Tao Xu
Three hours. That's how long my clients waited at Shanghai Pudong airport last week—only to have their flight cancelled. Meanwhile, I hopped on the high-speed train from Hongqiao and arrived in Guilin 8 hours later, stress-free. If you're comparing the Shanghai to Guilin high speed train vs flying, here's the real deal. The train doesn't win on pure speed, but it crushes the flight on reliability, comfort, and scenery. Let me show you exactly how to do it without hitting the common pitfalls.
Quick Read
Why the Train Beats Flying
I've guided hundreds of travelers on this route. Every time someone chooses the flight, they regret it. Not because the flight is bad, but because the total door-to-door time is almost identical—unless you factor in delays. Let me break it down.
| Factor | High Speed Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
| Door-to-door time | ~9 hours (city center to city center) | ~7 hours (with airport transfers & check-in) |
| Reliability | ~95% on time | ~70% on time in summer (typhoon/thunder) |
| Scenery | Stunning karst views from Zhejiang to Guangxi | Clouds |
| Price (2nd class) | ~550 CNY ($77) | ~800-1200 CNY ($112-168) |
| Baggage limit | No strict limit (up to 50kg) | 20kg checked |
How to Book Tickets (No WeChat Hassle)
Here's the ugly truth: China's official booking platform, 12306, is a nightmare for foreigners. The mobile app is all in Chinese, and most international credit cards get rejected. I've watched clients spend an hour trying to pay, only to fail. Don't be that person.
Option 1: Trip.com (Easiest for Foreigners)
This is what I recommend to all my clients. Trip.com's website and app have an English interface, accept Visa/Mastercard, and charge a small service fee (around 20-50 CNY). You'll get an e-ticket that you scan at the station. No need to print. Check current schedules here.
Option 2: 12306 with Help
If you want to avoid the service fee, ask your hotel receptionist to book for you. They can use their own WeChat Pay or Alipay, and you pay them back in cash. This works surprisingly well—just hand over your passport details.
How to Choose a Train
There are about 15 daily departures. The earliest leaves around 06:30, the latest at 17:30. I always recommend the G1509 (depart 07:30) or G1503 (depart 09:00). Why? They arrive before 17:00, giving you time to check into your hotel and catch the sunset at the Li River. Avoid trains arriving after 20:00—you'll waste a whole evening.
Onboard: Seats, Food, and Views
The train is comfortable, but prepare for 8 hours. Here's what you need to know.
Seat Classes
| Class | Price | Legroom | Recline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Class | ~550 CNY | Good (similar to airline economy) | 10-15 degrees | Best value; 3+2 seating |
| First Class | ~900 CNY | Great (more legroom) | 20-30 degrees | 2+2 seating; quieter |
| Business Class | ~1700 CNY | Excellent (fully flat bed on some trains) | Full recline | 1+2 seats; includes meal & snacks |
For this long journey, I'd say first class is worth the upgrade if you're tall or want to work. But second class is perfectly fine—just grab a window seat on the right side of the train (facing the direction of travel). Once you pass Nanchang, the scenery turns into those iconic Guangxi karst hills. You'll be glued to the window.
Food on Board
The dining car serves hot meals around 40-60 CNY. The braised pork rice is decent, but I always tell my clients to bring their own snacks. The train also has a trolley service with noodles, chips, and drinks. Note: they mostly accept Alipay/WeChat, but cash works too. Don't expect to use a credit card onboard.
WiFi and Power
Free WiFi is available but spotty—especially through tunnels. Better to download movies beforehand. Every seat has a power socket (Chinese 2- and 3-pin). Bring a USB cable.
Arriving in Guilin: Which Station?
As I mentioned, Guilin Station (桂林站) is the one you want. It's located at the southern edge of the city center, a 10-minute taxi to the popular Zhengyang Pedestrian Street. Taxis are plentiful and cheap—around 15-20 CNY to most downtown hotels.
If you mistakenly book Guilin North (桂林北) or Guilin West (桂林西), don't panic. They're about 30-40 minutes by taxi from the center. The subway doesn't reach the north station yet. Expect to pay 50-60 CNY for a Didi (Uber equivalent).
Sample Itinerary: Train + Guilin Highlights
Let's say you arrive at Guilin Station at 16:00. Here's a realistic 3-day plan that uses the train perfectly.
Day 1: Arrival & Evening Stroll
16:00 Arrive at Guilin Station. Check into a hotel near the Li River (I recommend Shangri-La Guilin or budget Zhongshan Hotel).
18:00 Walk to the Sun and Moon Pagodas (free entry outside). The lights turn on at 19:00—magical.
20:00 Dinner at Da Gui Lin (address: 2 Zhongshan South Road). Their Guilin rice noodles are legendary (~15 CNY).
Day 2: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
08:00 Take a bus from Guilin to the Mopanshan Cruise Terminal (45 min, book via Trip.com).
09:30 Board the 4-hour Li River cruise to Yangshuo. The scenery is postcard-perfect.
14:00 Arrive Yangshuo. Rent a bike and explore the countryside.
19:00 Watch the Impression Liu Sanjie show (book in advance).
Overnight in Yangshuo (I like the Yangshuo Mountain Retreat).
Day 3: Return to Guilin & Departure
09:00 Take a bus back to Guilin (1.5 hours).
12:00 Visit Reed Flute Cave—arrive before 13:00 to avoid crowds.
15:00 Take the high speed train back to Shanghai? If you have time, consider flying back to save 3 hours. But if you love the train, the return ride is equally scenic.
Note: High speed train from Guilin to Shanghai runs until 18:00.
No comments yet.