse side is located precisely in the vicinity of Guilin (in the village of Xingping). Taking a photo by aligning the banknote with the real view of the mountains and the Li River is a popular ritual for every traveller.

By following these simple tips, you can focus on the main thing — contemplating the unique landscapes and immersing yourself in the atmosphere of southern China without domestic hassles. Guilin is a hospitable place that will reveal its best side to you with the right preparation.