Guilin Taxi is a core public transportation option in Guilin, covering all districts—including Xiufeng (秀峰区), Xiangshan (象山区), Diecai (叠彩区), and surrounding counties such as Yangshuo (阳朔县) and Lingchuan (临桂县)—as well as major tourist attractions, airports, and train stations. Taxis provide a convenient, direct way to reach destinations such as Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (桂林两江国际机场), Guilin Railway Station (桂林站), Guilin North Railway Station (桂林北站), Elephant Trunk Hill (象鼻山), Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area (两江四湖景区), and Yangshuo West Street (阳朔西街).
The city operates primarily street-hail taxis supplemented by ride-hailing apps. In central urban areas, taxis have standardized markings, fares, and services, improving cross-district convenience. All drivers are professionally trained, familiar with urban and suburban routes, and adhere to regulations, ensuring safe and reliable travel.
Taxi Types and Standards
Main Models
- Fuel Types: Gasoline taxis dominate; main models include Santana (桑塔纳), Suzuki Alivio (奇骏), Hyundai; some older models like Jetta and Fukang remain in limited use.
- Vehicle Class: Comfortable mid-range vehicles; no high-end models above 250,000 RMB.
- Body Design: Most urban taxis use yellow-green official colors; roof lights show “Available / Occupied.” Suburban taxis follow the same color scheme for easy recognition.
- Onboard Equipment: Intelligent meters, trip recording, emergency alarms, dash cameras, GPS tracking, service evaluation cards, intelligent roof lights indicating availability.
Operating Hours and Coverage
- Coverage: All urban districts, Yangshuo County, Lingchuan County, and key tourist areas including Longji Terraced Fields (龙脊梯田). Out-of-city trips require driver confirmation.
- Operating Hours: 24/7 service. Daytime (06:00–23:00) taxis are plentiful; early morning (00:00–06:00) fewer. Evening peak (17:00–19:00) may see delays; plan ahead.
Fare Structure (2026 Standard)
- City Taxis:
- Base fare: 9 RMB (first 2 km)
- Daytime rate: 1.9 RMB/km beyond 2 km
- Night rate: 2.0 RMB/km; base fare ~11 RMB
- Yangshuo Area:
- Base fare: ~7.8 RMB; flat 10 RMB for short in-town trips
- Longer trips (Yulong River, Xingping): 30–180 RMB depending on distance
- Extra Fees: Toll fees, highway fees, airport expressway fees—paid by passenger
- Long-distance/Charter: Confirm rate with driver before departure
- Waiting Fees: ≤12 km/h, 5 minutes = 1 km fare; peak holidays may increase fees
Meters measure distance to 500 m, time to 2.5 minutes; rounding follows local regulations.
How to Get a Taxi
1. Ride-Hailing Apps (Recommended)
- Platforms: Didi (滴滴出行), Gaode Taxi (高德打车)
- Features: Chinese/English interface, fare estimate, vehicle tracking, pre-booking
- Payment: WeChat, Alipay, bank card, in-app
- Steps: Download app → Register → Enter origin & destination → Choose “Taxi” → Confirm → Verify driver & vehicle on arrival
- Notes: Cancel within 5 min free; airport rides via app recommended
2. Street Hailing
- Allowed on non-restricted roads; avoid bus lanes, intersections, and crowded hubs
- Peak hours, rain, or snow may reduce availability
- Main roads near tourist areas (Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers & Four Lakes) have higher success rate
3. Phone Booking
- National Dispatch Hotline: 95128 (24h, elderly-friendly)
- Provide: Pickup location, destination, contact number
- Receive SMS with vehicle & driver info
- Local dispatch hotlines: Guilin main line 0773-3881111
- Transport & complaints hotline: 12328; Government services: 12345
4. Taxi Stands at Hubs
- Locations: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (T1/T2), Guilin Railway Station (north plaza), Guilin North Railway Station (designated queue)
- Queue-based, orderly boarding, regulated by dispatchers
Practical Travel Tips
Popular Routes
- Airport → City Center: Liangjiang Airport → downtown ~28 km, 70–100 RMB, ~40 min
- Train → Attractions: Guilin Railway Station → Elephant Trunk Hill ~5 km, 15–20 RMB
- City Sightseeing: Elephant Trunk Hill → Two Rivers & Four Lakes ~10 RMB; West Street → Twin Towers ~15 RMB
- Guilin → Yangshuo: ~65 km, 200–250 RMB, ~1.5 hours; recommended for groups
- Guilin → Xingping/Li River: ~70–80 km, 150–180 RMB; ideal for photography stops
Saving Tips
- Short trips (2–3 km) are most cost-effective
- Long trips: negotiate round-trip price to avoid extra surcharge
- Peak-hour: avoid busy streets; use side roads or ride-hailing apps
- Group travel: share taxi fares for better cost-efficiency
Essentials
- Documents: Phone, ID, Chinese address/hotel name for foreigners
- Payment: Cash (≤100 RMB), WeChat, Alipay, app payments
- Preparation: Check traffic, secure luggage, know landmarks
- Recommendation: Yellow-green taxis preferred for inner-city travel
Safety & Regulations
- Official taxis only: Yellow-green body, meter, roof light, license & fare displayed
- Verify: Meter reset; request receipt
- Driver rules: No refusal, overcharging, detours, or meter tampering
- Passenger rules: No illegal goods, unsafe requests, smoking prohibited
- Night travel: Prefer ride-hailing, share trip details
- Pets: Small pets in carriers allowed; large pets prohibited
- Child safety: Bring portable seats; children must be accompanied
Complaints & Lost Items
- Supervision hotline: 12328
- Government: 12345
- Lost & Found: 0773-2826110
- In-person: Taxi company offices at main stations or urban districts
Commendation
- To praise a driver, contact hotline 0773-83389135 or the taxi company directly
Common Questions
- Taxi shortage: Avoid evening peak hours; use apps/95128; walk to main roads in crowded districts
- Night taxis: Pre-book via app or hotline
- Driver unfamiliar with route: Use phone navigation or provide landmark info
- Long-distance trips: Pre-arrange with driver; confirm willingness for intercity trips
- Commend drivers: Use hotline or company contact