day trip to Yangshuo

Hello can I do a day trip to Yangzhou by bus or train and be back in Guilin by end of day?

Can one take cruise up Li River to Yangzhou and then take train or bus back to Guilin Thank you

It seems there might be some confusion in the place names. Based on your location in Guilin, you probably mean Yangshuo, not Yangzhou, which is in Jiangsu Province, far from Guilin. Traveling to Yangshuo from Guilin for a day trip is very common and feasible.

Day trip options to Yangshuo from Guilin:

  • By bus: Regular buses run from Guilin Bus Station to Yangshuo. The journey takes around 1.5–2 hours one way. Return buses are also frequent, so a day trip is manageable. Morning departures allow you to spend 4–6 hours exploring Yangshuo and return in the evening.
  • By train: High-speed trains run from Guilin to Yangshuo Railway Station, taking around 50–60 minutes. This is faster and more convenient than the bus. Trains run multiple times per day, making it easy to do a round trip in a single day.
  • By Li River cruise: Guilin to Yangshuo via the Li River cruise is a very scenic option. However, cruises typically take 4–5 hours one way, so a round trip in a single day is not practical. It is recommended to do a one-way cruise (Guilin to Yangshuo) and then return by bus or train, which allows you to experience the river scenery and still get back to Guilin by evening.

Practical itinerary for a day trip:

  • Depart Guilin in the morning (either by train or bus).
  • Spend a few hours in Yangshuo exploring West Street, countryside, or renting bikes/scooters for nearby villages.
  • Return in the evening via bus or train. If you choose the cruise one-way, plan to leave Yangshuo in late afternoon to catch the last bus/train back to Guilin.

Additional tips:

  • Purchase tickets for trains or buses in advance during busy travel periods.
  • Start early to maximize your time in Yangshuo.
  • Li River cruises can be booked as full-day or half-day, but always check the duration and departure times.

In summary, a day trip from Guilin to Yangshuo is doable by bus or train, and doing a one-way Li River cruise to Yangshuo with a return by bus or train is the most practical way to experience the scenery without being rushed.


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