How to get to Duyun

Before setting off for China, it is worth planning ahead on how to reach the city of Duyun, situated in the picturesque Guizhou province and renowned for its illustrious tea traditions. Known as the "City of Bridges," this vibrant destination is accessible to tourists thanks to a developed transport network that includes air travel, railways, and convenient bus routes. If you decide to travel to Duyun, you will have the opportunity to choose the most suitable mode of transport while enjoying the beauty of the mountain landscapes along the way.

You can reach the city of Duyun by plane via neighbouring transport hubs, as the city's own airport does not currently serve regular passenger flights. This poses no difficulty for tourists, thanks to the region's developed infrastructure and the proximity of major air gateways.

The most convenient and popular option is flying to the provincial capital, Guiyang. Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE) receives numerous flights from major cities in China and other countries. The distance to Duyun is approximately 100 kilometres, which can be easily covered by high-speed train directly from the airport transport hub or by intercity bus in just an hour or hour and a half.

Alternatively, you can consider arriving at Kaili Airport (KJH), located approximately 60 kilometres away, or Libo Airport (LLB), which is situated a bit further. These airports handle fewer flights but may be convenient if you are planning a complex itinerary through the scenic spots of Guizhou province.

Rail travel is one of the most comfortable and popular ways to reach Duyun. The city is served by a modern station that accommodates high-speed trains connecting the region with major transport hubs. A journey by train becomes an adventure in itself, as breathtaking views of Guizhou province's mountain landscapes unfold from the carriage window.

Many travellers choose the route via the provincial administrative centre, Guiyang, from where the journey takes very little time. Furthermore, there are convenient connections with neighbouring tourist locations: one can quickly arrive from Kaili or travel from the picturesque Libo. This allows you to easily combine visits to several interesting places into one trip without unnecessary logistical complications.

Travelling by bus through Guizhou province is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the views, as the region's roads wind through picturesque hills and valleys. Most often, tourists arrive in Duyun from the provincial capital, Guiyang: the bus covers the distance of 100 kilometres in approximately one and a half to two hours.

You can get there even faster from the neighbouring city of Kaili; the trip from there takes only about 60 minutes. For travellers constructing a complex route through natural attractions, the direct service from Libo is convenient. The journey lasts about two and a half hours, revealing views of the famous karst landscapes. Buses on these routes run regularly, and tickets are usually available at bus station counters before departure.

Travelling by car across Guizhou province is an excellent opportunity to appreciate the region's massive road infrastructure with its tunnels and high viaducts. The most sought-after route runs from the administrative centre, Guiyang: the distance of about 100 kilometres along a modern toll motorway is easily covered in an hour and a half. Even faster is the drive from neighbouring Kaili, where the 60–70 kilometre journey takes just about an hour.

If you are planning a trip from the south, from the famous karst landscapes of Libo, the road will require a little more time — approximately 2.5 hours for a distance of 150 kilometres. For those who do not rent a car, an intercity taxi service is available: drivers often agree to a fixed fare for the trip, which can be a favourable option for small groups wishing to travel with comfort and privacy.

A journey to Duyun promises an immersion into the authentic atmosphere of Guizhou province, but it requires a little preparation. To ensure your trip through this part of China is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, we have compiled a list of practical recommendations.

• Language Barrier. English is rarely spoken in the city. Before travelling, be sure to download a translation app to your smartphone that works offline. Features such as voice translation and the ability to translate text (menus, signs) via the camera are particularly useful.
• Payments and Cash. Usual international Visa and Mastercard cards are accepted extremely rarely. The primary method of payment is mobile systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay, to which foreign cards can now be linked. Nevertheless, always keep a supply of cash in Yuan, especially small denominations, for paying for taxis or purchases in small shops.
• Clothing and Footwear. The climate in the region is humid, and rain can start suddenly, so a light raincoat or umbrella is an essential companion for the tourist. Since Duyun is located in hilly terrain, choose the most comfortable and non-slip footwear for walks.
• Transport in the City. The simplest way to get around is by taxi, the tariffs for which are quite affordable. An important nuance: drivers do not speak English. Prepare cards in advance with the names of your hotel and attractions in Chinese (characters) or show them on your phone screen.
• Culinary Features. Local cuisine is famous for its combination of sour and spicy flavours. If you are not accustomed to hot food, say "bu la" (not spicy) when ordering, however, be prepared that the dish may still contain spices. Muslim travellers should also verify ingredients if looking for Halal options, as local recipes vary.
• Famous Tea. The city is known for its "Duyun Maojian" tea, which is listed among the country's best varieties. Purchasing this tea in a specialised shop makes for an excellent souvenir. Do not hesitate to ask for a tasting before buying — this is standard practice.
• Internet and Connectivity. Remember that many Western services and social networks may be inaccessible. To ensure stable contact with the outside world, take care of activating roaming or installing the appropriate software on your devices in advance.

Observing these simple rules will help you avoid domestic difficulties and focus on the main thing — exploring the culture and beauties of this amazing city.