How to get to Anyang

Anyang is an ancient city in Henan province, rightfully considered one of the cradles of China's civilisation and a guardian of unique historical heritage. If you are planning to travel to Anyang to see famous archaeological sites, it is worth studying available routes in advance. Solving the question of how to get to Anyang is quite simple: a developed transport network allows you to use a plane, train, or bus.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own Anyang Airport (AYN), which handles domestic flights and connects this part of the province with other major centres of the country. Flying directly to the local airport allows you to save significant time on transfers to your hotel or attractions.

If a direct flight is unavailable, travellers often choose alternative routes through neighbouring aviation hubs. The nearest one is Handan Airport (HDG), located approximately 60 kilometres from Anyang. You can also consider flights to Xingtai (XNT) or Changzhi (CIH). A developed ground transport network allows you to easily cover the remaining distance by bus or taxi.

Railway travel is one of the most convenient and popular ways to get to Anyang. The city is located on a vital transport artery connecting the north and south of the country, so it is easy to reach here both on classic overnight trains and modern high-speed expresses.

For those who value time, arriving at Anyang East station is the ideal option. High-speed G and D series trains arrive here regularly. For example, the journey from the country's capital, Beijing, will take only about two and a half hours, and from the provincial administrative centre, Zhengzhou, you can arrive in less than an hour.

The city also has a central railway station that accepts standard passenger trains. Travel by rail in China is distinguished by a high level of organisation and punctuality, making the trip a comfortable part of your tourist itinerary.

Bus travel is an excellent choice for those touring neighbouring regions who wish to enjoy the landscapes of provincial China. The fastest route connects Anyang with nearby Handan: the cities are separated by only about 60 kilometres, so the trip will take no more than an hour. A bit longer, about one and a half to two hours, is the journey from Xingtai, located approximately 110 kilometres to the north.

A convenient transport link is also established with the city of Changzhi, located 190 kilometres west of the destination. The road from there will take about three hours, passing through quite picturesque terrain, making the trip a pleasant part of the route. Intercity buses in this part of the country are generally comfortable, equipped with air conditioning, and run strictly on schedule.

A car journey to Anyang along modern expressways is a great way to see provincial landscapes and plan your travel time independently. The shortest and least tiring route leads from neighbouring Handan: the distance is only about 60 kilometres, which will take no more than an hour of driving. The path from Xingtai will require a little more time — covering 110 kilometres usually takes from one and a half to two hours.

If you are departing from Changzhi, located to the west, the 190-kilometre road will take about three hours. Tourists often choose to book a transfer or an intercity taxi, as this eliminates navigation difficulties; the cost of the trip will vary depending on the car class and toll fees, but remains affordable for a group of travellers.

Preparing for a trip to Anyang requires attention to detail so that the journey proceeds smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations for you that will help comfortably organise your stay in this historical centre of China.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate in the region is sharply continental, so the contents of your suitcase depend directly on the travel date. In summer, it can be very hot and humid — choose natural, breathable fabrics. In winter, it is cold and windy, so a warm jacket and thermal underwear are necessary. At any time of the year, bring comfortable walking shoes, as the main archaeological parks involve long walks.
2. Transport within the City. The most convenient way for a tourist to get around is by taxi, the prices for which are quite reasonable here. We recommend installing the DiDi app (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) in advance or always carrying the hotel's business card and the names of desired locations written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
3. Finances and Payment. The main currency is the Chinese Yuan. Be prepared for the fact that international bank cards are rarely accepted, mostly only in large chain hotels. The ideal option is to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay on your smartphone by linking your card, as QR codes are used everywhere. A small reserve of cash is also useful for minor purchases.
4. Health and Safety. Anyang is a peaceful city, but basic precautions are important. Never drink tap water; buy only bottled water. Pharmacies are easy to recognise by the green cross on the sign, but since pharmacists rarely speak English, it is better to have a photo of the necessary medicine or a pre-translated name of the symptom.
5. Language Barrier. English is not very common here, even in tourist zones. Your smartphone will become your main tool: be sure to download an offline translator that supports voice input and text translation from the camera. This will help you read menus in restaurants and communicate with locals.
6. Local Etiquette. The Chinese value composure and respect for elders. Observe silence when visiting temples and museums. In restaurants, remember an important rule: never stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — this resembles funeral incense and is considered a very bad omen.
7. What to Avoid. Try not to plan a trip during major national holidays, such as "Golden Week" (early October) or Chinese New Year. During these periods, the city is overcrowded with domestic tourists, accommodation prices rise significantly, and queues for attractions become huge.
8. Special Recommendation. Since Anyang is known as the home of oracle bones and hieroglyphic writing, pay special attention to souvenirs. High-quality replicas of ancient artefacts or calligraphy sets will be an excellent and authentic gift that is difficult to find in other regions of the country.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid logistical inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient Shang civilisation. May your acquaintance with the city be easy, safe, and full of amazing discoveries!