How to get to Chaoyang

Planning a trip to Chaoyang, located in the northeastern part of China, means setting off for a city with a rich historical heritage and unique paleontological finds. Deciding how to get to Chaoyang will be effortless: thanks to the developed infrastructure of Liaoning Province, you can comfortably fly here by plane, travel by train, or take a bus. The choice of the optimal route depends entirely on your preferences and point of departure.

The fastest way to reach your destination is to use the local airport, Chaoyang (CHG). This compact air hub is located just a few kilometers from the city limits, making the trip as comfortable as possible. The main destination from which regular direct flights are operated is Shanghai; such a flight will allow you to save significant travel time.

Travelers from Beijing and other megacities should be prepared for connecting flights. If convenient tickets directly to Chaoyang cannot be found, you can consider alternative flight options via neighboring transport hubs — the airports of Jinzhou or Chifeng cities. From there, it is easy to reach the final point of your route by bus or taxi.

Traveling by train is one of the most convenient and reliable ways to get to Chaoyang. The city operates a modern railway station that accommodates both regular passenger trains and high-speed trains. This makes the journey not only comfortable but also fast, allowing you to easily include the city in your itinerary across the country.

Routes from major transport hubs, such as Beijing and Shenyang, are particularly popular. Thanks to the development of the high-speed rail network, travel time from the capital and neighboring provinces has been significantly reduced. By choosing this mode of transport, you can enjoy the picturesque landscapes outside the window and arrive at your destination rested and ready for new discoveries.

Bus services connect Chaoyang with neighboring cities, offering tourists a budget-friendly and sufficiently comfortable way to travel around Liaoning Province. The shortest and most popular route runs from Jinzhou: the bus covers the distance of about 110 kilometers in approximately one and a half to two hours. A trip from the coastal city of Huludao, located 140 kilometers south of the destination, will take a little more time, about two and a half hours.

Regular transport links have also been established with the Inner Mongolia region. The journey from Chifeng lasts about three hours, during which you will cover approximately 170 kilometers, enjoying the changing landscapes of the northeast. Intercity buses in this region are generally modern and run on schedule, arriving at the central bus station of Chaoyang.

Traveling by car will give you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the views of Liaoning Province at your own pace. The fastest route leads from neighboring Jinzhou: the distance of 92 kilometers can be comfortably covered in about an hour and a half. The road from coastal Huludao will take about two hours, during which you will drive 145 kilometers on high-quality highways.

If you are heading from the direction of Inner Mongolia, it is most convenient to travel from Chifeng. The journey, about 170 kilometers long, will take just over two hours, revealing picturesque landscapes of the northeast. For those who do not plan to rent a car, taxis operate between cities; however, it is recommended to agree on the cost of the trip for such long distances with the driver in advance.

Preparing for a trip to Chaoyang requires knowledge of local specifics to ensure the journey goes as smoothly and comfortably as possible. Here are a few useful recommendations that will help you feel confident in this historical corner of China.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: The climate in the region is sharply continental. If you are traveling in winter, be sure to take very warm clothing, a heavy down jacket, and thermal underwear, as the frosts here can be severe. In summer, on the contrary, it is worth stocking up on light clothes made of natural fabrics and comfortable shoes for long walks in the heat.
2. Transport: The most convenient way for a tourist to get around is by taxi, the prices for which are quite affordable here. It is recommended to download Chinese taxi-hailing apps (such as DiDi) in advance or always carry a hotel card with the address in Chinese to show the driver.
3. Monetary Matters: Mobile payments via WeChat Pay and Alipay are used everywhere in China. Cash yuan is accepted, but vendors do not always have change. International Visa and Mastercard cards may not work in ordinary shops and cafes, so it is better to set up payment via smartphone in advance or have a reserve of cash.
4. Health and Hygiene: It is categorically not recommended to drink tap water; buy bottled water in supermarkets. Assemble a small first-aid kit with familiar medicines (for stomach upset, colds, allergies), as finding equivalents in local pharmacies without knowing the language will be difficult.
5. Connectivity and Language: The level of English proficiency among the local population is not high. Be sure to install an offline translator on your phone with a photo translation function (for menus and signs). Also, take care of a VPN service before arriving in the country to have access to your usual messengers and email.
6. Table Etiquette: In restaurants, it is customary to order several dishes for everyone and share them, which aligns well with the communal dining culture familiar to many. Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this resembles a funeral ritual and is considered bad manners. Tipping is not customary.
7. What to Avoid: Beware of unlicensed taxi drivers who intrusively offer services at the train station or airport; use official counters. Also, try not to plan important trips during national holidays (for example, Chinese New Year or "Golden Week" in October), when it is very crowded everywhere.
8. Unique Experience: Chaoyang is famous for its paleontological finds. If you plan to buy souvenirs, be careful: exporting real fossils from the country is strictly prohibited; buy only certified copies in official shops attached to museums.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid everyday difficulties and focus on exploring the ancient culture and unique sights of the city. Be open to new things, and the trip will leave only pleasant memories!