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Bottom line: To rent a car in Guilin you need a Chinese driver's license, passport, and deposit. Economy cars start around ¥200/day; book an SUV for Longji's mountain roads. Pick up at Guilin Liangjiang Airport for convenience.
International Driving Permits are not officially recognized for driving in mainland China. You need a valid Chinese driver's license to rent and drive a car legally. Always verify current requirements with the rental provider and local traffic authority before you book.
- Chinese driver's license
- Passport
- Credit card or Chinese mobile payment
- Active phone number (local SIM recommended)
How to rent
- Book online through a rental platform or directly with a company.
- Select pickup location (airport is most convenient for travelers).
- Present license and passport at pickup.
- Inspect the car, note existing damage, and take photos.
- Pay deposit and rental fee; confirm fuel policy.
Costs
| Car type | Daily rate | Approx. USD* | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy sedan | ¥200–350 | $28–50 | ¥2,000–5,000 |
| Compact SUV | ¥350–550 | $50–75 | ¥3,000–6,000 |
| Mid-size SUV | ¥550–900 | $75–125 | ¥5,000–8,000 |
*USD estimates based on August 2026 exchange rate. Actual rates vary by season, company, and booking channel.
Prices vary by season. National holidays (May 1, October 1, Chinese New Year) see sharp increases. During peak travel periods, consider booking earlier to secure availability.
Source & verification: Rental company names and price ranges are based on publicly listed rates from major platforms and airport rental counters in Guilin, researched in August 2026. Specific deposits, insurance terms, and one-way policies vary by company and must be confirmed at booking.
What You Need to Know Before Booking
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Which rental companies? | Major brands: Avis, Hertz, Enterprise (at airport). Local: eHi (一嗨租车), Shenzhou (神州租车). Most require Chinese license. Verify directly before booking. |
| Insurance included? | Basic insurance is usually included. Full coverage (不计免赔) costs extra — roughly ¥50–100/day. Highly recommended for foreign drivers unfamiliar with local roads. |
| Deposit amount? | ¥3,000–8,000 ($420–1,100) held on credit card. Released 15–30 days after return if no violations. Confirm with provider. |
| One-way rental? | Possible (e.g., Guilin pickup → Yangshuo return), but fees apply. Confirm when booking. |
| Fuel & gas stations? | Gas stations accept cash and mobile pay. Most rental cars use 92-octane (标号 92). Foreign credit cards rarely work at gas stations — use Alipay/WeChat or cash. |
| Traffic violations? | Fines are deducted from your deposit. Rental companies will contact you. Speed cameras are common on highways. |
| Accident procedure? | Call 122 (traffic police) and your rental company immediately. Do not move the car until police arrive. Take photos of everything. |
*Prices and policies vary by company. Verify directly with the rental provider before booking.
Rental companies
International brands (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) and major Chinese platforms (eHi, CAR Inc., Zuche) operate in Guilin. Chinese platforms often have better local coverage and lower prices but may have limited English support.
Rental company policies, deposits, and insurance terms can change. We review this page regularly, but always confirm current rules with the relevant local authority, rental provider, or your embassy before travel.
Insurance
Basic insurance is usually included. Consider supplemental coverage for scratches, glass, and tires. Ask specifically what is excluded and whether a damage waiver reduces your deposit hold. Insurance products sold by rental companies in China are regulated by the National Financial Regulatory Administration; read the policy terms carefully before you sign.
Pickup & dropoff
Guilin Liangjiang Airport and Guilin North Railway Station are the most common pickup points. One-way rentals to Yangshuo may be available but are less common. Confirm dropoff location and any one-way fees in advance. See our airport car rental guide for pickup details at KWL.
Cannot drive? Here's what to do instead
A Chinese driver's license is required to rent and drive in mainland China. If you do not have one, you still have excellent options for exploring Guilin:
- Private driver: Flexible door-to-door service, especially good for families or groups. Negotiate the route and stops in advance.
- Organized day tours: Cost-effective for Longji and Yangshuo highlights without the navigation stress.
- Li River cruise: The classic Guilin → Yangshuo scenic boat journey. See our Li River cruise guide.
- High-speed rail + local transport: Fast trains connect Guilin and Yangshuo; use DiDi or taxis for local trips.
- DiDi / taxi: Works well for short city trips and Guilin ↔ Yangshuo transfers.
Compare all options in our Guilin transportation guide.
Emergency information
Important: Emergency numbers and service details should be verified before departure. The numbers below are the standard national codes used in mainland China.
- Police: 110
- Medical emergency / ambulance: 120
- Fire: 119
- Traffic accident: 122
- Your embassy or consulate: Save the local number before travel.
- Rental company: Save the emergency hotline provided at pickup.
Useful Chinese phrases
- Help: 救命 (jiùmìng)
- Call the police: 报警 (bàojǐng)
- I need a hospital: 我要去医院 (wǒ yào qù yīyuàn)
- There was an accident: 出事故了 (chū shìgù le)
Tips & pitfalls
- Inspect and photograph the car before leaving the lot.
- Ask for the emergency contact number in English or via translation app.
- Return with the agreed fuel level to avoid extra charges.
- Traffic fines are typically deducted from the deposit weeks later.