How to get to Hanzhong

Hanzhong is an ancient and picturesque city located in a fertile valley south of the Qinling Mountains in China. For tourists deciding how to get to Hanzhong, a variety of convenient routes are available thanks to the region's developed transport network. You can reach the city in various ways: by a direct flight, on a modern high-speed train, by intercity bus, or by car.

For those who value time, air travel is the optimal choice. The metropolitan area is served by Hanzhong Airport (HZG), located relatively close to the city centre. The airport receives regular domestic flights from many of the country's major cities, ensuring stable connections with key regions. The compact terminal allows for a quick completion of all arrival formalities.

Since the airport focuses primarily on domestic lines, travellers from abroad or distant provinces often find it more convenient to plan a route with a transfer. It is recommended to consider major international hubs in neighbouring provinces, such as Xi'an or Chengdu, as primary transit points. From these cities, you can easily reach your destination via a short connecting flight or by utilising the extensive high-speed train network.

Travelling by rail is one of the most comfortable and fastest ways to arrive in the city. Hanzhong Railway Station is a significant transport hub that accommodates modern high-speed trains of the G-trains and D-trains categories.

Thanks to the launch of high-speed lines, travel time has been significantly reduced. Regular services from Xi'an are particularly convenient: the journey takes only about 1 hour, allowing tourists to plan their itinerary with ease. Excellent connections are also established with Chengdu, from where daily trains depart, enabling you to reach your destination with maximum comfort.

Bus services connect the region with neighbouring cities, offering scenic routes through mountain ranges and valleys. The trip from Guangyuan, located just 150 kilometres away, usually takes about 2.5 hours via the expressway. Travellers departing from Baoji will have to cover approximately 200 kilometres, which requires about 3–4 hours on the road.

The route from the city of Ankang is also in high demand: the 230-kilometre journey takes on average 3.5 hours. Most intercity buses arrive at the main bus station, which is conveniently accessible from the central districts. This is an excellent way to enjoy the views of Shaanxi province and reach your destination comfortably.

Travelling by car allows you to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of the Qinling Mountains at your own pace, making the road trip part of the adventure. The route from Guangyuan is considered one of the fastest: the distance of about 170 kilometres can be covered in approximately 2.5 hours. Equally convenient is the road connecting the region with Ankang, where a journey of 223 kilometres will take just under 3 hours on modern highways.

Travellers setting off from Baoji will need to drive about 204 kilometres, taking around 4.3 hours due to the terrain. If you prefer a taxi or private transfer, intercity services are quite accessible; however, the cost should be negotiated in advance or ensure the meter is used. Also, please consider that fares usually increase to cover toll fees on expressways.

A journey to Hanzhong promises an immersion into rich history and the enjoyment of magnificent natural landscapes. To ensure your trip across China goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have prepared several important recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The region has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, so choose light clothing made from natural fabrics. In winter, temperatures can drop to freezing, so a warm jacket and hat are necessary. Since many attractions are located in nature reserves, be sure to bring comfortable, broken-in walking shoes.
2. Transport: The most convenient way to get around the city is by taxi, and the fares here are very reasonable. However, drivers rarely speak English. Always carry a hotel card and the names of your desired destinations written in Chinese characters to simply show the driver.
3. Finances: The local currency is the Chinese Yuan. International cards (Visa, Mastercard) are rarely accepted, mostly only in luxury hotels. It is highly recommended to install the Alipay or WeChat Pay apps and link your card to them—this is the primary method of payment everywhere, from restaurants to street stalls. Also, keep a small amount of cash on hand.
4. Health and Safety: Hanzhong is a calm and safe city. The main rule of hygiene: never drink tap water; use only bottled or boiled water. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, but for purchasing medicine, it is best to translate the name of the active ingredient into Chinese in advance.
5. Communication: English is not widely spoken here. Your smartphone will be your main assistant: download an offline translator with a photo translation function (for menus and signs) and voice input beforehand. It is also useful to download offline maps of the region.
6. Local Etiquette: Courtesy is highly valued here. Items (money, business cards, gifts) should be offered and received with both hands—this is a sign of respect. At the table, do not leave chopsticks standing vertically in a bowl of rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
7. What to Avoid: Try not to plan your trip during major national holidays, especially the first week of October ("Golden Week") and Chinese New Year. During these times, the city is crowded with tourists, transport is overloaded, and accommodation prices are significantly higher than usual.
8. Additional Tip: Hanzhong is famous for its "seas" of blooming rapeseed flowers. If you are planning a trip in spring (March-April), be sure to set aside a day to travel out of the city to see these stunning yellow fields, which are the hallmark of the region.

Following these simple guidelines will help you avoid everyday inconveniences and focus on exploring the unique culture of this ancient city. Hanzhong is hospitable and open to those ready to respect local traditions and customs.