How to Get to Yangshuo. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Airport & Airlines

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) is the closest major airport, approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) north of Yangshuo. This airport is the main gateway for air travelers. Major domestic Chinese airlines operate flights to KWL, connecting Guilin to numerous cities across China. International flights to KWL are limited, typically connecting to regional hubs in Asia.

Connecting Flights

Travelers from North America, Europe, or other continents will need a connection in a large Chinese city (e.g., Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing) or an Asian regional hub before flying to Guilin.
Flight prices to KWL are typically higher during peak tourist seasons and Chinese national holidays.
Booking flights well in advance, especially during peak times, is suggested for better rates. Check Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club.

Airport Transfers

Upon arrival at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL), several transfer options exist to reach Yangshuo.

Transfer Choices

Airport Bus: Direct airport shuttle buses operate between KWL and Yangshuo Bus Station (1.5-2 hours, ¥50-¥80).
Taxi/Private Car: Faster but more expensive (¥300-¥400). Pre-booking a private transfer through your Yangshuo accommodation is suggested.
Airport facilities include ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, and Wi-Fi.

Arrival at Guilin

KWL serves as the main air gateway to Yangshuo.

Connection Needed

No direct flights from major global hubs outside Asia.

Seasonal Prices

Higher prices during peak tourist seasons and holidays.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

High-speed rail is an efficient way to reach Guilin.
Guilin has three main train stations: Guilin North, Guilin West, and Guilin Railway Station.
High-speed trains connect Guilin to major Chinese cities (e.g., Guangzhou ~2.5-3 hours).
From Guilin train stations, take a local bus or taxi to Yangshuo (1.5-2 hours).

Bus & Driving Notes

Long-distance buses connect Yangshuo Bus Station to cities within Guangxi and neighboring provinces.
Foreigners cannot self-drive a rental car in China without a valid Chinese driver's license.
Main roads are generally well-maintained. Rural roads can be narrower. Traffic can be dense and chaotic.
Consider DiscoverCars.com for car rental with a driver.

Sea/River Arrivals

Li River Cruise

A popular scenic activity from Guilin to Yangshuo, arriving at Longtou Mountain Pier. This is mainly a sightseeing experience, not a main transport mode.

Yulong River Rafts

Bamboo rafts on the Yulong River are a local and scenic activity within Yangshuo, poled by guides for a leisurely journey. Not for inter-city travel.

Immigration Notes

Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for Yangshuo, as it is an inland destination without international seaport access.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied when departing China by air or land; these costs are generally included in your ticket price.

Air Travel Departure KWL

Arrive at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) at least 2-3 hours before domestic flights.
For international flights, allow 3-4 hours to complete check-in, security, and immigration.
Factor in travel time from Yangshuo to Guilin (1.5-2 hours by shuttle bus/private car).

Train & Bus Departure

Arrive at the train station or bus station at least 30-60 minutes before your scheduled departure time. This timeframe allows for ticket collection (if not already done), finding your platform or bus bay, and boarding.

Station Facilities

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) has standard facilities for departing travelers, including restaurants and duty-free shops.
Train stations in Guilin also have waiting rooms, eateries, and convenience stores.
Stations typically have clear signage in Chinese and sometimes in English.

Road Conditions & Safety

Main roads to and from Yangshuo are generally well-maintained. Rural roads, notably to smaller villages or scenic spots, can be narrower and less developed. Traffic can be dense and chaotic, especially in urban areas and during peak seasons.

Safety on Roads

Drivers in China often operate assertively.
Exercise caution when walking or cycling, always remaining aware of traffic.
If you prefer vehicle flexibility, renting a car with a driver is an option.

Overland Entry Notes

Border crossing information is not directly applicable for Yangshuo, an inland destination. Travelers arriving overland from neighboring countries, like Vietnam, would typically cross at Friendship Pass (Youyi Guan) into Guangxi Province.

Connecting from Borders

From Friendship Pass, proceed by bus or train to major cities like Nanning or Guilin.
Then connect to Yangshuo via local bus or taxi services.
Purchase bus tickets at the station or via online apps (Trip.com/Ctrip) if a Chinese mobile number and payment method are available.

Departure Timings

Airport Check-in

Allow 2-3 hours for domestic flights, 3-4 hours for international flights at KWL.

Travel to Airport

Add 1.5-2 hours for travel from Yangshuo to Guilin airport.

Station Arrival

Be at train/bus station 30-60 minutes before departure.

Travel Planning Note

Chinese train stations are large and busy, so allow ample time for ticket collection, finding your platform, and boarding.

How to Get to Yangshuo