How to get to Baishan

Baishan is a picturesque city in the northeast of China, renowned for its dense forests, mineral springs, and proximity to the legendary Changbaishan mountains. If you are planning a trip to Baishan to enjoy nature away from bustling metropolises, it will be useful to study the available transport routes in advance. Solving the question of how to get to Baishan is quite simple: the region possesses a developed infrastructure, allowing you to travel here comfortably by train, bus, or plane.

The fastest way to reach the region is by air. The main hub for tourists is Changbaishan Airport (NBS). It connects this area with the country's key metropolises, such as Beijing and Shanghai, and features modern infrastructure, allowing travellers to comfortably begin their acquaintance with the region immediately upon arrival.

If a direct flight does not suit your schedule or budget, it is worth considering routes via major transport hubs in the northeast. An excellent option would be flying into Changchun or Shenyang. These cities receive numerous international and domestic flights, and the subsequent journey to Baishan by high-speed train or bus will take a few hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenery along the way.

A convenient alternative is also the airport in the city of Tonghua. It is located significantly closer than the major hubs — the distance to Baishan is less than 60 kilometres, so the transfer will be quick and tireless. This option is often chosen when planning composite itineraries.

Travelling by train is a convenient and atmospheric way to get to Baishan. The city has a railway station that ensures connections with neighbouring regions. Typically, tourists choose routes with a transfer at major transport hubs, such as Shenyang or Changchun, from where regular services run directly to the destination.

A journey by rail will provide you with unforgettable impressions thanks to the picturesque views outside the window. The route runs through the majestic forests and hills of the northeast, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of local nature even before arrival. This is not just a transfer, but an opportunity to see hidden corners of the region while passing by cities such as Tonghua or Jilin.

Bus travel is a great way to immerse yourself in the rhythm of life in the Chinese province and enjoy views that are often hidden from passengers of high-speed trains. One of the most convenient and fastest options is considered the route from the neighbouring city of Tonghua: the bus covers the distance of 60 kilometres in about an hour or an hour and a half, allowing you to reach Baishan almost instantly.

For those departing from more distant points, there are regular services from the city of Jilin, from where the travel time is about 4–5 hours for a distance of approximately 280 kilometres. Travellers also often choose the route via Tieling, located 330 kilometres away; such a trip will take about five hours, but the comfortable cabins of modern buses make the journey tireless.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and a unique chance to see the hidden beauties of the province inaccessible to train passengers. The shortest and most popular route leads from the city of Tonghua: you can cover the distance of about 60 kilometres in approximately one hour, enjoying views of the wooded hills. If you are driving from the direction of Jilin city, the road will take about 3.5–4 hours, and the journey of more than 260 kilometres will be memorable for the picturesque landscapes characteristic of the country's northeast.

For those making their way from the city of Tieling, the trip will last about 4.5 hours, during which you will have to drive around 330 kilometres on quality highways. Intercity taxi services are also well-developed in the region, which will be a comfortable alternative for tourists without personal transport, although the cost of such a trip will be noticeably higher than a public transport ticket and may vary depending on your bargaining skills.

Thorough preparation for a trip to Baishan will help you avoid minor inconveniences and focus on exploring the natural beauties of the region. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations that will make your stay in this part of China as comfortable and safe as possible.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is sharply continental. If you are travelling in winter, be sure to bring thermal underwear, a down jacket, and waterproof footwear — the frost can be severe. In summer, the weather is comfortable, but it often rains and is windy in the mountains, so a light windbreaker and a raincoat in your backpack are mandatory.
2. Transport. Public transport can be difficult to understand without knowledge of the language. The most convenient way to get around is by taxi. We recommend downloading the DiDi app (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) in advance or always carrying a hotel business card with the name in Chinese to show the driver.
3. Finances. The main currency is the Chinese Yuan. Cards from international payment systems like Visa and Mastercard are rarely accepted, mostly only in major hotels. It is best to have a reserve of cash or set up Alipay or WeChat Pay on your smartphone, which are used universally even in small shops.
4. Health and Safety. It is strictly recommended not to drink tap water — buy bottled water. There are pharmacies in the city, but pharmacists rarely speak English, and drug names are listed in characters, so assemble a basic first-aid kit with your usual medications while still at home.
5. Communication. English is not widely spoken in Baishan. Be sure to install an offline translator on your phone with voice input and photo translation functions. This is critically important for reading menus in restaurants and communicating with locals.
6. Local Etiquette. The Chinese value restraint. A greeting is usually limited to a nod. At the table, remember an important rule: never stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — this resembles a funeral ritual and is considered a bad omen.
7. What to Avoid. Be attentive with private taxi drivers at stations and the airport who impose their services — their prices are often inflated. Also, do not forget to bargain at markets when buying souvenirs, as fixed prices exist only in supermarkets.
8. Bonus Tip. Baishan is known as one of the main centres for ginseng harvesting. If you are looking for a unique and beneficial gift, pay attention to products made from this root, but purchase them only in specialised pharmacies or certified shops to avoid counterfeits.

Following these simple rules will allow you to feel confident in any situation. Baishan is a hospitable city, and with proper planning, your journey will leave only the warmest memories.