How to get to Guyuan

Guyuan is a distinctive city located in the south of the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region of China. Thanks to its strategic position, it served for centuries as a vital hub on the legendary Silk Road, connecting cultures and the trading caravans of the past.

Today, this region attracts travelers with a unique combination of rich history and impressive nature. The crown jewel of the area is considered to be the ancient Xumi Mountain Grottoes, featuring majestic Buddhist statues carved into the cliffs. Furthermore, Guyuan is renowned for its picturesque landscapes: the famous Liupanshan Mountains and a comfortable, cool climate make it a wonderful destination for those wishing to discover the authentic atmosphere of China away from the bustling megacities.

For time-conscious travelers, the optimal choice is a flight to the local Guyuan Liupanshan Airport (GYU). This regional aviation hub serves flights from several major metropolises and is located just ten kilometers from the city limits, making the journey as comfortable as possible.

If a direct flight cannot be found, you can plan a route through neighboring cities. Convenient transit points often include Lanzhou or Qingyang, as well as the regional administrative center — Yinchuan. Excellent ground connections are established from these points, allowing you to complete your journey by train or bus.

Traveling by train is one of the most reliable and atmospheric ways to reach your destination. The city operates its own Guyuan Railway Station, which ensures stable connections with the country's general transport network. This makes a visit here convenient and accessible for independent travelers.

Passenger trains arrive here from various regions. The most popular and convenient options are services from large neighboring cities, such as the regional capital Yinchuan or the famous Xi'an. A journey by rail will allow you not only to cover the distance comfortably but also to enjoy the scenic views of the Loess Plateau from your carriage window.

Bus services connect the region with key transport hubs, offering tourists a scenic journey along the roads of Ningxia and neighboring provinces. A trip from the bustling Lanzhou usually takes about 4–5 hours: during this time, the transport covers approximately 300 kilometers, allowing passengers to observe the smooth change of landscapes from the window.

For those traveling from neighboring Qingyang, the road will be shorter — the distance of 170 kilometers can be covered in an average of 2.5 hours. The route from the city of Zhongwei, located closer to the desert areas, is also in demand: a journey of about 280 kilometers will take around 3–4 hours, providing a convenient and affordable transfer for travelers.

Traveling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the rugged yet captivating landscapes of the region. The fastest route leads from the neighboring city of Qingyang: a distance of about 170 kilometers can be comfortably covered in 2–2.5 hours.

An alternative option is a trip from the city of Zhongwei, which will take approximately 3–3.5 hours. The length of this route is about 280 kilometers. For those making their way from Lanzhou, the road will be slightly longer — about 300 kilometers, which will take around 3.5–4 hours. An intercity taxi or private transfer would be a convenient solution, allowing you to relax on the way without being distracted by navigation on local highways.

Preparing for a trip to Guyuan will help avoid minor inconveniences and allow you to focus on exploring the region's rich cultural heritage. To ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations considering local specifics.

1. Clothing and Climate: The weather here is characterized by significant temperature fluctuations. Even if you are traveling in summer, be sure to bring a warm cardigan or windbreaker for evening walks, as it becomes noticeably cool after sunset. In winter, quality insulated clothing and thermal underwear will be required.
2. Transport: The most convenient way to move around the city is by taxi, which is quite inexpensive here. Public transport is developed, but navigating routes without knowing the language can be difficult. Always have the name of your hotel and attractions written in Chinese characters to show the driver.
3. Finances: International Visa and Mastercard cards are rarely accepted, mostly only in major hotels. The main payment methods are via Alipay or WeChat Pay apps, to which you can link a foreign card. It is also recommended to carry a small supply of cash yuan for minor expenses.
4. Health and Protection: Guyuan is located at a high altitude, so the sun is quite active and the air is dry. Be sure to use sunscreen (even in cloudy weather), wear a hat, and bring moisturizer and lip balm.
5. Communication: English is practically not used in the city. Download an offline translator app to your smartphone in advance with voice input and photo translation capabilities (for example, for reading menus). This is a vital tool for communicating with locals.
6. Local Etiquette: The region is home to the Hui people, who practice Islam. Please show respect for local traditions: dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Note that Halal restaurants (usually marked with green signs) do not serve alcohol or pork dishes.
7. What to Avoid: It is strictly not recommended to drink tap water; buy bottled water in supermarkets. Also, try to avoid using the services of unlicensed taxi drivers at stations — it is better to order a car through official counters or applications.
8. Gastronomic Advice: Do not miss the opportunity to try the local beef noodles. This region is famous for its high-quality meat, and the Halal beef and lamb dishes here are considered some of the best in China.

Observing these simple rules will make your visit safe and pleasant. Guyuan is a hospitable city, and with due respect for local customs and a little preparation, you will receive a wealth of positive impressions from your trip.