How to Travel Between Shanghai and Guilin & Yangshuo
Shanghai, the econimic center in east of China has convenient transports to Guilin and Yangshuo. You can fly from Shanghai to Guilin Lijiang Aiprort, or use the high speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Guilin Railway Station, even an overnight train from Shanghai South to Guilin North Station. This page explains you how to travel by train from Shanghai to Guilin and Yangshuo or vice verse, with useful transfer tips.
How far is Shanghai to Guilin & Yangshuo: The distance is around 1500 kilometers.
- 1. Shanghai – Guilin & Yangshuo by direct high speed train
- 2. Shanghai – Guilin & Yangshuo via Hangzhou or Changsha by bullet train
Rail Routes
The high speed trains running between Shanghai and Guilin will pass through Hangzhou, Jinhua, Shangrao, Nanchang, Changsha, etc.
Check Live Schedule
Option 1. Shanghai – Guilin & Yangshuo by Direct Bullet Train
Bullet trains in China refers to those D G and C type high speed trains with a top speed of 200-350km/h.
Shanghai – Guilin: High speed train is the best way to travel between Shanghai and Guilin, which is comfortable, air-conditioned and runs on time. Currently, there are only one daily high speed train running between Shanghai & Guilin: G1501 from Shanghai Hongqiao to Guilin Train Station, and G1502 from Guilin Train Station to Shanghai Hongqiao. The journey time is 9-9.5 hours and ticket price is CNY695.5 for a second class seat.
Shanghai – Yangshuo: No direct high speed trains linking Shanghai and Yangshuo. You have to make a connection at Guilin (Shanghai – Guilin – Yangshuo). Take a bullet train from Shanghai to Guilin first, then a connectiong train to Yangshuo Train Station. Or take a train from Yangshuo to Guilin then a high speed train to Shanghai. See Shanghai to Yangshuo.
Tips: It is a quite long train ride from Shanghai to Guilin or vice verse, you may consider seating at 1st class or business class seat, which are more comfortable but a little expensive.
If the only one high speed train sells out, you can make a transfer at Hangzhou or Changsha, just see option 2.
Ticket Price, Duration Book Online
| Shanghai – Guilin by direct high speed train (1 daily) | |||||||
| Train Type | From – To | Frequency | 1st-Last | Duration | Ticket Fares (CNY) | ||
| 1st Cls | 2nd Cls | Biz Cls | |||||
| G train | Shanghai Hongqiao to Guilin | 1 | 9-9.5h | 1048.5 | 695.5 | 2054.5 | |
| G train | Guilin to Shanghai Hongqiao | 1 | 9-9.5h | 1048.5 | 695.5 | 2054.5 | |
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For a live schedule & ticket availability, please refer to http://www.chinahighlights.com/china-trains/
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Option 2: Shanghai – Guilin & Yangshuo via Hangzhou or Changsha
As there are only one direct high speed trains running between Shanghai and Guilin, tickets sometimes will be sold out. Then, you will have to make a connection at Hangzhou or Changsha.
Depart from Shanghai:
- A: Shanghai – Hangzhou – Guilin & Yangshuo: Take one of the frequent trains from Shanghai to Hangzhou East Station, then connected by train to Guilin (4 trains daily).
- B: Shanghai – Changsha – Guilin & Yangshuo: Take a high speed train from Shanghai Hongqiao to Changsha South Station (26 daily), then a high speed train to Guilin (14 daily).
Depart from Guilin or Yangshuo:
- A: Guilin & Yangshuo – Changsha – Shanghai: Take a high speed train from Guilin to Changsha first, then a connecting high speed train to Shanghai Hongqiao. Trains run frequently.
Getting to Yangshuo by High-Speed Train
Yangshuo Station is well-connected to several major cities. This makes it incredibly convenient to include a trip to Yangshuo as part of a broader China itinerary. You can find direct high-speed train services from cities like Guilin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Nanning, Chengdu, and Chongqing.
Check Live Train Schedule
| Guangzhou to Yangshuo Train | Shenzhen to Yangshuo Train | Nanning to Yangshuo Train |
| Yangshuo to Guilin Train | Yangshuo to Chongqing Train | Yangshuo to Chengdu Train |
Onward Travel: The Shuttle Bus Hub
Right outside the station exit, you will find the official Yangshuo Shuttle Bus Tickets Office. This is the most straightforward and budget-friendly way to get to your final destination. There are three main bus routes operated from the station, serving different parts of the county.
| From | To | Price (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Yangshuo Railway Station | Yangshuo Fengming Tourist Center | CNY 20 |
| Yangshuo Railway Station | Fuli Town | CNY 15 |
| Yangshuo Railway Station | Xingping Town | CNY 5 |
Taking a Taxi or Ride-Hailing
For those with more luggage, traveling in a group, or simply preferring a direct route, taxis and ride-hailing cars (like DiDi, China’s equivalent of Uber) are available at the designated pick-up area outside the station. A ride to Xingping Ancient Town typically costs around CNY 20-30, while the longer trip to Yangshuo Town will cost approximately CNY 80-100.
Yangshuo Station to West Street by Bus
If your final destination is the popular West Street in Yangshuo Town, the bus is an economical choice. You need to take the Yangshuo High-Speed Rail Line 1 Bus to the final stop, the Yangshuo Fengming Tourist Center.
The Fengming Tourist Center is not in the immediate vicinity of West Street. From the center, you will need to take a short 5-10 minute taxi ride (costing around CNY 10-15) or enjoy a 20-25 minute walk to reach the heart of West Street.
Please note that the schedule below is subject to change, so it’s advisable to check the latest timings upon arrival.
| Departure | Arrival | Departure Times | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yangshuo Station | Yangshuo Tourist Center | 08:50、09:30、10:40、11:30、12:00、12:40、13:40、14:10、14:40、15:10、16:00、16:40、17:20、17:50、18:20、19:00、19:30、20:20、21:20、21:50Service is often coordinated with train arrivals. | 60 mins | CNY 20 |
| Yangshuo Tourist Center | Yangshuo Station | 07:00、07:30、08:00、08:30、09:00、09:30、10:00、10:30、11:00、11:30、12:00、12:30、13:00、13:30、14:00、14:30、15:00、15:30、16:00、16:40、17:20、18:00、18:30Service is often coordinated with train arrivals. | 60 mins | CNY 20 |
(Note: The bus may stop at Xingping Town en route; if you wish to get off there, simply inform the driver in advance.)
Trusted Online Ticket Agents:
Option 1: Trip.com is an internatioal brand owned by Ctrip Group, China's largest online travel booking platform. Trip.com offers booking service for flight, train, hotel, activities, etc
Option 2: China Highlights is a reliable online agency for China train ticketing. They get positive reviews on TripAdvisor & Trustpilot. Sharon and her team help you buy tickets & plan rail routes even deliver tickets to your hotels with a service fee.
