Guilin

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Comprehensive Guide to Transportation in Guilin, China

Guilin, a picturesque city in southern China known for its stunning karst mountains and serene rivers, offers a variety of transportation options to help visitors and residents navigate the city efficiently. Below is a detailed guide to public transportation in Guilin, including buses, taxis, bike-sharing services, and other tips to make your travel smooth and enjoyable.

1. Public Transportation Options in Guilin

A. City Buses

Guilin has an extensive and affordable bus network that connects most parts of the city, including major tourist attractions like Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Seven Star Park.

Key Features:

  • Routes: Over 60 bus routes cover the city and surrounding areas.
  • Operating Hours: Most buses run from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
  • Frequency: Buses typically arrive every 10-15 minutes, though this may vary during peak hours.
  • Cost:
    • Standard fare: ยฅ1-ยฅ2 per ride (depending on the distance or whether the bus is air-conditioned).
    • Payment: Cash (exact change required) or via mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Tips for Using Buses:

  • Language Barrier: Bus route information is often in Chinese, so itโ€™s helpful to have the destination written in Chinese characters or use a translation app.
  • Tourist-Friendly Routes: Some buses, like the No. 58 and No. 99, pass by popular tourist spots.
  • Bus Apps: Use apps like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) to check bus routes and schedules in real-time.

B. Taxis

Taxis are a convenient way to get around Guilin, especially if youโ€™re traveling with luggage or visiting places not well-served by buses.

Key Features:

  • Availability: Taxis are widely available in the city center but may be harder to find in remote areas or during peak hours.
  • Fares:
    • Base fare: ยฅ9 for the first 2 kilometers.
    • Additional distance: ยฅ1.9 per kilometer.
    • Night surcharge: Slightly higher fares apply between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
  • Payment: Cash, WeChat Pay, or Alipay.
  • Ride-Hailing Apps: Apps like DiDi Chuxing (Chinaโ€™s version of Uber) are widely used and often cheaper than hailing a taxi on the street. The app has an English interface for international users.

Tips for Using Taxis:

  • Carry Small Bills: Drivers may not have change for large denominations.
  • Know Your Destination: Have the address written in Chinese or show it on your phone, as most drivers do not speak English.
  • Avoid Scams: Use official taxis with a meter and avoid unlicensed cabs.

C. Bike-Sharing Services

Guilin is a bike-friendly city with scenic routes along the Li River and through its parks. Bike-sharing services are a popular and eco-friendly way to explore the city.

Key Features:

  • Providers: Major bike-sharing companies like Mobike and HelloBike operate in Guilin.
  • Cost:
    • Typically ยฅ1-ยฅ2 per 30 minutes.
    • Monthly passes are available for frequent users (around ยฅ15-ยฅ20).
  • How to Use:
    1. Download the app (Mobike or HelloBike).
    2. Register with your phone number and link a payment method (WeChat Pay or Alipay).
    3. Scan the QR code on the bike to unlock it.
  • Availability: Bikes are widely available in the city center and near tourist attractions.

Tips for Using Bike-Sharing Services:

  • Stick to Bike Lanes: Guilin has dedicated bike lanes in many areas, making cycling safer and more enjoyable.
  • Return Bikes Properly: Park bikes in designated areas to avoid fines.

D. Electric Scooters

Electric scooters are a common mode of transport for locals. While they are not typically available for rent to visitors, long-term residents or immigrants can purchase or lease one. Note that a local driverโ€™s license may be required for certain types of scooters.

E. High-Speed Trains

While not a city-specific mode of transport, Guilin is well-connected to other cities in China via high-speed trains. The city has three main train stations:

  1. Guilin Railway Station (South Station) โ€“ Central and convenient for most travelers.
  2. Guilin North Railway Station โ€“ Serves high-speed trains to major cities like Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing.
  3. Guilin West Railway Station โ€“ A newer station with fewer services.

Tips for Train Travel:

  • Book tickets in advance, especially during holidays.
  • Use apps like 12306 (Chinaโ€™s official train booking app) or third-party platforms like Trip.com for English support.

2. Navigating Guilin

A. City Layout

Guilin is relatively small and easy to navigate. The city is divided into several districts, with most tourist attractions concentrated in the central area. The Li River runs through the city, serving as a natural landmark for orientation.

B. Walking

Walking is a pleasant way to explore Guilin, especially in areas like the pedestrian-friendly Zhengyang Walking Street and along the riverbanks.

3. Cultural Considerations

A. Queueing

  • Always queue when waiting for buses or taxis. Pushing or cutting in line is considered rude.

B. Communication

  • Most public transportation staff and taxi drivers do not speak English. Use translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco to communicate.

C. Mobile Payments

  • Mobile payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used and often preferred over cash. Set these up before arriving in China.

D. Peak Hours

  • Avoid traveling during peak hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:30-7:00 PM) to minimize delays and crowded buses.

4. Helpful Apps and Tools

  1. Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps):

    • Provides real-time navigation, bus routes, and schedules.
    • Available in Chinese, but Amap has an English version.

  2. DiDi Chuxing:

    • For booking taxis or private cars.
    • English interface available.

  3. 12306:

    • Official app for booking train tickets.

  4. WeChat and Alipay:

    • Essential for mobile payments and accessing bike-sharing services.

5. Tips for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Plan Ahead: Use navigation apps to plan your route before leaving your accommodation.
  • Learn Basic Phrases: Knowing a few Chinese phrases like โ€œHow much?โ€ (ๅคšๅฐ‘้’ฑ, duล shวŽo qiรกn) or โ€œI want to go toโ€ฆโ€ (ๆˆ‘่ฆๅŽปโ€ฆ, wว’ yร o qรนโ€ฆ) can be helpful.
  • Carry a Map: While apps are useful, having a physical map as a backup is a good idea in case of poor internet connectivity.
  • Stay Hydrated: Guilin can be hot and humid, so carry water, especially if youโ€™re cycling or walking.

By understanding Guilinโ€™s transportation system and following these tips, youโ€™ll be well-equipped to explore the cityโ€™s natural beauty and cultural landmarks with ease. Safe travels!