How to get to Dadukou

Dadukou is one of the vibrant districts of the Chongqing metropolis, situated on the picturesque banks of the Yangtze River. A trip here offers travelers the opportunity to see a non-touristy, authentic China, where a rich industrial past gives way to modern parks, cosy squares, and a developed urban environment.

This district attracts visitors with its authentic atmosphere and distinct rhythm of life. Strolling through the streets of Dadukou, one can explore the local culture, taste traditional Sichuan dishes, and appreciate how history and modernity blend harmoniously here.

Since Dadukou is part of the vast Chongqing metropolis, travelers arrive at the region's main aviation hub — Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG). This is one of the country's key and busiest airports, serving numerous domestic and international destinations, making the journey here convenient from almost anywhere in the world.

If convenient direct flights are unavailable, one might consider flying into the neighboring major city of Chengdu. Thanks to the developed high-speed rail connection, the journey from there to Chongqing will take very little time. Nevertheless, arriving directly at Jiangbei Airport remains the most comfortable option, allowing you to quickly reach your hotel in Dadukou by taxi or metro immediately after landing.

As Dadukou itself does not have a dedicated railway station for long-distance trains, travelers will need to transfer at one of the neighboring major transport hubs. It is most convenient to book a ticket to Chongqing, located very close by: modern high-speed trains arrive here from most regions of the country. This option allows you to reach your destination as quickly as possible, using a taxi or public transport upon arrival.

If your itinerary involves visiting other interesting places in the province, you might consider arriving in Wulong or Neijiang. These cities are located over 100 kilometres away but are also integrated into the railway network and can serve as a starting point for a further road trip to your destination. However, for a direct and comfortable journey, the metropolis's central stations remain unrivaled.

Bus services connect Dadukou with neighboring major hubs, and the shortest route runs from the centre of Chongqing. The distance here is quite short, about 15–20 kilometres, so a trip on a local bus or shuttle will take no more than 30–40 minutes. This is an excellent option for those who wish to quickly swap the noisy centre of the metropolis for the calmer atmosphere of the district.

Travelers setting off from picturesque Wulong will have to cover approximately 160 kilometres, which will take about 2.5–3 hours on a comfortable intercity coach. Convenient connections are also established with the city of Neijiang: the journey of about 170 kilometres will pass unnoticed in a couple of hours, revealing views of urban and natural landscapes to passengers as they approach the Yangtze River.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach the Dadukou district is to order a taxi or rent a car in the centre of Chongqing. The distance here is very short, only about 14 kilometres, so the drive along the city highways will take no more than half an hour. Taxi-hailing apps work excellently in China, making the trip simple and accessible even for tourists without knowledge of the language.

For travelers heading from neighboring regions, the drive will also not be tiring thanks to high-quality expressways. The journey from scenic Wulong, covering a distance of about 162 kilometres, will take approximately 2.2 hours, allowing you to enjoy the views along the way. A similar time — just over two hours — will be required to cover 175 kilometres from the city of Neijiang, from where a convenient direct highway leads.

Preparing for your trip to Dadukou will help make your journey as comfortable as possible and avoid surprises. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations for you that will come in handy during your stay in this colorful district of Chongqing.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is humid and subtropical. In summer, it is advisable to choose light, modest clothing made of natural fabrics, as it can get very hot. In winter, the temperature rarely drops below freezing, but due to high humidity, it feels cool — a windproof jacket will be useful. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain is hilly.
2. Transport. The district is integrated into the metropolis's transport system. The fastest way to get around is the metro (CRT); Line 2 passes through the district's main points. For short trips, it is convenient to use a taxi, but always have the destination address written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
3. Finances. In China, mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are used almost everywhere, so we recommend installing the relevant apps and linking your card in advance. Cash is not accepted everywhere, and difficulties may arise with international cards in small shops and cafes.
4. Health and Safety. Dadukou is a safe district, but standard precautions are advisable. Do not drink tap water; please purchase bottled water. Pharmacies are easily recognized by the green cross, but medicine names will be in Chinese, so it is better to bring necessary medications with you.
5. Communication. English is not widely spoken here. Main communication takes place in Mandarin or the local dialect. Be sure to download an offline translator app with voice input and photo translation functions to your smartphone — this is an indispensable assistant in shops and restaurants.
6. Local Etiquette. Be polite and reserved. Greetings are usually limited to a nod or a light handshake. Tipping is not customary. When visiting temples or parks, please maintain silence and respect the personal space of others.
7. What to Avoid. Try not to plan trips on public transport during peak hours (morning and evening on weekdays) when metro carriages are overcrowded. Also, be careful with local food: Sichuan cuisine is famous for being very spicy, so if you are not accustomed to strong spices, ask for dishes that are "bu la" (not spicy).
8. Extra Tip. Visit local parks early in the morning or in the evening. This is the best time to see the authentic life of the district: locals come out for collective Tai Chi exercises, dancing, or playing Mahjong, and you are often welcome to join them.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to feel confident and focus on the main thing — gaining vivid impressions from exploring the culture and atmosphere of this unique corner.