Launch the China Trip Advisor Web site (see Resources below).
Click on ''Train Tickets'' from the top menu on the home page of the Web site.
Locate and click on the link labeled ''Departing from Shanghai'' from either the left margin of the page, or the list of links in the center column.
Open the link for ''Shanghai -> Guilin Time Table'' from the center of the page. Note that there are two trains available for this route, both of them being ''K'' trains. However, be aware that one train from Shanghai arrives at the Guilin main station, while the other pulls into the Guilin North station.
Complete the reservation request form at the bottom of the same page the trains are listed on. You can ask for information about one or both of the trains servicing the route between Shanghai and Guilin. One train station may be closer to your hotel or other destination in Guilin, for example.
Wait for an email response. You should be contacted by an agent from China Trip Advisor with train and reservation information within 24 hours of submitting your request.