Getting Around Yangshuo. Public Transport, Taxis, Car Rental

Public Transportation

Yangshuo relies mostly on local buses for movement between the main town and destinations further afield within the county. These buses are economical and deliver a glimpse into local life. Within Yangshuo town itself, walking and cycling are common ways to get around, notably in the central areas.

Local bus routes connect Yangshuo Bus Station to various attractions and towns. Important routes include buses to Moon Hill, the Ten-Mile Gallery, and Silver Cave. You also find buses to nearby towns like Xingping and Baisha. The Yangshuo Bus Station is the main hub for most inter-county routes.

Bus Details

Ticketing: Fares typically paid in cash upon boarding (¥1-¥5). Some routes accept WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Operating Hours: Generally from 6:00 AM/7:00 AM until 7:00 PM/9:00 PM. Frequency varies by route.
Accessibility: Public buses are generally not wheelchair accessible. Infrastructure for mobility challenges is limited.
Navigating: Baidu Maps (if you read Chinese) for real-time info. Hotel staff for accurate routes. Carry small change.

Local Buses

Connects town with attractions & villages.

Economical Fares

Cash payments (small notes) or mobile pay.

Yangshuo Bus Station

Main hub for inter-county routes.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Official taxis are typically green or blue and have meters.
Hailing is possible on the street or at designated stands.
Short rides within Yangshuo town cost ¥10-¥30. Ensure the driver uses the meter.

Ride-Sharing Apps

DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the dominant ride-sharing app; it works like Uber.
A Chinese phone number for registration and WeChat Pay/Alipay for payment are needed.
DiDi avoids language barriers for directions and fare negotiations, with GPS tracking.

Rental Options & Safety

Car Rental

Foreigners generally cannot self-drive without a Chinese driver's license. Rent a car with a driver for flexibility.

E-Scooters/Bikes

Very popular for exploring. Widely available for rent (¥50-¥100/day for e-scooters, ¥20-¥50/day for bicycles). Helmets are advised.

Road Conditions

Roads around Yangshuo town are good. Rural roads can be narrower. Traffic can be fast and dense; exercise caution.

Walking/Cycling

West Street is pedestrian-friendly. "Ten-Mile Gallery" has dedicated cycling paths. Helmets are suggested for e-scooter riders.

Walking & Cycling in Yangshuo

Walking and cycling give intimate ways to experience Yangshuo’s beauty and are highly recommended activities.

Pedestrian Areas

Yangshuo town center, notably West Street, is pedestrianized or has limited vehicle access.
Exploring the town's shops, restaurants, and riverside areas on foot is the best way to soak in the atmosphere.
Paths along the Li River offer pleasant strolls.
Self-guided walking tours are easy to arrange. Guesthouses often provide maps.

Cycling Infrastructure

Yangshuo features excellent infrastructure for cycling.
The "Ten-Mile Gallery" (Shi Li Hua Lang) is a highlight, offering dedicated cycling paths.
Paths wind through picturesque karst landscapes, small villages, and fruit orchards.
Helmets are not always mandatory for cyclists/e-scooter riders, but wearing one is strongly suggested for safety.

No-Go Areas & Safety

Avoid major highways or very busy roads outside designated cycling paths.
Traffic can be fast and dense on these roads.
Stick to smaller roads and dedicated routes for a safer and more enjoyable experience.

Bicycle rentals are ubiquitous in Yangshuo.
Numerous shops, notably on and around West Street, offer bikes for rent.
Tandem bikes are also available for couples or friends.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Organized tour buses transport visitors between major attractions outside town. Yangshuo does not operate a formal hop-on-hop-off service.

Bamboo Rafts

A main scenic transport mode on the Yulong River. They offer a tranquil, slow-paced journey, poled by local guides. A beloved activity.

Electric Carts

Electric golf carts are common for short distances, especially around tourist areas and piers.

Water-Based Transport

Yangshuo offers unique transportation methods that also function as attractions.

Li River Cruises

Operate between Guilin and Yangshuo.
Focus on sightseeing the iconic karst mountains from the water.
Boats depart from piers in Guilin (Zhujiang or Mopanshan) and arrive at Yangshuo Longtou Mountain Pier.
Upon arrival, you are a short walk or taxi ride from West Street.

Yulong River Rafting

These are a main scenic transportation mode for recreational purposes.
They offer a tranquil, slow-paced journey, poled by local guides.
A raft typically seats two people.
A beloved activity within Yangshuo's quiet countryside.

Accessibility & Planning

Mobility Challenges

Yangshuo’s natural terrain, lack of consistent sidewalks, and older infrastructure limit accessibility.

Many attractions involve uneven paths or steps.

Planning for Access

Some newer, larger hotels may offer better accessibility features. The region poses challenges for those with mobility impairments.

Plan activities carefully.

Private Transport

Consider hiring private transport with a driver if mobility is a concern. This provides flexibility and comfort.

Arrangements via hotels/tour operators.

General Local Transport Tips

Payment & Bargaining

Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are dominant; set these up prior to arrival.
Bargain politely for souvenirs in local markets; prices in shops and restaurants are fixed.
Carry small denominations of CNY for bus fares and small vendors.

Navigation & Safety

Utilize Baidu Maps for bus routes if you read Chinese. Ask hotel staff for local directions.
Be mindful of traffic, especially when walking or cycling on roads with vehicles.
For taxis, confirm the driver understands your destination and uses the meter or a negotiated price.

Local Transport Warnings

Gasoline-powered motorcycles are less common for tourist rental and typically need a Chinese license.
Avoid unmarked "black cabs" or un-negotiated rides with drivers who approach you on the street.
While not always mandatory, wearing a helmet on e-scooters is strongly advised for your safety.
Parking can be challenging in central Yangshuo, notably around West Street.

Yangshuo's infrastructure is not widely accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.
Many attractions have uneven paths or stairs.
Plan activities and transport carefully if mobility is a concern.
Foreigners cannot self-drive rental cars without a Chinese driver's license.

Final Local Transport Summary

Yangshuo delivers a variety of transportation experiences. From leisurely bamboo rafts to convenient e-scooters and the local bus network, there are many options to explore this beautiful region.

Optimal Exploration

Cycling is excellent for the Ten-Mile Gallery and Yulong River areas.
Walking is best for Yangshuo town center, especially West Street.
DiDi offers transparent and convenient rides for longer distances.
Local buses are economical for inter-village travel.

Unique Experiences

Bamboo rafts on the Yulong River are a must-do for scenic beauty.
Li River cruises from Guilin offer iconic karst landscape views.
Electric scooters are a fun and easy way to navigate the countryside.
Private car with a driver delivers comfort for day trips.

Payment Ease

Mobile apps simplify transactions.

Safety Awareness

Always be aware of local traffic patterns.

Local Insights

Hotel staff are a good source for current transport info.

Driving Laws & Parking

Driving Rules

Drive on the right side of the road.
Be aware of pedestrians, other cyclists, and cars.
Traffic patterns can be unpredictable.

Parking

Parking can be challenging in central Yangshuo.
Many hotels offer limited parking.
Inquire about safe parking spots when renting e-scooters or bikes.

Final Local Transport Recommendation

For the most immersive experience, combine walking for the town, cycling for the countryside, and a bamboo raft trip on the Yulong River. This trio offers varied perspectives of Yangshuo’s natural beauty and local life.

Consider using ride-sharing apps for convenience and longer distances where public transport is less frequent.

Getting Around Yangshuo