Yangshuo, a picturesque town nestled in the stunning karst mountains of Guangxi Province, has become a popular destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures. During my recent trip to Yangshuo for the Dragon Boat Festival, I found that transportation information could be a bit confusing for newcomers. To help future visitors navigate the area more smoothly, I’ve put together this detailed guide on how to get to Yangshuo, how to get around, and how to reach the most popular attractions.
How to Get to Yangshuo
There are several ways to get to Yangshuo depending on where you’re coming from. Here’s a breakdown of the most common transportation options.
1. From Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Yangshuo
The most straightforward way to travel from Guilin Liangjiang Airport to Yangshuo is by airport shuttle bus. After you exit the airport, you’ll find the bus counter right by the exit. You can purchase your tickets using your ID card, and the fare is ¥60 per person. The journey takes about 90 minutes, and the shuttle will take you directly to the Yangshuo Bus Station, the main transportation hub in the town.
If you need to return to the airport, you can also catch the airport shuttle bus from the Yangshuo Bus Station.
2. By High-Speed Train
If you’re coming from another city by high-speed train, the best option is to get off at Guilin Railway Station and then transfer to a bus that will take you to Yangshuo. After exiting the train station, turn left to find the Yangshuo special bus ticket counter. There are buses to the main transport hubs: one heading to the West Street area and another heading to Xingping Ancient Town.
Note that Yangshuo has two main bus stations: the High-Speed Railway Station Special Bus Station and the Yangshuo Bus Station. If you’re traveling directly to the Yangshuo High-Speed Railway Station, head to the Fengming Transport Center for your bus. For other routes, you’ll depart from the Yangshuo Bus Station.
How to Get Around Yangshuo
Once you’re in Yangshuo, there are several convenient transportation options to explore the town and nearby attractions.
1. How to Get to the 10-Mile Gallery (十里画廊)
One of the top tourist attractions in Yangshuo is the 10-Mile Gallery, a stretch of road lined with some of the area’s most iconic karst formations. You can easily rent an electric bike to get there, which only takes about a few minutes. Prices vary by rental shop, so it’s a good idea to compare rates at different places before deciding. In the town center, you won’t find rentals for three-person electric bikes, but they are available within the 10-Mile Gallery area.
2. How to Get to Guilin’s “Impression Liu Sanjie” and “Thousand Years of Guilin” Shows
These two famous shows are located along the same road as the 10-Mile Gallery. You can reach them easily by electric bike from the gallery, so there’s no need to book a taxi. For “Impression Liu Sanjie,” the venue is near West Street, and again, an electric bike will get you there quickly.
3. How to Get to Xingping Ancient Town
Xingping Ancient Town is another must-visit destination, known for its historical charm and the stunning view of the karst mountains from the Li River. To get there from Yangshuo, head to the Yangshuo Bus Station and purchase a ticket at the ticket hall. The station is quite basic, just a simple metal building, but it’s easy to find. Buses depart every 15 minutes, and the fare is ¥15 per person. The journey takes about 40 minutes, and you can also buy tickets in advance through the “Guilin Junda Bus (桂林骏达客运)” WeChat account.
4. How to Get to Guilin City from Yangshuo
If you’re looking to head to Guilin City from Yangshuo, the easiest way is to take a bus from the Yangshuo Bus Station. Avoid the hustle of waiting for a large bus that only departs when full, and instead go directly to the ticket hall. Ask for a ticket to Guilin North Station, and you’ll be given a ride ticket for a minibus. These minibuses leave on time (not when full), with departures every 15 minutes, and the fare is ¥40 per person. Once at Guilin North Station, you can catch a taxi or local transport to your desired area within the city.
Alternatively, you can use the “Guilin Junda Bus (桂林骏达客运)” WeChat account to buy your ticket and choose a departure point that’s more convenient for you, avoiding the need to go to the bus station. Be aware that the final stop is Guilin North Station, so if you need to go to another part of the city, let the driver know, and they will drop you off at your destination.