How to get to Heze

When planning an itinerary through Shandong Province, travellers often look for information on how to get to Heze — a city famous worldwide as the "capital of peonies" and the birthplace of martial arts. This picturesque corner of China possesses a developed infrastructure, so you can travel to Heze in various ways: by taking a domestic flight, a high-speed train, or an intercity bus. Convenient transport connections make this historic city easily accessible for tourists wishing to immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of the region.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own airport, Heze Mudan (HZA), which accepts regular flights from many of the country's major metropolises, including Shanghai, Xi'an, and Guangzhou.

Since the airport focuses primarily on domestic airlines, international tourists wishing to visit Heze usually require a transfer at one of the major international hubs in China. The terminal is located within convenient transport access from the city centre, allowing travellers to quickly reach their hotel or main attractions immediately after arrival.

Rail transport is one of the most comfortable and popular ways to get to Heze. The city is integrated into China's extensive railway network, allowing tourists to easily plan trips on both high-speed and regular trains. Thanks to infrastructure development, travel time from many major cities has been significantly reduced.

For those who value speed and comfort, Heze East station is an excellent choice. High-speed trains from Beijing, Jinan, and other transport hubs arrive here. For example, the journey from Jinan takes less than two hours, and travelling from the country's capital has become much faster and more pleasant.

The city's classic railway station continues to serve regular passenger trains. This is a budget-friendly option for travellers heading to the region from distant provinces or those who prefer a leisurely travel pace. The availability of direct connections to key points in the country makes train travel a reliable alternative to other modes of transport.

Intercity buses connect the city with neighbouring provinces, offering tourists the opportunity to enjoy authentic views of the countryside along the way. One of the shortest and most convenient routes runs from the city of Jining: the distance is just under 100 kilometres, so the travel time usually does not exceed one and a half hours. This is a great option for quickly moving between cultural centres of Shandong Province without unnecessary transfers.

Comfortable direct services are also available for travellers coming from neighbouring regions. A trip from historic Anyang will take about 3 hours, during which the bus covers approximately 190 kilometres. The route from Bozhou is equally popular: transport delivers passengers to Heze in an average of 2.5 hours, allowing you to quickly reach your destination and continue exploring China.

Travelling by car along Chinese expressways is an excellent way to independently plan your schedule and enjoy the landscapes of the province. Jining is closest to the destination: a trip of about 100 kilometres will take no more than an hour and a half. You can get there from Bozhou in about two hours, covering a distance of 140 kilometres on high-quality road surfaces.

The route from Anyang will require a little more time: the road, stretching about 190 kilometres, takes an average of 2.5–3 hours. Tourists often use taxi services or ride-hailing apps; it is worth remembering that tolls for highways are usually not included in the base fare and are paid additionally.

To ensure your trip to Heze is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth preparing for local specifics in advance. We have compiled a list of practical recommendations that will help you easily navigate the city and avoid common tourist mistakes.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate in the region is continental with clearly defined seasons. If you are travelling for the famous peony festival in April, bring layered clothing: days can be summery warm, while evenings remain cool. Summers here are hot and humid, so modest clothing made of natural fabrics is preferred, while in winter a high-quality warm jacket is useful, as central heating is not available everywhere.
2. Transport. The public transport system is developed, but bus routes are listed only in Chinese. For tourists, it is most convenient to use taxis or popular ride-hailing apps (such as DiDi). Always carry a hotel card or the name of the desired attraction written in characters to show the driver.
3. Finances. As elsewhere in China, mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) dominate here and can be linked to international cards. Cash yuan is accepted, but vendors do not always have change. International Visa and Mastercard cards may not work in small shops and cafes, so it is better to have a backup payment option.
4. Health and Safety. Heze is a peaceful city, but drinking tap water is strongly discouraged; buy bottled water in supermarkets. It is also worth assembling a small first-aid kit with familiar medicines (for stomach upsets, allergies, colds), as local pharmacies predominantly stock traditional Chinese medicine, and finding specific international equivalents can be difficult.
5. Communication. English is not widely spoken here, with the exception of major hotels. Your smartphone will be your main assistant: be sure to install an offline translator with voice input and photo translation capabilities (this is a lifesaver when reading menus in restaurants to find suitable or Halal options).
6. Local Etiquette. Be prepared that personal space here is perceived differently than in other regions, and people may stand very close in queues. Greetings are usually reserved (a nod or a handshake). An important nuance at the table: never stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this is associated with funeral rites.
7. What to Avoid. Try not to plan your trip during major national holidays (for example, the first week of October or Chinese New Year). During these times, the transport system is overloaded, and accommodation prices rise significantly. Also, avoid unlicensed taxi drivers at stations; use only official counters or apps.
8. Additional Tip. Heze is the world capital of peonies, so you can buy unique souvenirs here: peony petal tea, essential oils, cosmetics, and even paintings depicting flowers. However, be careful with buying seeds or bulbs: be sure to check your country's customs regulations before purchasing, as the export of live plants is often prohibited.

Following these simple guidelines will help you feel confident and focus on the main thing — exploring the rich culture and natural beauty of this amazing corner of the Middle Kingdom.