How to get to Ganzhou

When planning a trip to Ganzhou, it is worth noting that this historic city is located in the south of Jiangxi Province in China and is famous for its ancient fortress walls dating back to the Song Dynasty. It is not only a major transport hub but also the cradle of Hakka culture, attracting travellers with its authentic atmosphere. If you are looking for information on how to get to Ganzhou, a developed infrastructure is at your service: you can comfortably fly here by plane, arrive by high-speed train, or use intercity buses.

The most convenient and fastest way to reach the region is by air. The city has its own civil airport, Ganzhou Huangjin (KOW), which receives regular flights from many metropolises. You can easily fly here from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and other major transport hubs.

The airport is located just 16 kilometres from the city centre, so the journey to your hotel by taxi or bus will not take much time. Since most flights are domestic, tourists arriving in China from abroad usually require a transfer at one of the international hubs before their final flight to Ganzhou.

Rail connections in the region are superbly developed, making a trip to Ganzhou convenient and accessible. The city is an important transport hub, so it is easy to get here on both regular and modern high-speed trains connecting it with key metropolises and neighbouring provinces.

The main arrival point for tourists choosing speed and comfort is Ganzhou West Station. Direct trains regularly arrive here from Shenzhen, Nanchang, Guangzhou, and other major centres. Travelling by rail is not only a time-saver but also an excellent opportunity to see the diverse landscapes for which China is famous from the window of a modern carriage.

An extensive network of highways makes travelling to Ganzhou by bus a scenic and budget-friendly option. One of the shortest routes is the journey from the neighbouring city of Ji'an: covering a distance of about 120 kilometres takes only 1.5–2 hours. If you are heading from the south, from Guangdong Province, the road from Shaoguan will take about three hours, allowing you to drive approximately 190 kilometres on high-quality roads.

Regular connections are also established with Hunan Province, from where buses from the city of Chenzhou reach the destination in approximately 3–4 hours. Most intercity bus services arrive at the central bus station, offering tourists comfortable conditions en route and a chance to observe the authentic life of the Chinese countryside from the window.

Travelling by car to Ganzhou opens up a great opportunity to enjoy the landscapes of southern China at your own rhythm, bypassing the rigid schedules of public transport. The fastest trip awaits you from neighbouring Ji'an: covering 120 kilometres on a modern highway takes just one and a half hours, while the scenic road from Shaoguan (about 190 km) will take just under three hours.

An alternative route runs from the city of Chenzhou, from where it is approximately 230 kilometres or three and a half hours of calm driving to the destination. The quality of the surface on toll expressways is excellent, however, expenses should be considered: a taxi ride between cities can cost from 400 to 700 yuan, so for such distances, tourists often prefer to book a transfer in advance or rent a car.

Preparing for a trip to Ganzhou requires attention to detail to ensure the journey is as comfortable and worry-free as possible. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations for you that will help avoid difficulties and allow you to enjoy your holiday in this colourful corner of the Celestial Empire.

1. Clothing and Weather. The climate in the region is subtropical and humid, so it can be very hot in summer — opt for light, natural fabrics. Winters are mild but can be damp due to humidity, so a warm jacket or sweater will be useful, and comfortable shoes and a raincoat will come in handy in any season due to possible rainfall.
2. Getting Around the City. The most convenient way to move around is by taxi or using Chinese ride-hailing apps. City buses run regularly and are inexpensive, but route maps are often listed only in characters, so always carry a card with the name of your hotel and desired attractions in Chinese.
3. Finances and Payment. The official currency is the Yuan. International cards are not accepted everywhere, mostly only in large chain hotels. It is strongly recommended to install Alipay or WeChat Pay payment applications in advance, linking a card to them, or always carry a supply of cash, especially small notes for transport and street food.
4. Language Barrier. English is not very common in Ganzhou, especially outside tourist zones. Be sure to download an offline translator to your smartphone with voice recognition and photo translation functions — this will significantly simplify communication with locals, taxi drivers, and reading menus in restaurants.
5. Connectivity and Internet. Remember that many familiar Western social networks, search engines, and messengers are blocked in the country. If you need to stay in touch via your usual apps, take care of activating roaming or installing special software (VPN) in advance, before entering China.
6. Health and Water. Tap water is not suitable for drinking without boiling, so buy bottled water, which is sold everywhere. Pharmacies in the city are easy to find by the green cross sign, but medicines may have unfamiliar names, so it is better to take a necessary minimum of medications with you.
7. Local Etiquette. Greetings are usually reserved; handshakes are acceptable, but excessive physical contact with strangers is not customary. At the table, never stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this is associated with funeral rites and is considered bad form; it is better to place them on a special rest or the edge of the plate.
8. What to Avoid. Try not to plan important excursions during major national holidays (for example, Chinese New Year or Golden Week in October), when transport and attractions are overcrowded with domestic tourists. Also, be careful with "tea ceremonies" to which random passers-by persistently invite you — this may turn out to be a tourist trap with inflated prices.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to focus on the main thing — exploring the rich history, Hakka culture, and unique architecture of Ganzhou. May your journey be easy, safe, and full of vivid impressions!