How to Get from Guilin to Xingping by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take a high-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo Station (阳朔站, 24–40 min, ¥21–34), then the ¥5 shuttle bus to Xingping Ancient Town (15–20 min). Yangshuo Station is actually located in Xingping, making the train the fastest and most direct way to reach Xingping. Total travel time from central Guilin is about 1–1.5 hours depending on your starting station. The shuttle bus runs roughly 07:00–19:30.

Xingping (兴坪) is a 1,700-year-old fishing town on the Li River, about 60 km southeast of Guilin. It sits at the heart of the most dramatic karst scenery — the view from the riverbank north of town is printed on the back of the 20-yuan banknote. Yangshuo Railway Station is only 6 km east of Xingping, making it surprisingly easy to reach.

Compare Your Options

Option 1: High-Speed Train + Shuttle (Recommended)

Step-by-step

1. Board a high-speed train from Guilin to Yangshuo Station (阳朔站). Despite the name, this station is located in Xingping Town, about 6 km east of Xingping Ancient Town — not in Yangshuo town (which is 22 km farther south). This makes it the perfect station for Xingping.

   Departure Station	Daily trains	Duration	2nd Class Fare
   Guilin West (桂林西)	~14	24–37 min	¥29–34
   Guilin North (桂林北)	~9	24–32 min	¥21–34
   Guilin Station (桂林站)	~4	35–51 min	¥28

   • Trains run from approximately 07:11 to 20:23 depending on the station.
   • Book through 12306 or Trip.com. Your passport is required for booking and boarding.

   [!TIP] Guilin West Station has the most frequent trains to Yangshuo Station, but it is farther from the city center (~12–15 km, 40–50 min by taxi). Guilin North is closer (~6.5 km, 20–30 min). If you are staying in central Guilin, factor in the time to reach your departure station.

2. Exit Yangshuo Station and turn left. Walk straight to the bus ticketing window near the station exit. Buy a ticket for the shuttle bus to Xingping (兴坪).

   • Fare: ¥5 per person
   • Duration: 15–20 minutes
   • Frequency: The shuttle meets arriving trains and runs roughly 07:00–19:30.
   • The bus drops you at Xingping Bus Station, a short walk from the old town and the Li River ferry dock.

3. Walk into Xingping Ancient Town. From the bus station, it is a 5–10 minute walk to the old riverside street. The famous 20-yuan banknote viewpoint is about a 15–20 minute walk north along the river from the town ferry dock.

[!IMPORTANT] If your train arrives after 19:30, the shuttle may have stopped running. A taxi from Yangshuo Station to Xingping town costs roughly ¥20–30. For late arrivals, DiDi or a taxi is your only realistic option.

Option 2: Direct Bus from Guilin

Some buses from Guilin to Yangshuo pass through or near Xingping:

• Buses from Guilin South Bus Station to Yangshuo take about 1.5–2 hours (¥25). Ask the driver if the bus goes via Xingping (兴坪) — some routes on the older road do, but highway express buses may not stop there.
• From Qintan Station, some buses are listed as going to "Xingping Town" directly. According to Ctrip bus listings, there are departures around 13:10 (¥40) — but schedules are limited and less reliable than the train option.
• If the bus only goes to Yangshuo town, you can catch a local Yangshuo–Xingping bus (¥8, 30 minutes) from Yangshuo Bus Station.

[!TIP] The bus is a backup option. The train + shuttle is faster, cheaper, and more reliable for reaching Xingping specifically.

Option 3: From Yangshuo Town to Xingping

If you are already in Yangshuo and want to visit Xingping as a side trip:

• Local bus: From Yangshuo Bus Station, buses to Xingping depart frequently (every 15–30 minutes), cost ¥8, and take about 30 minutes.
• Bamboo raft: You can hire a bamboo raft from Yangshuo to pole upstream toward Xingping — 3–4 hours through spectacular karst scenery. Prices vary; negotiate with the raft operator.
• Bicycle: The 25 km road from Yangshuo to Xingping follows the Li River and is a popular (but hilly) cycle route.

How to Get Back

• Shuttle to Yangshuo Station: The last High Speed Rail Bus Line from Xingping Bus Station departs at approximately 19:10. Do not miss it if you have a train to catch.
• Return trains: Trains from Yangshuo Station to Guilin run until approximately 22:20, with frequent departures in the afternoon and evening. Check 12306 for your specific date.
• Bus to Yangshuo town: Local buses from Xingping back to Yangshuo run until early evening. From Yangshuo, you can catch a bus back to Guilin.

[!IMPORTANT] Schedules may change — verify locally. Confirm the last shuttle time at Xingping Bus Station when you arrive, and check your return train on 12306.

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Confusing Yangshuo Station with Yangshuo town. This is the most common mistake. Yangshuo Station is in Xingping, not in Yangshuo town. For Xingping, this is actually an advantage — but if your hotel is in Yangshuo near West Street, you are still 22 km away.

2. Taking the wrong shuttle at Yangshuo Station. There are two shuttle buses from the station: one to Xingping (¥5, 15 min) and one to Yangshuo town/Fengming (¥20, 50–60 min). Make sure you board the Xingping bus.

3. Missing the last shuttle back to the station. The last Xingping-to-station bus departs around 19:10. If you are staying for sunset over the Li River, you may need a taxi to the station.

4. Going to Guilin West without checking travel time. Guilin West has the most trains but is 12–15 km from the city center. Allow 40–50 minutes by taxi, especially during rush hour.

5. Forgetting the 20-yuan note. Bring a 20-yuan banknote to hold up next to the actual view at the viewpoint — it is a classic photo opportunity.

Before You Go

• Best time to visit: Early morning (7–9 AM) for the best light on the karst peaks and fewer crowds; golden hour before sunset is also stunning.
• What to bring: A 20-yuan banknote for the photo, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, water, and cash (many small vendors do not accept cards).
• Tickets & Reservations: Xingping Ancient Town itself is free to enter. The Li River bamboo raft section (Yangdi–Xingping) requires a separate ticket. If you plan to combine with a Li River cruise, see our Li River ticket guide.
• Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours for the old town and 20-yuan viewpoint; a full day if combining with a bamboo raft or hiking.

Related Guides

• Guilin Travel Guide — full city guide with attractions and food
• How to Get from Guilin to Yangshuo by Public Transport — the full Guilin–Yangshuo transport guide
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — how to book train tickets in China

Still Not Sure How to Get There?

Need help booking train tickets, arranging a Li River bamboo raft, or planning a Guilin–Xingping–Yangshuo itinerary? Our local team can help. Contact us or message us on WhatsApp.

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Train schedules and fares are based on China Railway 12306 data, gaotie.com.cn, and TravelChinaGuide (updated July–August 2026). Shuttle bus information is based on TravelChinaGuide and China Highlights station guides. Schedules may change — verify on 12306 or at the station before travel.

Last verified: August 2026