Guilin: Travel by Rail

Guilin station is not large, and is like many others in China. However, being the station into which large numbers of foreigners arrive does mean that it has a few quirks. This page aims to give you enough travel tips to get through the station comfortably and safely.

Arrival into Guilin Station

As with every station in China, once you get off the train you can follow signs (or the other passengers) to the exit. You will have your ticket checked so:

1. Make sure you get this back from the train attendant before leaving the train; and
2. Keep this handy as you get off the train as it is not fun trying to relocate it whilst carrying/holding bags and being pushed by a frantic crowd.

Be aware: The following may appear alarming/alarmist. Please do not read it that way. We include lots of negative issues so that you can avoid these and start your holiday in the Guilin area on a high note. Most points should appear as common sense to experienced (China) travellers.

You are sure to be spotted by touts as you exit. Ignore these. You should also take care with your valuables.

If you want to get a taxi you should walk away from the station as those within the station are reluctant to use their meters for foreigners.

If you are heading to Yangshuo then one option is take the local bus service from the far right hand side of the car park outside the station. These often try to over-charge foreigners (and create extra charges for things like bags) so be prepared to get back off again if they ask for more than 14 Rmb. This service stops for passengers along the way and therefore can take up to about two hours. Buses leave when nearly full. These buses sometimes insist foreigners get off on the edge of Yangshuo (telling them that they are at West Street). Stay on the bus until in a bus station proper and everyone gets off. We have known of some incidents involving bags being slashed on the local service. You would be best to stay awake (enjoy the scenery!) and keep your day pack on your lap.

The Bus Station proper is only a 15 minute walk out of the train station and to the left. It's on the same side of the road. Go through the security check and then look for a small ticket office towards the buses and on the left hand side wall. A ticket on the Express Service from here costs only 15 Rmb for everyone. This service is supposed to take one hour and twenty minutes. Buses leave according to the time shown on your ticket. You will have a seat number. Other passengers frequently ignore these. You needn't create a fuss unless asked to move yourself.

We tend to use the Express Service. The price difference is not worth considering. The lack of hassle is.

Please note: Prices mentioned above valid as of December 2008.

Departure from Guilin Station

Be prepared for a long walk along the paltform on trains heading south. You will find that you need to walk to the end furthest from the waiting room as the train reverses direction between Guilin and Guangzhou. Don't be alarmed - that's after going up the stem of a Y-shaped intersection not some crazy manouvre by the driver.

Hard Sleeper/seater

The entrance to the hard seater/sleeper area is obvious. It is the one with the x-ray machine right in front of the car park. Once inside, look on the board to your right to see which waiting room you need for your train number. There is one on the ground floor and one up the escalator. Toilets are only on the ground floor.

You may find yourself being directed to another waiting area through the cafe for a fee. There is no need to pay for this. Just wait with everyone else. There are plenty of stalls selling snacks/drinks, but they are xepensive. You would be better bringing such things from your previous stop.

Tickets are checked before the gates open. This seems an unnecessary step so don't worry if it doesn't happen.

Soft Sleeper

The soft sleeper waiting room is very nice but not well signposted. It is off to the left. You will probably have to show your passport as well as your ticket on entry so have that to hand.

The waiting room is off to the left of the lobby. The toilets are further down olong the same wall beyond the fish pond.

You will be allowed to go to the platform before the hard sleeper/seater hordes but this does mean walking up and then down steps. The attendant will show you the way.