Car rental companies at Guilin airport or in Guilin/Yangshuo

Question

Hey everyone, I’m going to China for a few weeks to visit various places, including Yangshuo. I’ll be flying between cities/regions, but since I’m starting in Shanghai, I plan to get a temporary driver’s permit at the airport.

I’ll be in Yangshuo at the end of April/early May for five days, which is the peak rainy season. I’m not keen on biking in the rain or being stuck in my hotel or restaurants the whole time. Due to a knee injury, I also can’t walk for more than 15 to 30 minutes at a time.

To be on the safe side, ensuring a hassle-free trip from the airport to my hotel and allowing me to visit places even in bad weather, I’d like to rent a car. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find any rental companies, either through the usual car rental portals or via Google/maps.

The Guilin Airport (KWL) website mentions and describes a parking area for rental cars, so I assume there must be a rental company somewhere. If not at the airport, perhaps in Guilin or Yangshuo?

Any recommendations or insights would be greatly appreciated! I have experience driving in dozens of Asian and African countries, so I’m not worried about having any issues in China. But ... finding a rental car company seems to be the hard part.

Answer

Finding a rental car in Guilin and Yangshuo can indeed be more challenging than in larger Chinese cities like Beijing or Shanghai. While Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) has facilities for rental cars, the options are limited and not always visible on international booking platforms.

1. Rental car options at Guilin Airport (KWL)

At Guilin Airport, there is a designated rental car area in the arrivals section where local rental companies operate. However, most are Chinese companies that may not have English-language websites, making pre-booking online difficult. You can typically rent a car upon arrival, provided you have a valid Chinese driver’s license or a temporary driver’s permit issued at the airport.

China Auto Rental (中汽租车): Operates at Guilin Airport. Offers standard sedans and SUVs. Reservations are usually made in person, and staff may speak limited English.
Ehi Car Rental (一嗨租车): Nationwide chain in China with a counter at Guilin Airport. Has an English-language website and app for online bookings. Vehicles include compact cars and mid-size SUVs. May require passport and temporary driver permit.
Shenzhou Car Rental (神州租车): Another large Chinese company, also at Guilin Airport. Offers both short-term and long-term rentals, with online reservation possible in English.

2. Rental car options in Guilin city

If you prefer to pick up the car in the city rather than the airport, Guilin has several rental offices in the downtown area. This can be convenient if your flight arrives very early or late, or if you want to spend a night in Guilin before heading to Yangshuo.

China Auto Rental: Downtown offices, often with English-speaking staff.
Ehi Car Rental: Locations near Guilin Railway Station and city center.
Shenzhou Car Rental: Multiple city counters for easy pickup.

3. Rental car options in Yangshuo

Yangshuo is smaller, and international-style rental companies are very limited. Most travelers either rent a car from Guilin or hire a private driver for Yangshuo sightseeing. Some boutique hotels in Yangshuo may also assist in arranging short-term rentals or chauffeured cars, which can be convenient if you have mobility concerns.

Private drivers: Available through hotel concierge or local travel agencies. Can provide full-day or half-day rentals for sightseeing in Yangshuo.
Hotel-assisted rentals: Some higher-end hotels may coordinate rentals from Guilin or city offices.

4. Recommendations for your situation

Given your knee issue and preference to avoid walking long distances, renting a car from Guilin Airport or city office is the most practical approach. This allows door-to-door travel from airport to hotel, and easy access to Yangshuo attractions even in rainy weather. Make sure to:

Obtain a temporary Chinese driver’s permit at the airport before attempting to rent a car.
Book with Ehi Car Rental or Shenzhou for better English support and online confirmation.
Confirm pick-up and drop-off locations, especially if you plan to return the car in Yangshuo or back in Guilin.
Consider travel insurance or GPS support for unfamiliar roads.

In summary, while rental cars are not as easy to find in Guilin/Yangshuo as in Shanghai, it is feasible through local rental companies at the airport or in the city. For convenience, safety, and mobility, renting directly from Guilin Airport or arranging a private driver for Yangshuo is highly recommended for your five-day visit.

Car rental companies at Guilin airport or in Guilin/Yangshuo

More Guilin Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions