How to get to Chifeng

Chifeng is a captivating city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, where ancient history intertwines harmoniously with breathtaking landscapes. Known as the "Birthplace of the Dragon" thanks to the discoveries of the Hongshan culture, it attracts travellers with its unique archaeological and cultural heritage.

However, it is not only the past that beckons tourists here: the region is renowned for its natural beauty, from boundless emerald steppes and crystal-clear lakes to the fantastic stone forests of the global geopark. A trip to this part of China promises to be a brilliant discovery for enthusiasts of ethnography and eco-tourism. Our guide will help you learn more about the features of this distinctive land.

For travellers who value their time, the most convenient way to reach the destination is by air. The city is served by its own airport, Chifeng Yulong Airport, which handles regular domestic flights and is located just a few kilometres from the central area.

Since the airport does not have direct international connections, tourists from abroad will need to transfer. The optimal route lies through China's major transport hubs, most commonly via Beijing or Hohhot. The flight from the country's capital takes about one hour, making the journey quick and comfortable.

Travelling by train is one of the most comfortable and popular ways to get to Chifeng. In recent years, the region's transport accessibility has reached a new level thanks to the launch of a high-speed railway line connecting the city with the country's key transport hubs.

Tourists can easily travel here from Beijing: high-speed express trains depart from the capital's Chaoyang Station and cover the distance in just 2.5–3 hours. This makes the trip fast and pleasant. There is also an established direct connection with Shenyang and a number of other major cities in north-eastern China.

Trains arrive at the modern city railway station, which boasts developed infrastructure. From here, travellers can effortlessly reach the city centre or their hotel by using the numerous taxis or public transport routes.

Bus travel is an excellent alternative for those who wish to enjoy the views of Inner Mongolia and neighbouring provinces on the way to Chifeng. One of the fastest options is the route from the city of Chaoyang: a distance of about 170 kilometres can be covered in just 2–3 hours. Regular services depart from the main bus stations, ensuring a stable connection between settlements.

Travellers also frequently choose the road from the city of Chengde, taking approximately 3–4 hours, which allows for a convenient combination of visiting the famous mountain resort with a trip to the steppes. For those heading from the direction of Liaodong Bay, the service from Jinzhou city is suitable: a journey of about 280 kilometres will take around 4 hours, revealing a smooth transition from urban landscapes to natural expanses.

Travelling by car allows you to independently plan stops and enjoy the scenery of Inner Mongolia. The shortest route leads from the city of Chaoyang: a distance of about 170 kilometres can be comfortably covered in 2–2.5 hours. The road from the famous Chengde will take slightly longer — approximately 4 hours for a distance of 300 kilometres.

The route from the direction of Jinzhou city is also popular, with a length of around 260 kilometres, and the travel time varies from 3.5 to 4 hours. For those who do not drive, booking an intercity taxi is available, though the cost of the trip will be negotiable and significantly higher than a bus ticket. The quality of the highways in this region is excellent, making the journey safe and pleasant.

Preparing for a trip to Inner Mongolia requires attention to detail to ensure the journey is as comfortable and hassle-free as possible. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations to help you avoid surprises and enjoy your stay in Chifeng.

1. Clothing and Climate. The region has a sharp continental climate, so the weather can be unpredictable. Even if you are travelling in summer, be sure to bring a windbreaker or a warm jumper: temperature drops between day and night are quite noticeable here. In winter, you will need maximally warm clothing to protect against the steppe winds.
2. Getting Around the City. Taxis are the most convenient way to move around, but drivers practically do not speak English. Save the name of your hotel and necessary attractions in Chinese characters in advance, or download local car-hailing apps to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Finances and Payment. As in all of China, digital technologies rule here. We strongly recommend installing Alipay or WeChat Pay apps and linking your card to them. Cash is not accepted everywhere, and international Visa or Mastercard cards may not work in ordinary shops and cafes.
4. Health and Safety. The city is safe for tourists, however, drinking tap water is not recommended — please buy bottled water. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the green cross sign, but it is better to carry a basic set of medicines with you, as finding analogues of familiar preparations without knowing the language will be difficult.
5. Language Barrier. The English language is not widely spoken in Chifeng. Your main assistant will be an offline translator on your smartphone with photo translation and voice input functions. This is vital for reading menus and communicating with locals.
6. Local Etiquette. Traditions of hospitality are strong in this region. When receiving or giving something (money, a business card, a gift), try to use both hands — this is considered a sign of deep respect. In restaurants, do not leave chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
7. What to Avoid. Do not rely on familiar Western maps and navigators, as they may work incorrectly or be blocked. Also, avoid planning routes with tight schedules: distances to natural attractions outside the city can be significant.
8. Gastronomic Advice. Be sure to try dishes that reflect the fusion of cultures, such as Mongolian tea with milk and salt or traditional roasted lamb. In local establishments, portions are often very large, so gauge your appetite when ordering.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to easily orient yourself in the new environment and focus on the main thing — exploring the unique culture and nature of this land. May your acquaintance with the city be pleasant and safe!