How to get to Handan

Handan is a historic gem in Hebei province and the ancient capital of the Zhao state, attracting travellers with its rich heritage. When planning how to get to Handan, tourists can utilize the developed transport network of China, including air travel, high-speed trains, and modern highways. This city is conveniently located for a visit both as a standalone destination and as part of a larger tour of the region.

The fastest way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own Handan Airport (HDG), which handles scheduled flights and is conveniently connected to the city infrastructure.

If a direct flight is not available, consider arriving at neighboring transport hubs. Convenient alternatives include airports in the cities of Xingtai (49 km) and Anyang (60 km), as well as the air hub in Changzhi (136 km), from where it is easy to continue the journey by land.

Rail travel is one of the most popular ways to get to Handan, as the city is a key transport hub on the Beijing-Guangzhou line. Both regular passenger trains and high-speed trains arrive here, making the trip fast and comfortable.

You can also plan a route with a transfer via the neighboring cities of Xingtai or Anyang. The developed railway network of China makes it easy to plan connections and choose the optimal departure time.

Intercity buses offer a budget-friendly option for travelling to Handan from nearby settlements. Regular services connect the city with neighbors such as Xingtai and Anyang, ensuring stable connections throughout the day.

Bus stations are usually conveniently located relative to the centre, and modern buses are often equipped with air conditioning. Although travel time may depend on traffic conditions, this mode of transport allows you to enjoy the landscapes of Hebei province.

Travelling by car ensures maximum flexibility and comfort. The shortest route leads from the city of Xingtai: a distance of 59 km can be covered in just 1 hour. A trip from the city of Anyang, located approximately 75 km away, will take a similar amount of time.

For those heading from the direction of Changzhi, the road will be longer. The journey of about 191 km will require approximately 2.7 hours of driving on the region's quality highways.

To ensure your stay in the city is as comfortable as possible, we recommend familiarizing yourself with local features and preparing for the trip in advance. Here are some useful tips for guests:

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is continental: summers are hot and humid, while winters are cold and dry. Pack according to the forecast and be sure to bring comfortable shoes for excursions.
2. Transport Apps. Hailing a taxi on the street can be difficult. It is recommended to install the DiDi app (the Chinese equivalent of Uber) to conveniently book a car.
3. Finances. Cash is not accepted everywhere, and international Visa/Mastercard cards rarely work. It is best to set up Alipay or WeChat Pay by linking your card to them, but keep a small supply of Yuan cash just in case.
4. Health. It is not recommended to drink tap water; please purchase bottled water. It is also useful to carry a mask, as air quality can vary.
5. Language Barrier. Few people speak English. Be sure to download an offline translator and save your hotel address in Chinese characters to show taxi drivers.
6. Cultural Etiquette. Handan is known as the "capital of idioms" (chengyu). Locals are proud of their history, so showing an interest in their culture will be met with warmth.
7. Internet. Remember that familiar Western services and social networks are blocked in China. Take care of roaming or special software for accessing necessary websites in advance.

By following these simple recommendations, you can avoid domestic inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the ancient history and atmosphere of Handan.