Yangshuo railway station is not in Yangshuo town: it stands near Xingping, about 25 to 34 km away, so every train journey ends with a transfer. Keep that in mind when you compare the options below.

By bus

Direct buses leave from Qintan bus station in Guilin and arrive in the town of Yangshuo. The journey takes about 1 hour 36 minutes and costs ¥30, with departures from early morning into the evening, every 20 to 30 minutes at busy times.

It is the simplest way to go from town to town, with no change: the bus drops you in Yangshuo itself, not at a station outside it.

By high-speed train

High-speed trains run from Guilin, Guilin North and Guilin West to Yangshuo station throughout the day. The ride takes 20 to 25 minutes from Guilin North or Guilin West, and 35 to 50 minutes from Guilin station, for around ¥26 to ¥40 in second class.

From Yangshuo station, a shuttle bus timed with the trains goes to the Fengming visitor centre in town, for about ¥20; allow 50 to 60 minutes. Door to door, the train is not faster than the bus, but it suits you if you are staying in Xingping, close to the station.

By Li River cruise

The cruise on the Li River is the scenic way to arrive: 4 to 5 hours on the water, from Mopanshan pier on a three-star boat (¥215 per adult in 2026) or from Zhujiang pier on a four-star boat (¥360). Boats leave in the morning and arrive at Longtoushan pier in Yangshuo.

Book it for the day you leave Guilin: it doubles as your transfer, and you see the river at the same time. Check the sailing time on your ticket the evening before. For the rest of your stay, see our guide to things to do in Yangshuo.

By taxi or car

By road, Yangshuo is about 65 km from Guilin, a drive of 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on the starting point and the traffic. Agree on the fare with the driver before you set off.

From Guilin airport

Guilin Liangjiang airport has direct coaches to Yangshuo, about 1 hour 30 minutes on the road, with 16 departures a day according to one 2026 guide. The fare is around ¥50 to ¥70, depending on whether the coach stops at Yangshuo bus station or at the West Street entrance: check the destination when you buy your ticket.

Practical information

  • Bus: from Qintan bus station, about 1 hour 36 minutes, ¥30.
  • Train: 20 to 50 minutes to Yangshuo station, ¥26 to ¥40, plus 50 to 60 minutes by shuttle (¥20) to town.
  • Cruise: 4 to 5 hours, ¥215 or ¥360.
  • Airport coach: about 1 hour 30 minutes, ¥50 to ¥70.
  • Distance: about 65 km by road.