How to Get from Guilin to Gudong Waterfall by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take the Guilin–Guanyan (Crown Cave) special bus from Guilin Bus Station and get off at Gudong Waterfall — the journey takes about 50 minutes and costs ¥15. Buses start departing from Guilin at around 07:30, and the last return from Crown Cave (the terminus) is around 18:30. A direct tourist shuttle also operates from Seven Star Park (¥15, ~40 min). Gudong Waterfall is about 25 km east of Guilin, on the same route as Crown Cave.

Gudong Waterfall (古东瀑布) is a multi-tier cascade about 25 km east of Guilin, famous as one of the few waterfalls in China that you can climb — wearing a safety helmet and straw sandals, visitors scramble up the chain-assisted falls through pools and rushing water. The scenic area also features the longest hanging bridge in Guangxi (200 m), a red maple forest, and forest trails. It is a popular summer day trip, easily combined with nearby Crown Cave (冠岩).

Compare Your Options

Option 1: Guilin–Guanyan Special Bus (Recommended)

Step-by-step

1. Go to Guilin Bus Station (桂林汽车总站). The special bus to Crown Cave (Guanyan, 冠岩) departs from the back/side entrance of the station. Look for the "桂林–冠岩" (Guilin–Guanyan) bus.

2. Buy your ticket on the bus or at the station. The fare to Gudong Waterfall is ¥15 per person. The first bus departs Guilin at approximately 07:30. Buses run regularly through the morning and early afternoon, typically every 30–60 minutes.

   [!TIP] Some sources list the fare as ¥20–25 for the full route to Crown Cave. The fare to Gudong (which is before Crown Cave on the same route) is ¥15. Confirm with the driver when boarding.

3. Get off at Gudong Waterfall Station (古东瀑布站). The bus stops at the entrance to the scenic area. The ride takes about 50 minutes.

4. Buy your entrance ticket at the gate: ¥55–60 per adult (as of 2026). Children under 1.4 m enter free.

5. Rent climbing gear if you plan to climb the waterfall:

   • Option A (¥10): Waterproof phone cover, shoe covers, helmet, and straw sandals
   • Option B (¥15): Locker, raincoat, and towel

   [!WARNING] You will not be allowed to climb the waterfall without proper equipment. The climb involves holding chains and stepping in carved footholds through rushing water. It is fun but physically active — not recommended for very young children, elderly travelers, or anyone with mobility issues.

Return

• The last bus from Crown Cave (the terminus, beyond Gudong) back to Guilin departs at approximately 18:30.
• Flag down the bus on the main road at Gudong Waterfall — it passes on its return route.
• If you miss the last bus, a taxi back to Guilin costs ¥80–100. Have DiDi installed as a backup.

Option 2: Tourist Shuttle from Seven Star Park

A special tourist bus to Gudong Waterfall departs from in front of Seven Star Park (七星公园) in Guilin:

• Fare: ¥15
• Duration: about 40 minutes
• Schedule: Limited departures, typically in the morning. Confirm the schedule at your hotel or at the park entrance.

This option is convenient if you are already visiting Seven Star Park, but the Guilin–Guanyan bus from the main bus station has more frequent departures.

Option 3: Bus via Daxu (Budget Route)

If you want the cheapest option or are combining Daxu Ancient Town with Gudong:

1. Take Lingchuan Bus 306 from Guilin to Daxu Town (¥3, ~1.5 hrs, every 10–15 min).
2. From Daxu, take the Daxu–Caoping bus (大圩-草坪线) toward Caoping/Crown Cave direction and get off at the Gudong intersection (古东路口).
3. From the intersection, it is about 1–2 km to the waterfall entrance — take a motorcycle taxi (摩的, ~¥5–10) or walk.

This route is cheaper but takes significantly longer and requires multiple transfers. It is best for travelers who want to visit Daxu first and then continue to Gudong.

Combining Gudong with Crown Cave

Gudong Waterfall and Crown Cave are on the same road, about 20 minutes apart by bus:

• Recommended order: Crown Cave in the morning (the cave is cooler and best visited before midday heat) → Gudong Waterfall in the afternoon (the waterfall climb is refreshing in the heat).
• Bus between the two: Take the same Guilin–Guanyan bus or a local taxi between the two attractions (~¥20–30, 20 min).
• Crown Cave entrance fee: ¥60 (sightseeing rail car extra, ¥40).

How to Get Back

• The Guilin–Guanyan return bus passes Gudong at approximately 30–60 minutes after the last Crown Cave departure at 18:30. Wait at the main road and flag it down.
• If you finish earlier, buses pass throughout the afternoon. Ask the ticket booth staff for the expected next bus time.
• A taxi or DiDi from Gudong to Guilin costs about ¥80–100 and takes 30 minutes.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally. Confirm the last return bus time at the Gudong ticket booth when you arrive, and do not rely on a single bus. Have DiDi or a taxi phone number as backup.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing the last bus back. The last return bus from Crown Cave is around 18:30. If you are at Gudong, the bus passes a bit later — but do not cut it close. Start waiting by the road by 17:30–18:00.

2. Not bringing a change of clothes. If you climb the waterfall, you will get wet. Bring a full change of clothes, a towel, and a plastic bag for wet items. The ¥15 gear package includes a towel but not spare clothes.

3. Wearing inappropriate footwear for the climb. The scenic area requires straw sandals (provided in the gear package) for the waterfall climb. Do not attempt it in flip-flops or sneakers — the rocks are slippery.

4. Confusing Gudong with other waterfalls. Gudong is east of Guilin, near Crown Cave and Daxu. It is not near the Longji Rice Terraces or Yangshuo.

5. Forgetting cash for the bus. The special bus may not accept foreign bank cards. Carry ¥20–30 in cash for bus fare and small purchases.

Before You Go

• Entrance fee: ¥55–60 per adult; children under 1.4 m free.
• Opening hours: 08:30–17:00 (last entry around 16:30).
• Best time to visit: Summer (June–August) for the full waterfall climbing experience; late November for the red maple forest. Avoid visiting right after heavy rain, when water levels may make climbing unsafe.
• What to bring: Swimsuit or quick-dry clothes, a full change of clothes, towel, sunscreen, water, snacks, waterproof phone case, and cash.
• Recommended visit duration: 2–3 hours; half a day if combining with Crown Cave.

Related Guides

• Guilin Travel Guide — full city guide with attractions and food
• How to Get from Guilin to Daxu Ancient Town by Public Transport — combine Daxu with Gudong
• How to Get from Guilin to Yangshuo by Public Transport — the classic Guilin day trip

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Need help arranging a Gudong + Crown Cave day trip with a private driver, or planning a multi-day Guilin itinerary? Our local team can help. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.

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Bus fares and schedules are based on TravelChinaGuide (updated August 2025), ptotour.com, and Trip.com traveler reviews (2026). Entrance fees are based on official Gudong Waterfall scenic area pricing. Schedules may change — verify at the bus station or scenic area ticket booth before travel.

Last verified: August 2026