How to get to Ankang

Located in the south of Shaanxi Province in China, the picturesque city of Ankang is known as the "green pearl" of the region, surrounded by majestic mountain ranges and the Han River. If you are planning to travel to Ankang, a developed transport network connecting this city with the country's major centers is at your service. Solving the problem of how to get to Ankang is possible in various ways: by taking a flight, a scenic train route, or a journey by bus and car.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own Ankang Airport (AKA), which, despite a relatively small passenger flow, ensures stable connections with other parts of the country. The terminal is conveniently located relative to the center, allowing travelers to begin exploring the local beauties immediately upon arrival without unnecessary complications.

Alternatively, you can consider flying to neighboring transport hubs if direct flights are unavailable or do not suit your schedule. The nearest regional airport is located in the city of Shiyan (Hubei Province). However, many tourists choose the route through historic Xi'an — a major hub receiving numerous flights. From there, it is easy to reach your final destination by high-speed train or bus.

Rail transport is one of the most convenient and popular ways to get to the city. Ankang is an important transport hub in Shaanxi Province, located at the intersection of several key main lines, so direct trains regularly arrive here from many regions of the country.

The local railway station possesses developed infrastructure and serves a large flow of passengers. The most popular route is the trip from Xi'an: this journey is not only comfortable but also fascinating, as the path runs through the scenic Qinling mountain range with a multitude of bridges and tunnels. There are also convenient connections with other major cities, allowing you to easily include a visit to the "green pearl" in a complex travel itinerary.

Bus services connect the city with neighboring regions, offering travelers scenic routes through mountain landscapes. The most popular service departs from historic Xi'an: the trip along the modern highway takes from 3 to 4 hours, during which the vehicle covers a distance of about 200 kilometers. This is an excellent option for those who wish to enjoy views of the Qinling ridge in comfort, without being tied to a train schedule.

It is no less convenient to travel from the city of Shiyan, located in the neighboring Hubei Province — the journey in this case will take about three hours. Regular buses also run from Shangluo, allowing you to cover the distance to your destination in less than three hours. Most intercity buses arrive at the central bus station, from where it is easy to reach any point in the city by taxi or public transport.

Traveling by car to Ankang allows you to enjoy scenic landscapes and the freedom of movement on excellent Chinese roads. The most popular route leads from Xi'an: after covering about 220 kilometers on the modern G65 expressway, you will arrive in 3–3.5 hours. This road, passing through the majestic Qinling mountain range, is famous for its long tunnels and breathtaking views, turning a standard transfer into a memorable part of the trip.

Alternative options include a comfortable drive from Shiyan, which will take about three hours for a distance of 230 kilometers. It is also convenient to travel from Shangluo: a journey of just under 200 kilometers usually requires no more than 2.5 hours. For tourists not planning to rent a car, intercity taxis are available; the cost for such distances often starts from 600–800 RMB depending on the vehicle class.

Preparing for a trip to Ankang will help avoid minor organizational difficulties and allow you to focus on the beauty of the region. We have compiled a list of important recommendations for you that will make your journey through China as comfortable and safe as possible.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: The climate in the region is subtropical monsoon. It is hot and humid in summer, so opt for light, breathable clothing made of natural fabrics and be sure to wear a head covering. Winters are cool but usually without severe frost — a mid-season jacket or down coat is sufficient. For excursions into the mountains, comfortable, broken-in shoes are required.
2. Urban Transport: The most convenient way for a tourist to get around is by taxi, the prices for which are quite reasonable. The bus network is well-developed, but routes are listed only in Chinese. Always keep a hotel card or the name of the desired attraction written in characters to show the driver.
3. Financial Matters: The national currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB). Visa and Mastercard are rarely accepted, mostly only in major hotels. Mobile payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay are used everywhere in China. It is recommended to set up these applications in advance or always carry a sufficient supply of cash, especially small notes.
4. Health and Hygiene: Drinking tap water is strongly discouraged; use only bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. The level of medical care in the city is acceptable, but the language barrier can be a problem, so be sure to bring a first aid kit with familiar medicines.
5. Communication and Language: English is not widely spoken in Ankang, even in tourist zones. Before the trip, download an offline translator (such as Google Translate or Baidu Translate) and offline maps to your smartphone. This is vital for communication in shops and restaurants.
6. Local Etiquette: Show respect to elders and behave with restraint in public places. It is customary to accept and offer business cards or money with both hands. At the table, do not stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this is associated with funeral rites.
7. What to Avoid: Do not use the services of unlicensed taxi drivers ("touts") who often impose their services at train stations — the risk of overpaying is very high. also, avoid discussing political topics with local residents.
8. Region Specifics: Ankang is known as the "selenium valley" of China. Unique tea and selenium-rich products are grown here. Be sure to try the local green tea — it is not only the city's calling card but also an excellent souvenir.

By following these simple practical tips, you can feel confident in any situation. Ankang is a hospitable city, and a little preliminary preparation will reveal its best sides to you without unnecessary hassle.