logistic question for Longji and Yangshuo in October- please

Question

Hi Everyone,

I'm planning to fly in to Hong Kong Oct 14 and spend 1 day there before visiting the Guilin area.

Could you please help me figuring out the sequence of destinations for ease of transportation.

1) high speed train from Hong Kong to Guilin

2) can we book a Didi for a pick up at 4pm from the Guilin train station to get to Longji rice terrace? and how long would this trip take? Could we still arrive and check in hotel before sunset? Being there Oct 17, I'm hoping we can catch the Longji Rice Terraces before harvest time, correct?

3) after hiking the Longji rice terraces the next day, we should get a Didi back to Guilin for the Li River cruise next morning, right?

4) should we stay at a hotel near the cruise pier?

5) at Yangshuo, we'd like to see the karst mountain from above and wondering if we could manage to climb up the Xiangong mountain.

6) this is close to Xing ping, correct? and if so, should we stay at a hotel in that area?

if so, we can disembark the Li River cruise (from Guilin) at Xingping (instead of Yangshuo), correct?

7) there is a tea field close by, correct? if so, could we get a taxi ride there from the Xiangong mountain?

8) I only have 1 - 1/2 day here, and don't think we want to stay in the Yangshuo town . we'll visit Zhangjiajie next.

I'd really appreciate your advice to start booking flight and hotels.

Thanks so much.

Answer

Your planned itinerary for Guilin, Longji, and Yangshuo in October is feasible, but careful timing and transport planning will make your trip much smoother. Here’s a detailed breakdown addressing your questions:

1) High-speed train from Hong Kong to Guilin: You can take a high-speed train from Hong Kong West Kowloon to Guilin North or Guilin Railway Station. The fastest trains take around 3.5–4 hours. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, as October is a busy travel month.

2) Didi from Guilin train station to Longji Rice Terraces: Booking a Didi or private car for a 4 pm pickup is possible, but you should allow for at least 1.5–2 hours of travel, depending on traffic. The distance is about 90 km. Arriving around 6 pm may allow you a brief view before sunset, but daylight hours in October end around 5:45–6:00 pm, so it will be tight. It may be safer to plan arrival in the early afternoon for a more relaxed visit.

Regarding timing in October, you should still see the terraces with mature rice. Harvest usually starts in late October, so October 17 is a good time for golden terraced views.

3) Returning to Guilin after Longji: After hiking the Longji terraces the next morning, taking a Didi back to Guilin is the most convenient option. Depending on your chosen Li River cruise, plan to return the evening before or very early in the morning to reach the cruise departure point on time.

4) Hotel near the cruise pier: Staying near the Guilin Li River cruise pier is recommended, especially if you plan to take the morning cruise. This minimizes early morning travel and ensures you board on time.

5) Viewing the karst mountains in Yangshuo: Xiangong Mountain offers excellent panoramic views of the Li River and karst formations. It is a moderate climb and can be done in 1–1.5 hours. If you aim to see sunrise or sunset, plan your timing accordingly.

6) Proximity to Xingping and hotel options: Xiangong Mountain is close to Xingping. Staying in Xingping is convenient if you want to minimize transit time and experience a quieter town compared to Yangshuo. Many travelers disembark the Li River cruise at Xingping instead of Yangshuo if they plan to stay there, which is perfectly feasible.

7) Tea fields near Xiangong Mountain: Yes, there are tea fields in the area surrounding Xiangong Mountain and Xingping. You can take a taxi or Didi from Xiangong Mountain to the tea fields; the distance is generally 10–15 minutes depending on the specific field.

8) Duration in Yangshuo/Xingping: With only 1–1.5 days, staying in Xingping allows you to efficiently see Xiangong Mountain, visit tea fields, and enjoy a short exploration of the town. This minimizes travel time and lets you experience the area without staying in the busier Yangshuo town.

Day 1 (Oct 14): Arrive in Hong Kong and explore the city.
Day 2: Take high-speed train to Guilin, optionally explore Guilin city.
Day 3: Travel to Longji in early afternoon to ensure enough daylight, overnight near terraces.
Day 4: Morning hike in Longji, return to Guilin, overnight near cruise pier.
Day 5: Li River cruise to Xingping, explore Xiangong Mountain and tea fields, overnight in Xingping.
Day 6: Depart Xingping/Yangshuo for next destination (Zhangjiajie).

Overall, using a mix of Didi/private transport and strategic hotel locations will maximize your sightseeing and reduce stress. Early afternoon arrival at Longji and staying near cruise piers or Xingping will make your schedule more manageable.

logistic question for Longji and Yangshuo in October- please

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