In short
- Taxis take 45 minutes and cost roughly 100 to 150 RMB.
- Shared shuttle buses take about 1 hour from central meeting points.
- Pre-booked transfers handle early morning logistics effectively.
In this article
Boats depart in the morning between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Since the journey takes nearly an hour, arranging your transport from Guilin in advance ensures you do not miss your boarding time.
Where do Li River cruises depart?
Cruises depart from Zhujiang Pier and Mopanshan Pier.
These docks are located roughly 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) southeast of downtown Guilin. Mopanshan Pier is the main departure dock for standard 3-star cruises. Zhujiang Pier is the dedicated dock for 4-star and 4.5-star luxury boats.
How much is a taxi to the cruise pier?
A taxi from downtown Guilin to either pier costs 100 to 150 RMB.
The drive takes about 45 minutes. This is the easiest direct option for independent travelers heading to morning departures.
Are there shuttle buses from Guilin?
Yes, shared shuttle buses take about 1 hour.
Some cruise tickets include a seat on a shared shuttle. These buses usually leave from central meeting points in downtown Guilin rather than picking you up directly at your hotel.
Can I book a tour with a private transfer?
Booking a package with a hotel pickup is highly recommended for convenience.
A pre-booked private transfer removes the stress of finding an early morning taxi. The driver will collect you directly from your Guilin hotel. The total travel time is about 1 hour.
When should I arrive at the pier?
You must arrive at least 40 minutes before your departure time.
Foreign travelers are required to present a valid physical passport for inspection before boarding. Mopanshan Pier gets particularly busy with large domestic tour groups, so keep a close eye on your boarding gate.
Questions travellers ask
Do I need a passport to board the cruise?
Yes. A valid physical passport is mandatory for booking tickets and passing security boarding checks.
Where does the cruise end?
The boats travel one-way to Yangshuo. 3-star boats and many 4-star boats terminate at Longtoushan Pier. Some luxury boats terminate at Shuidongmen Pier.
Is transport back to Guilin included?
Standard cruise tickets are strictly one-way. You must arrange your own return transport to Guilin if you do not plan to stay in Yangshuo.
