The Guilin-to-Yangshuo cycling route is one of the most scenic bike rides in the world. Following rural roads and riverside paths through the heart of the Guangxi karst region, you'll pedal past thousands of limestone peaks rising abruptly from emerald rice paddies, past bamboo groves, water buffalo, and traditional villages. The classic route follows the Li River valley, detouring through the Yulong River area near Yangshuo — quieter, prettier, and flatter than the main road. The ride covers approximately 65km and can be done in one day for moderately fit cyclists, or split over two days with an overnight in Xingping or Yangshuo. The landscape has inspired Chinese painters and poets for centuries, and cycling lets you experience it at the perfect pace — slow enough to absorb the beauty, fast enough to cover real ground.
Moderate. The route is mostly flat to gently rolling, with a few short climbs near Moon Hill. The main challenge is distance (65km) and the condition of rental bikes (often basic single-speed or 7-speed). Traffic on the main road (G321) can be heavy; the Yulong River section is traffic-free and much more pleasant. For less experienced cyclists, a 2-day version with an overnight stop is recommended.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this cycling route in China.
Guilin: Bike rental shops near the city center and train station offer mountain bikes and hybrid bikes from ¥30-50/day, ¥200-300 deposit. Yangshuo: Much better selection — Yangshuo has dozens of bike rental shops, especially on West Street and Die Cui Road. Quality mountain bikes: ¥40-60/day, electric bikes: ¥80-100/day. Tandem bikes available. Passport required for deposit. Bikes in Yangshuo are generally better maintained than in Guilin. Recommended: rent in Yangshuo and do a round-trip rather than one-way from Guilin.
Fly to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL) — flights from Beijing (2.5h), Shanghai (2h), Guangzhou (1h). High-speed train from Guangzhou (2.5h, ¥140) or Shenzhen (3h). From Guilin airport, shuttle bus to city center (¥20, 45 min). To start the ride: take a taxi or bus from Guilin to the starting point near Daxu Ancient Town (大圩古镇, ~30 min). Alternatively, start from Yangshuo and do the Yulong River loop (30km, easier). Bus from Guilin to Yangshuo: ¥25, 1.5h.
Classic one-day route: Start at Daxu Ancient Town (大圩古镇, north of Guilin) → follow rural roads south along the Li River → pass through Xingping (兴坪, lunch stop, famous for the ¥20 note view) → continue south through farmland → reach Yangshuo (阳朔). Total: ~65km, 5-7 hours with stops. Alternative easier route: Start and end in Yangshuo, do the Yulong River loop (遇龙河): Yangshuo → Baisha Town → Yulong Bridge → Moon Hill → back to Yangshuo. Total: ~30km, 3-4 hours, traffic-free, and arguably more beautiful.
Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted in Yangshuo and Xingping. Rural village shops may only take cash. Carry ¥200-300 cash for water, snacks, and small village restaurants. The Li River ferry near Xingping costs ¥5-10 per person (cash only). International credit cards not accepted anywhere on the route. Bike rentals accept Alipay/WeChat or cash deposit.
Yangshuo is the most foreigner-friendly town in rural China — many shop owners and bike rental staff speak basic English. Outside Yangshuo, English is very limited. Useful phrases: 自行车 (zì xíng chē) = bicycle; 租车 (zū chē) = rent bike; 遇龙河 (yù lóng hé) = Yulong River; 兴坪 (xīng píng) = Xingping; 多少钱 (duō shǎo qián) = how much?; 二十元人民币背景 (èr shí yuán rén mín bì bèi jǐng) = the ¥20 note view.
4G signal is strong in Yangshuo and Xingping. Signal becomes spotty on rural sections between villages, especially along the Li River valley. Download offline maps (Baidu Maps or Google Maps) before starting. WiFi is available at most Yangshuo hotels, cafes, and restaurants. In villages, no WiFi is available. A power bank is recommended for GPS navigation.
Yangshuo People's Hospital (阳朔县人民医院): 0773-8822415. Guilin Medical University Hospital: 0773-2823120. Ambulance: 120. For minor injuries, several clinics in Yangshuo town center cater to tourists. Bike repair: Yangshuo has several repair shops on West Street and nearby. If your bike breaks down on the route, flag down a passing motorbike or tuk-tuk — locals are generally helpful and can transport you and your bike to the nearest town.
Based on 672 reviews from international cyclists who have completed this route. Ratings reflect route quality, scenery, infrastructure, and overall experience.
Last verified: August 1, 2026