Guilin, a beautiful city known for its stunning limestone karst landscapes and vibrant culture, attracts millions of tourists each year. While exploring this charming destination, getting around efficiently and comfortably is crucial for a pleasant travel experience. Thankfully, Guilin offers a variety of transportation options, including traditional taxis and modern ride-hailing services. Whether you’re visiting the famous Li River, the serene Reed Flute Cave, or the bustling Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, knowing how to navigate the city’s transportation system will enhance your stay.
Taxis in Guilin are a convenient and relatively affordable way to travel around the city. The city has a fleet of yellow taxis that can be flagged down on the street or found at designated taxi stands. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using taxis in Guilin.
Guilin’s taxi fare system is regulated by the government, and the prices are standardized to ensure fairness. The starting fare is typically around 12 RMB (approximately $1.70 USD) for the first 3 kilometers (1.86 miles). After that, the fare increases by approximately 2-3 RMB (around $0.30 USD) per additional kilometer.
In addition to the base fare, there may be extra charges for things like tolls or if you request a ride during peak hours or at night. It’s also important to note that there may be additional surcharges for long-distance trips, especially if you’re traveling from the city center to popular tourist spots located outside of the city.
Taxis can be easily found in various parts of the city, especially around major tourist spots, transportation hubs like Guilin Railway Station, and popular shopping areas. They are also available at most hotels, so you can ask your hotel’s front desk to help you arrange one. While you can try to hail a taxi directly from the street, it can sometimes be difficult during busy times, such as rush hour or holidays, as the demand for taxis increases.
Many taxi drivers in Guilin may not speak English fluently, so it’s helpful to know a few basic phrases in Mandarin or have your destination written down in Chinese. Alternatively, you can show the driver a map or a hotel address in Chinese to make sure there is no confusion about your destination. Some drivers may have a basic understanding of English, especially in more touristy areas, but don’t rely on this entirely.
Although most tourists rely on taxis that are flagged down in the street, there are also some apps available for booking traditional taxis in Guilin. These apps allow users to book taxis for specific pickup times and locations, and some of them even show estimated fares. However, these services might not be as widely used or as reliable as ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing.
Ride-hailing services have gained tremendous popularity in China, and Guilin is no exception. The rise of ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing has made it easier and more convenient for travelers to navigate the city. These services offer a more modern and flexible way to get around compared to traditional taxis.
Didi Chuxing is the most well-known and widely used ride-hailing app in China. It operates in most major cities, including Guilin. By using the Didi app, travelers can easily book a ride from their current location to any destination within the city or even to nearby attractions. This app is user-friendly, available in multiple languages, and provides a seamless experience for both locals and tourists.
To use Didi in Guilin, you will first need to download the app and create an account. The app is available in both Mandarin and English, making it accessible for foreign travelers. You can link your credit card or a Chinese payment method (such as WeChat Pay or Alipay) to the app for easy payment.
Once you’ve set up your account, you can open the app and enter your pick-up location and destination. The app will provide you with a list of available ride options, including standard cars, SUVs, and even electric bikes or shared cars in some areas. You can then choose your preferred ride and confirm your booking. The app will provide you with the driver’s details, including their name, car model, license plate number, and an estimated arrival time. This level of transparency adds an extra layer of convenience and security.
One of the advantages of using Didi in Guilin is the wide variety of ride options available. In addition to standard taxis, you can choose from a range of vehicle types, depending on your budget and travel preferences. For example:
As for the pricing, Didi fares in Guilin follow a similar model to traditional taxis, with a base fare followed by additional charges based on distance and time. However, Didi often provides fare estimates before you confirm your ride, which allows you to have a better idea of the cost before booking. During peak hours or if there is high demand, the prices might surge, so it’s essential to keep an eye on this if you want to avoid inflated fares.
While Didi Chuxing is by far the most popular ride-hailing service in Guilin, there are other alternatives available, though they might be less widely used. Some international ride-hailing companies like Uber have limited availability in certain Chinese cities, but Didi remains the dominant player in the market.
When using taxis or ride-hailing services in Guilin, it’s important to follow some basic safety precautions to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
Guilin offers both traditional taxis and modern ride-hailing services to make getting around the city easy and convenient for visitors. Whether you prefer the reliability of a taxi or the flexibility and convenience of Didi, there are plenty of options to help you explore the city. By using the right transportation method for your needs and being aware of safety tips, you can enjoy a seamless and stress-free trip in Guilin.
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Author: Guilin Travel
Source: Guilin Travel
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