MY TRAVEL INFO: HIGH SPEED TRAIN GUILIN TO GUANGZHOU, CHINA

In 2017, the high-speed rail route between Guilin and Guangzhou was already a highly popular and well-established link, having opened just a few years prior in late 2014. It remains one of the most scenic high-speed journeys in China, cutting through the iconic karst mountains of Guangxi.

Trip Overview

The journey connects the picturesque "mountain and water" scenery of Guilin with the bustling, modern metropolis of Guangzhou.

• Travel Time: Typically 2.5 to 3.5 hours (compared to 10+ hours on older conventional trains).
• Distance: Approximately 440 km (273 miles).
• Train Types: High-speed "G" or Gaosu (300 km/h) and "D"or Dongche (250 km/h) bullet trains, the "Hexie Hao" (Harmony) series. 
• Frequency: In 2017, there were roughly 40–50 departures daily, providing nearly "on-demand" service.

Key Stations

Depending on your exact starting point in Guilin, you likely used one of three stations:

Station	Location / Best For
Guilin Railway Station	The city center; closest to most major hotels and Elephant Trunk Hill.
Guilin North (Bei)	A major hub slightly north of the center, often used for long-distance transfers.
Guilin West (Xi)	Further out, but many trains heading toward Guangzhou and Guiyang stop here.
Guangzhou South (Nan)	The primary destination; a massive, modern hub connected to the Guangzhou Metro.

The Scenic Highlights

One of the most notable features of this specific route is that it passes through the Guiyang-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway.

• Landscape: You see endless karst peaks, rice paddies, and rural villages.
• Engineering: Because of the rugged terrain, the train spends a significant amount of time in tunnels and on high-elevation bridges (viaducts).
• Yangshuo Stop: Many travelers on this route choose to get off at Yangshuo Station (about 30 minutes before/after Guilin) to visit the famous West Street and the Yulong River.

An incredible shot of the Guangzhou Circle (广州圆大厦). Seeing it from a high-speed train really emphasizes its massive scale and unique "doughnut" shape.

Completed in 2013 and designed by Italian architect Joseph di Pasquale, this building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Guangzhou. 

TRIP GUILIN TO GUANGZHOU

The high-speed rail route from Guilin to Guangzhou is part of the larger Guiyang–Guangzhou (Guiguang) High-Speed Railway, which opened on December 26, 2014. It is widely considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world due to the dramatic karst landscapes it traverses.

1. The Route & Major Stations

The journey covers approximately 440 km (273 miles). While some "non-stop" express trains exist, most follow this station sequence:

• Guilin (North/West/Main): The starting hub in the heart of Guangxi’s karst region.
• Yangshuo: Famous for its world-class scenery. The station itself is located in Xingping, known for the view featured on the 20 Yuan banknote.
• Gongcheng: Known for its Persimmon gardens and ancient Confucian temples.
• Hezhou: Home to the 1,000-year-old Huangyao Ancient Town.
• Huaiji / Guangning: The entry into Guangdong province, characterized by lush bamboo forests and mountainous terrain.
• Zhaoqing East: Famous for the Seven Star Crags and Dinghu Mountain.
• Foshan West: A cultural hub of Cantonese heritage and martial arts.
• Guangzhou South: The final destination; one of the largest and most modern transport hubs in Asia.

2. Scenic Details: What to Look For

The geography of this route is unique because it cuts directly through the Nanling Mountains.

• The "Rural Subway": Because the terrain is so rugged, roughly 83% of the line consists of bridges (viaducts) and tunnels. Travelers often joke that it feels like a "subway through the mountains" because you alternate between pitch-black tunnels and sudden, breathtaking views of sunlit valleys.
• Karst Peak Forests: Between Guilin and Hezhou, the windows offer a panoramic view of thousands of limestone "gumdrop" mountains. In the early morning or after rain, these peaks are often shrouded in mist, looking exactly like a traditional Shanshui ink painting.
• The Li River Crossings: The train crosses several tributaries of the Li River. From the high viaducts, you can look down on traditional bamboo rafts and water buffalo grazing along the banks.
• Bamboo Forests of Guangdong: As you move into Zhaoqing and Guangning, the sharp karst peaks soften into rolling green hills covered in dense "Green Gold" bamboo forests.

Compiles by:

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, KL

20 December 2025: 2.42 a.m