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Guilin to Yangshuo by High-Speed Train

Published 2026-10-24 · Updated 2026-10-24 · Transport

Written by China On Arrival Editorial Desk · Research basis: Editor research, fact-checked

TL;DR

A: The train is the local way to do the Li River hop: ~13 departures a day (07:50-20:40) cover the 48 km from Guilin's stations to Yangshuo in 20-25 minutes for ¥26-34 second class. The ticket is the cheap half — budget for the 20-30 minute shuttle from Yangshuo station into town.

What’s the short answer?

A dozen-plus G and D trains a day run the 48 km from Guilin’s stations to Yangshuo station in 20-25 minutes, second class ¥26-34. Note what the train does and doesn’t do: Yangshuo station sits ~20-30 minutes’ shuttle ride from the town and the river scenery — the transfer, not the ticket, is the real cost of this hop. The classic alternatives remain the Li River cruise (4-5 hours, the scenery IS the journey) and buses; the train wins on speed and price.

Route facts (checked October 2026)

Distance48 km
Fastest~20 min (G) · typical 22-25 min
Frequency~13/day, 07:50-20:40
Second class¥26-34 · First ¥41-54
From Guilin North (桂林北)most departures, 22-25 min
From Guilin West (桂林西)20-24 min
From Guilin city station (桂林)5-6/day, 35-50 min, ¥33-40

Which station in Guilin?

Most travelers want Guilin North (桂林北) — the majority of Yangshuo departures and the fastest times. Guilin West works too; the central Guilin station has only a handful of slower services. If you’re coming from Guilin airport (KWL) rather than town, compare our KWL arrival guide — direct airport-to-Yangshuo buses exist and can beat going through the city.

Check Guilin → Yangshuo times & seats →

At the other end

Yangshuo station is in the countryside — every arrival connects with shuttles and minibuses into town (20-30 min, a few tens of yuan). Base yourself with where to stay in Yangshuo, plan the karst days with the Guilin 5-day itinerary, or start earlier with Guilin arrival and neighborhoods.

How do you book?

12306 app (zero fees) or Trip.com — same passport e-ticket either way (full comparison). This is a commuter-frequency hop: buying same-day is usually fine outside holidays. Refund and change rules in the refund fees answer.

Sources

The Guilin city guide covers the full five-day route, stay areas and arrival.

Sources