Duyun (Railway Station)

It is important for passengers to know that navigation within the station is intuitive, although signs are often duplicated only in English. The main entrance leads to the security screening area, which all visitors must pass through. Inside, there are electronic boards displaying schedules, waiting halls, and exits to the platforms. It is recommended to closely monitor announcements and your train number on the screens.

• Official website: www.12306.cn (China Railway Unified Portal)
• Address: Duyun, Qiannan Buyei and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China
• Enquiry phone: +86 12306 (unified hotline, service primarily in Chinese)
• Opening hours: 24 hours (ticket offices may have technical breaks)
• Luggage storage: available in the waiting hall, cost depends on luggage size
• Accessible environment: the station is equipped with ramps and special restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility

There are several ways to reach Duyun Railway Station. The most convenient option for tourists is to take a taxi. It is recommended to write down the station name and address in Chinese characters (Hanzi) in advance to show the driver, as not all drivers speak English.

The city also has a developed public transport network. City buses run to the station, connecting it with the centre and main districts. A bus ride is a budget-friendly method, but it may take more time during peak hours. Walking from the city centre is possible but can be tiring due to the distances, so it is better to rely on transport. The average travel time from the centre by taxi is about 15–20 minutes.

Duyun Railway Station offers a wide range of services to ensure a comfortable wait for your train. The building houses spacious waiting halls where you can rest before your journey. For purchasing and exchanging tickets, there are both automatic terminals (requiring a Chinese ID) and traditional ticket counters, where foreigners are served using their passports.

Among the amenities available are:

• Hot water dispensers: free of charge (popular for making tea or noodles).
• Restrooms: located in the waiting halls, free of charge.
• Luggage lockers: for temporary storage of baggage.
• Small shops: selling press, beverages, and snacks.

For passengers with disabilities, special zones and staff assistance during boarding are provided.

If you are hungry, there are several options for a snack at the station and in its vicinity. Inside the building, small kiosks usually operate where you can buy quick snacks: vacuum-packed sausages, chicken legs, biscuits, and crisps. The most popular and budget-friendly option is instant noodles, which can be prepared using the free boiling water directly in the waiting hall.

For a more substantial meal, it is worth going out to the station square. Near the station, there are often local cafes offering local cuisine, such as rice noodles or fried rice. The average bill in such places is quite reasonable. Western-style coffee shops may not be available, so coffee lovers are advised to bring a drink with them or buy ready-made canned coffee at a shop.

The history of Duyun Railway Station is inextricably linked with the development of transport infrastructure in Guizhou Province. Originally built to ensure connectivity in the mountainous region, the station became an important link in the Guizhou — Guangxi railway line.

Over the years of its existence, the station has undergone several stages of modernisation to meet the growing passenger flow and modern safety standards. Reconstructions have improved conditions for passengers and increased capacity. Today, the station plays a significant role in the economic development of Duyun, facilitating trade and stimulating tourism to this unique region of China.

When planning a trip via Duyun Railway Station, consider several important points:

• Arrival time: Arrive at the station at least 1 hour before the train departs. In China, thorough security checks and document verification are conducted at the entrance, which may create queues.
• Tickets and documents: Always keep your passport with you. It will be required not only to obtain a paper ticket at the counter but also to pass through the turnstiles (use the lane with a staff member if the automatic gate does not read your passport).
• Luggage: It is forbidden to carry knives, scissors, flammable sprays, and large-capacity batteries (power banks must have clear markings).
• Boarding: Boarding the train stops 5 minutes before departure. Watch the display boards carefully.

If you are facing a night wait, keep in mind that the halls can be cool, so it is worth bringing warm clothing with you.