Guilin Liangjiang International Airport serves as a gateway to one of China’s most visually striking regions. Located near the city of Guilin, known for its karst mountains and rivers, the airport connects travelers to landscapes that have inspired artists and photographers for decades. The terminal handles both domestic flights and some international routes, making it accessible for visitors seeking natural beauty rather than urban excitement. Its design reflects modern Chinese architecture while maintaining a focus on practicality for daily operations.
| Power Grid: |
220 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type A , Type I
Type A:
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| Currency: |
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY) £1 ≈ CN¥8.88 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are widely accepted in China, particularly in urban areas. Mobile payment services like Alipay and WeChat Pay are commonly used.
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| eSIM providers: |
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| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary in China and is not expected, although it may be appreciated in high-end restaurants or by hotel staff for exceptional service. |
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| Public drinking: | Public drinking is generally not allowed in many places in China, but it is common in restaurants and bars. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, such as restaurants and public transport, but enforcement can vary. |
| Chinese New Year (January/February) |
Major holiday with family gatherings and public celebrations |
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| National Day (1 October) |
National holiday with parades and festivities |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Numbers: 110 (Police), 120 (Ambulance), 119 (Fire) |
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| Taxi apps: | DiDi, Uber |
| Other: | China is known for its vast cultural heritage, including historical landmarks like the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army. It offers diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to beaches. |
Guilin Liangjiang International Airport is located about 28 kilometers southwest of Guilin city center and opened in 1996 to replace the older Qifengling Airport. It has modern terminal facilities, including Terminal 2 which opened in 2018, providing ample space with 25 boarding gates and 22 security lanes supporting over 12 million passengers annually.
The airport features a single 3,200-meter runway capable of accommodating large aircraft and has a large parking apron. Inside, passengers enjoy free Wi-Fi, self-check-in kiosks, various dining options, bookstores and VIP lounges. The airport’s design and services aim to comfortably cater to both domestic and international travelers.
Travelers should be aware that the airport is a bit distant from the city, making transfer times vary. Shuttle buses run regularly but the schedules can be limited outside peak hours. While English signage and assistance have improved, many staff primarily speak Mandarin, so some basic Chinese phrases or a translation app can be helpful.
Guilin itself offers stunning natural beauty with activities such as river cruises on the Li River and visits to Reed Flute Cave, making the airport a scenic and efficient introduction point to this remarkable region.
Located in the main terminal, this lounge offers comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and showers. Access is granted to first/business class passengers and select memberships like Priority Pass or can be purchased at the door.
Guilin Liangjiang Airport has multiple VIP lounges catering to domestic and international travellers, featuring refreshments, workspaces, and quiet environments, suitable for relaxation before flights.
Most travelers opt to stay in Guilin city center where accommodation ranges from boutique hotels to affordable guesthouses, all accessible within an hour’s drive from the airport.
To Guilin City Center:
The city centre is about 28 km from the airport. Travellers can take airport shuttle buses to major hotels or the Guilin North Railway Station for about CN¥20 (£2.24); the journey takes around 50-60 minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing apps provide faster, more direct routes costing roughly CN¥80 (£8.95). Schedules of shuttles might change, so check ahead.
To Yangshuo:
Approximately 65 km from the airport, Yangshuo is reachable via taxi or shuttle buses connecting through Guilin city. The taxi ride takes about 1.5 hours with fares around CN¥200 – 250 (£22.39 – 27.98). Organised tours often include transport directly from the airport or Guilin city to this popular tourist town.
To Li River:
To experience the famous Li River cruise, travellers usually head to Guilin city or Yangshuo. Public buses and taxis shuttle visitors from the airport to these locations, with Qi Lake and the Reed Flute Cave nearby and accessible from the city.
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