Guilin Travel Forum

Any suggestions and information would be appreciated-
Considering the railroad vs the bus. Anyone know the bus fare, bus station and experience taking the bus there? Will also travel to Yangshuo-- and suggestions how to get there would be greatly appreciated. Also plan to take a day trip(s) from either Yangshuo and Guilin--any ideas? THANKS!

THANKS VERY MUCH! It will be very heplful to know the name of the Bus station-

Hi!

I LOVE Guilin and Yangshuo!

I flew from Guangzhou to Guilin (But it was more than 20 years ago).

And last February I visited Guilin again.

>Will also travel to Yangshuo-- and suggestions how to get there would be greatly appreciated.

I recommend you to get on a sight-seeing ship (Li River Cruise) from Guilin to Yangshuo.

We get on a sight-seeing ship at Guilin in the morning (around 9:00?).
We went down toward south.
On our way, we could see beautiful mountains!
And we could visit a limestone cave.
We ate lunch on the ship.
The ship will arrive at Yangshuo at about 15:00 or 16:00.

About Guilin, we went for a walk in central Guilin in the evening.
The river, trees, rocks, buildings are beautifully illuminated!

Have fun!!

Ayurin, Osaka Japan

You can take train from Guangzhou to Guilin. Hard Seat was 116 Yuan over night with K36, departure was 19:OO arrival very early in the morning.
From Guilin take a bus to Yangshuo for 5 or 10 Yuan(less than an hour). Busstation is on the right side out of the trainstation, quite convinient.

I very much doubt there is a bus service. Unless it's an overnight bus, which I absolutely do not recommend as it must be the worst form of transport known to man. Day buses are fine. Overnight sleeper buses are the absolute pits.

There are several trains a day, takes 12 hours give or take. Price for hard sleeper is about 220RMB. Hard sleeper is adequately comfortable even for an ageing heavyweight like myself. Soft sleeper didn't seem any softer, it's just a bit less public. You're still sharing with complete strangers. Make sure you get (and pay for) a lower berth - there's less headroom as you go up.

Alternatively you can fly. http://www.flychina.com/chinadom.htm
Price one-way is about 600RMB. Plus airport bus or whatever at either end.

Actually the bus station is to the left when you come out of the station. It's about 500 metres, not so convenient if you have luggage. The bus fare to Yangshuo is about 8 RMB, with a local service, or as much as 13 if you take the luxury bus. The boat trip to Yangshuo takes about 5 hours and costs about 300 RMB. You should be in Yangshuo on a Friday or Saturday night, when the big show is presented - cast of hundreds, including water buffalo and cormorants. Well worth seeing, but a little short. Cost around 180 RMB.

Also in the Yangshuo area is the village of Xing Ping, as featured on the 20 RMB note. Bill & Hilary have been there.

Another thing to do in Yangshuo is hire a bike and tour round. 10RMB a day. I can give you details of a charming local guide (f) who speaks good English, and who would take you wherever you want to go for 100RMB a day (negotiable).

You have to see the Moon Hill.

Oh, the 300 Yuan river cruise from Guilin is quite a tourist rip off. You pay a lot for a big ferry and bad food. Try the small wooden boats for maybe 6 persons from Xingping to Yangshuo. You miss no highlights because this is the best part and you only pay 60 Yuan, or less if I remember correct. To Xingping you get by bus for 5 Yuan from Yangshuo.

Yes I totally agree with John about cycling around Yangshuo - really great!

Another worthwhile trip in Yangshuo is to take a bamboo raft. There are two rivers in YS, this is the other one, although they both seem to be called Li, Li River, Lijiang River (jiang = river) etc. A bit pricey at 120 per person (or was that per boat?), but you can put your bike on too. Buy a water pistol from one of the kids. Squirt your friend. Or complete strangers.

Drifting down the peaceful river with a beautiful Chinese companion, in the morning sunlight with bamboo greenery either side, was the closest I think I'll ever get to heaven. Trip lasts about an hour, and ends at Friendship (Youyi) bridge.