π Guilin Metro Guide
Navigate Guilin like a local - complete subway guide for international visitors
Operating Hours
6:30 AM - 23:00 PM
Some lines extended to 23:30
Ticket Prices
Β₯2 - Β₯5 per trip
Distance-based fare system
Payment Methods
Guilin Metro Card, Alipay, WeChat Pay
Single-ride tickets available
Recommended App
Guilin Metro App
Official app with English support
Guilin Metro Map
High-resolution official English metro map. Click to zoom or download for offline use.
Essential Metro Information
π Operating Hours
Most Guilin metro lines operate from 6:30 AM to 23:00 PM daily. First trains typically depart around 6:30 AM, and last trains depart around 23:00 PM.
β οΈ Note: Operating hours may vary by line and station. Check station notices for specific timetables.
π° Ticket Prices
Metro fares are distance-based, typically ranging from Β₯2 to Β₯5 per trip:
- 0-6 km: Β₯2
- 6-12 km: Β₯3
- Over 12 km: Β₯4+ (additional Β₯1 per 10 km)
Children under 1.3 meters travel free when accompanied by a paying adult.
π« How to Buy Tickets
Option 1: Single Journey Ticket
Purchase at ticket vending machines (available in English) or staffed counters at any station. Cash and mobile payments accepted.
Option 2: Rechargeable Card (Recommended)
Buy a transit card at any station for a refundable deposit (usually Β₯20). Top up at machines or counters. Offers convenience and avoids ticket queues.
Option 3: Mobile Payment
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay QR codes to enter and exit stations. Look for the QR code scanner at gates.
π Riding Rules
- Queue up and let passengers exit before boarding
- Stand on the right on escalators; walk on the left
- No eating or drinking on trains or in stations
- Keep your ticket/card until you exit (you'll need it to leave the station)
- Priority seating is reserved for elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and passengers with young children
- No smoking anywhere in the station or on trains
Top Attractions & Nearest Stations
Quick reference for foreign tourists: attraction name, nearest metro station, line, exit, and walking time.
| Attraction | Nearest Station | Line | Exit | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elephant Trunk Hill | Xiufeng Road | Line 1 | Exit B | 10 min |
| Seven Star Park | Qixing Park | Line 1 | Exit A | 3 min |
| Reed Flute Cave | Ludi Cave | Line 2 | Exit A | 5 min |
| Two Rivers and Four Lakes | Sun and Moon Pagodas | Line 1 | Exit C | 8 min |
| Guilin Railway Station | Guilin Railway Station | Line 1 | Various | Direct access |
Line Guide & Transfer Tips
Guilin Metro Line 1 (Green Line)
Route: Guilin Railway Station β Liangjiang International Airport
Operating Hours: 6:30 AM - 23:00 PM
Major Attractions: Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven Star Park, Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Key Transfer Stations:
- Zhongshan Road (Transfer to Line 2)
- Guilin Railway Station (Transfer to national rail)
How to Transfer Between Lines
- Follow the signs: Look for transfer signs with line colors and arrows
- Allow extra time: Transfers can take 5-10 minutes depending on station size
- Keep your ticket: You don't need to exit and re-enter; just follow transfer paths
- Use navigation apps: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps show transfer routes
π‘ Pro Tips:
- During rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM), transfers can be crowded
- Some stations have multiple transfer passages - follow signs carefully
- If lost, ask station staff for help (many speak basic English)
Travel Tips for Foreigners
π± Essential Apps
- Baidu Maps / Gaode Maps: For route planning and real-time navigation
- Alipay / WeChat: For mobile payments (set up before your trip)
- Google Translate: Download offline Chinese package before traveling
- Guilin Metro App: For metro maps and planning
π£οΈ Language Barriers
Most metro signs are in both Chinese and English. However:
- Announcements are primarily in Chinese (some lines have English announcements)
- Station staff may not speak English - use translation apps
- Keep your destination written in Chinese characters as a backup
- Metro maps in English are available at information counters
π³ Payment Methods
Recommended: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip (requires Chinese bank account or international card binding).
Alternative: Buy a rechargeable transit card (Β₯20 refundable deposit + fare balance). Available at any station.
Emergency Option: Single journey tickets can be purchased with cash at vending machines (English interface available).
β° Rush Hour Avoidance
Avoid traveling during peak hours if possible:
- Morning Rush: 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
- Evening Rush: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Trains can be extremely crowded, and you may need to wait for several trains to board.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to the airport from the city center?
Take Metro Line 2 to the final stop, Airport Center Station. The journey from Guilin Railway Station takes about 40 minutes and costs Β₯6. The metro runs from 6:30 AM until around 11:00 PM, but if you have an early morning or late night flight, you may need to take a taxi (about Β₯60-80).
How do I get to Elephant Trunk Hill?
Take Metro Line 1 to Xiufeng Road Station (Exit B), then walk south for about 10-15 minutes following signs to Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangshan Park). Alternatively, you can take a shared electric rickshaw (Β₯5-8) from outside the station. The walk is pleasant through a local neighborhood.
Can I take the metro to Guilin North Railway Station?
Yes! Guilin North Railway Station (Guilin Bei Zhan) is on Metro Line 1. Take any Line 1 train to the North Railway Station stop. This station connects to high-speed trains going to destinations like Nanning, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The metro station is directly underneath the railway station.
How do I get to Reed Flute Cave?
Take Metro Line 2 to Ludi Cave Station (Exit A). The cave is about a 5-minute walk from the station. Look for signs pointing to "Ludi Cave" (θ¦η¬ε²©). The cave is well-lit inside and one of Guilin's most famous attractions, known for its impressive stalactite formations.
Is the Guilin Metro English-friendly?
Guilin's metro signage is bilingual with Chinese and English. Ticket machines have English interface options. However, English-speaking staff may be limited, especially at smaller stations. The metro app offers limited English support. As a tourist city, many station staff near major attractions have basic English skills.