How to get to Anqing

Anqing is a vibrant historic city in the eastern part of China, situated on the picturesque banks of the Yangtze River and renowned for its rich cultural traditions. If you are planning to travel to Anqing, you will be pleased to know that thanks to the developed infrastructure of Anhui Province, organising your journey will be effortless. Solving the question of how to get to Anqing can be done in various ways: by using the local airport, the railway network, bus routes, or by car.

Travelling by air is the most comfortable and fastest way to begin your acquaintance with the region. The city operates its own airport, Anqing Tianzhushan (AQG), located just a few kilometres north of the centre. It is a modern transport hub that ensures convenient connections with the outside world.

The airport receives direct scheduled flights from many key metropolises, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Xi'an. Thanks to this, tourists can easily plan a route with one convenient transfer at a major international hub and arrive directly at their destination, bypassing long overland journeys.

If suitable tickets for a direct flight are not available, a good alternative would be flying to the airport in Hefei, the provincial capital. It boasts a wider route network, and the journey from there to Anqing by high-speed train or bus will take approximately two to three hours.

Rail travel is one of the most convenient and popular ways to get to Anqing. The city is integrated into the extensive network of Chinese railways, and the local station accepts both regular and modern high-speed trains. This makes the trip comfortable and predictable in terms of time.

Tourists can take advantage of direct services from many major cities in the region. For example, high-speed trains run regularly from Shanghai, Nanjing, and Hefei. The journey from the provincial capital, Hefei, takes only about one and a half to two hours, while the trip from Shanghai lasts approximately four hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic landscapes outside the window.

The railway station is located within the city limits, which significantly simplifies logistics upon arrival. Directly from the platform, you can easily transfer to a taxi or public transport to reach your booked hotel or start sightseeing.

Bus services connect Anqing with many neighbouring regions, offering travellers a budget-friendly and scenic alternative to trains. The most sought-after route runs from the administrative centre of the province, Hefei; a comfortable journey covering about 170 kilometres usually takes no more than three hours. Regular connections are also established with neighbouring Chizhou, located just an hour's drive away on the other bank of the Yangtze River.

Another convenient option for tourists is a direct service from the famous "Porcelain City" of Jingdezhen, from where buses deliver passengers to their destination in approximately two and a half hours. The distance between the cities is about 150 kilometres, and modern expressways make this journey untiring. Upon arriving at the main bus station, you will effortlessly find a taxi or local transport to get to the centre.

Travelling by car offers you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the landscapes of Anhui Province. The most popular route leads from the regional capital, Hefei: the distance of 170 kilometres along the expressway can be comfortably covered in about two hours. If you are departing from neighbouring Chizhou, the road will take less than an hour, as the cities are separated by only about 50 kilometres and a majestic bridge across the Yangtze River.

A scenic drive from the famous centre of porcelain, Jingdezhen, covering about 150 kilometres, will require around two and a half hours. Since self-driving in China requires a local driving license, tourists often book an intercity taxi or a transfer service; the cost varies, but typically a trip from neighbouring cities costs between 400 and 800 Yuan depending on the distance and the class of the vehicle.

When planning a visit to Anqing, it is worth considering a few practical and cultural nuances in advance to ensure your trip runs smoothly. This city in China has its own rhythm of life, so a little preparation will allow you to feel confident from the first minutes of your stay.

1. Clothing and Essentials: Anqing has a humid subtropical climate, so summers can be very hot and humid—choose clothing made from natural, breathable fabrics. Winters are cool and damp, so a warm jacket and waterproof shoes are mandatory; keeping an umbrella with you is advisable in any season.
2. Transport: The most convenient way to move around the city is by taxi, which is relatively inexpensive here. The bus network is also well-developed, but navigating routes without knowing the language can be difficult; we recommend installing taxi-hailing apps (such as DiDi) in advance and having your hotel name written in Chinese.
3. Finances: As in many other cities in the region, cash is gradually giving way to digital payments. Install Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your card, as terminals for international cards are not available everywhere, but keep a small supply of cash Yuan for minor expenses.
4. Health and Safety: Anqing is a safe city, but drinking tap water is strictly not recommended; buy bottled water in supermarkets. Pharmacies are common (look for the green cross sign), however, it is better to bring a necessary set of medicines with you, as finding familiar Western brands may be challenging.
5. Communication: English is not widely spoken in the city; it may only be known by staff at large hotels or younger people. Be sure to download an offline translator app on your smartphone with photo translation and voice input functions—this is critically important for communication in shops and restaurants.
6. Local Etiquette: Be prepared that personal space is perceived differently here than in the West, and queues may be crowded. Greet people with a slight nod, and when handing over a business card or money, try to use both hands—this is a sign of respect.
7. What to Avoid: Do not use the services of unlicensed taxi drivers (touts) at stations and the airport to avoid inflated fares. Also, try not to plan important transfers during national holidays when the transport system is overloaded.
8. Additional Tip: Anqing is considered the birthplace of Huangmei Opera, one of the country's five main opera schools. Even if you are not a theatre enthusiast, attending a performance will be a vivid cultural experience: the colourful costumes and unique style of performance will not leave you indifferent.

Following these simple recommendations will help you avoid misunderstandings and focus on exploring the attractions. May your journey be filled with comfort and pleasant discoveries!