How to get to Chizhou

Chizhou is a picturesque city in Anhui Province in eastern China, known as an important port on the Yangtze River and the gateway to the sacred Mount Jiuhuashan. If you are planning a trip and looking for information on how to get to Chizhou, you will be pleased to know that this region has excellent transport accessibility. You can get here in various ways: by plane, high-speed train, comfortable bus, or car, enjoying the landscapes of China along the way.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is to fly into Chizhou Jiuhuashan Airport (JUH). This modern aviation hub serves both Chizhou itself and pilgrims heading to the sacred mountains, and has established connections with key metropolises of the country. The airport is conveniently located relative to the city centre, allowing travellers to minimize travel time after landing.

Alternatively, you can consider flying to neighbouring transport hubs if the local flight schedule does not suit you. Closest of all, just 43 kilometres away, is Anqing, while slightly further are Wuhu and the major administrative centre, Hefei. These cities often offer a wider choice of flights and airlines, and getting from there to your destination will not be difficult thanks to the developed transport network.

Travelling by train is one of the most convenient and popular ways to get to Chizhou. The city has its own railway station, which accommodates both regular and high-speed trains (High-Speed Rail). This makes the trip comfortable and significantly saves travel time, allowing tourists to avoid long bus journeys.

The railway station is linked by direct connections to many major transport hubs of the country, including Shanghai, Nanjing, and the provincial capital — Hefei. Modern express trains allow travellers to enjoy scenic views from the window and arrive in the city, from where it is easy to continue the journey to Mount Jiuhuashan or other local attractions.

Bus services in Anhui Province are distinguished by reliability and comfort, allowing tourists to easily plan complex routes. The fastest route connects the region with its neighbour — Anqing: the bus covers the distance of 50 kilometres in less than an hour. Travellers from Wuhu will have to travel about 140 kilometres, which will take approximately two hours along scenic landscapes.

If you are departing from the provincial capital, the city of Hefei, count on a trip lasting 2.5–3 hours, during which the transport covers a distance of about 200 kilometres. Intercity buses in this region are generally modern and comfortable, making the road a tireless and pleasant part of your Chinese adventure.

Travelling by car to Chizhou is a great opportunity to explore the scenic roads of Anhui Province at your own pace. The shortest and fastest route runs from the neighbouring city of Anqing: a distance of about 67 kilometres can be comfortably covered in just over an hour. If you are leaving from Wuhu, the road will take more time — about two hours, during which you will drive around 139 kilometres.

For those starting their journey in the administrative centre of Hefei, the trip will last approximately two and a half hours, and the distance will be 195 kilometres. The road infrastructure in this part of China is modern and high-quality, so many tourists also use intercity taxi services. It is better to agree on the cost of the trip in advance or ensure the meter is used, as fares may vary depending on the time of day and the class of the vehicle.

Preparing for a trip to Chizhou requires attention to detail so that your journey through China passes as comfortably and worry-free as possible. We have compiled a list of proven recommendations for you that will help avoid common difficulties and allow you to focus on exploring the culture and nature of the region.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate in the region is humid subtropical, so it can be very stifling in summer — choose light, natural fabrics. Winters can be damp, so a warm jacket is mandatory. Since the main attractions are related to the mountains, comfortable, worn-in flat shoes are the most important element of your wardrobe.
2. Transport: Public transport is reasonably developed, but for tourists, it is most convenient to use taxis. It is important to remember: most drivers do not speak English. Always keep a hotel card or the name of the desired location written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
3. Finance: The main currency is the Chinese Yuan. International Visa and Mastercard cards are not accepted everywhere, mostly only in large hotels. We strongly recommend installing Alipay or WeChat Pay applications and linking your card to them — this is the primary payment method in the country, even with street vendors. A small reserve of cash is also useful.
4. Health and Safety: Chizhou is a safe city, but drinking tap water is strictly not recommended; buy bottled water in supermarkets. Assemble a first-aid kit with familiar medicines in advance, as understanding a Chinese pharmacy without knowing the language will be extremely difficult.
5. Communication: The language barrier can be significant. Download an offline translator to your smartphone in advance that can translate voice and text from photos (for example, menus in restaurants). This application will become your main assistant in communication.
6. Local Etiquette: When visiting temples, especially on Mount Jiuhuashan, please observe the dress code (covered shoulders and knees) and behave quietly. Tipping in restaurants and taxis is not customary here, and attempting to give money over the bill may cause confusion.
7. What to Avoid: Be prepared that familiar Western internet services and social networks may be unavailable without special preparation. Also, avoid discussing political topics with locals — this is considered bad manners.
8. Extra Tip: If you plan to climb Mount Jiuhuashan, try to leave as early as possible in the morning. This is a popular place of pilgrimage, and by midday, queues for the cable car and temples can be very long.

We hope these practical tips will make your stay in the city easy and pleasant. Good preparation will allow you not to be distracted by everyday trifles and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the ancient culture and amazing nature of this corner of Asia.