Guilin - Longji - Yanshuo questions please

Question

Hi Everyone,

We'll take the HSR from HongKong West Kowloon to Guilin West Station on October 15 and will arrive at 13:18, would like to go to Dhazai Jenkins Longji Rice Terrace.

1) is it easy to order a Didi when we arrive at Guilin station? or the night before ? how long would it be the wait and the cost?

We'll stay 1 night there and sightseeing the next day and will take a ride to a Guilin hotel near the Li River cruise pier.

2) Should we book the Li River cruise now in advance or we can ask the hotel to help us book the night before or just buy the tickets the next morning when we go on cruise?

We will stay 2 nights in Xinping and would like to go to Peak Ruyi andTea plantation quixianfeng

3) Are these 2 sites closed to Yangshuo enough that we can either take 2 separate Didi rides or book a taxi for both assuming I can see both on same day.

4) is the Xiangong climb easy for us , 67 & 73 years old, average fitness?

Please give me your advice and share your experience.

Thanks so much.

Answer

Arriving at Guilin West Station at 13:18, you should have a smooth connection to Longji Rice Terraces, but a bit of planning will make the trip much easier given the timing and your preferences.

1) Getting a Didi to Longji (Dhazai Jenkins area)

It is generally possible to order a Didi at Guilin West Station. The app is reliable in Guilin, but rides to Longji are longer (approx. 2–2.5 hours), and some drivers may refuse due to the distance.
Booking the night before through the Didi app is advisable, especially if you arrive in the afternoon. This ensures a driver is available and avoids delays.
Wait time if booked on arrival: typically 10–20 minutes, but may be longer during peak hours. Cost: around 350–450 RMB depending on traffic and exact location in Longji.

2) Li River Cruise Booking

For your hotel near the Li River cruise pier in Guilin, it is possible to book the cruise either through the hotel the night before or at the pier on the morning of departure.
During peak season (October can be busy), booking in advance online or via your hotel is safer to guarantee your preferred time slot.
Tickets purchased at the pier on the same morning are generally available, but may involve a queue and limited timing options.

3) Peak Ruyi and Tea Plantation Quixianfeng

Both sites are located near Yangshuo, and each is accessible by Didi or local taxi.
You can either take two separate Didi rides or negotiate a half-day taxi hire to cover both. Approximate travel times: 30–40 minutes to Peak Ruyi and another 20–30 minutes to Quixianfeng.
Most taxis in Yangshuo will agree to a half-day or full-day hire if you explain your itinerary.

4) Xiangong Hill Climb

The climb involves steps and a moderate uphill walk. For average fitness travelers aged 67 and 73, it is doable but may require frequent breaks.
Bring walking sticks or use the railing for support; comfortable shoes are essential.
Consider early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and less crowd.

Additional Tips:

Carry some snacks and water, as facilities can be limited in Longji terraces and Quixianfeng.
Check weather forecasts: October is generally mild but occasional rain can make paths slippery.
If using Didi for long rides, confirm the driver accepts longer trips — sometimes they require a special booking for rural destinations.

In summary, pre-booking long Didi rides and cruise tickets is recommended, while shorter local rides and sightseeing can be arranged on the day. Xiangong climb is achievable with patience and breaks.

Guilin - Longji - Yanshuo questions please

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