Huzhou (Railway Station)

Huzhou Railway Station is a significant transport hub in Zhejiang Province, serving high-speed trains running between Nanjing and Hangzhou. The station building features modern architecture that combines functionality with aesthetics, making it a convenient starting point for travellers wishing to visit the picturesque Taihu Lake. The station plays a key role in integrating the city into the Yangtze River Delta economic zone, ensuring rapid connections with major metropolises.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has clear navigation with signs in Chinese and English. The building is designed on the principle of a "waiting hall above the platforms": after passing security checks, you ascend to a spacious hall, from where you descend to the trains. Entrances and exits are logically located, and taxi and bus boarding zones are situated in the immediate vicinity of the terminal exit.

• Official Website: www.12306.cn (China Railway unified portal)
• Information Phone: 12306 (Unified hotline, service in Chinese and English)
• Address: Xisaishan District, Huzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
• Opening Hours: Daily from 06:00 to 23:00 (depends on the train schedule)
• Luggage Storage: Available in the waiting hall or near the ticket counters (paid service)
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with ramps, elevators, and dedicated restrooms for passengers with reduced mobility

You can get to Huzhou station in several ways, depending on your budget and the amount of luggage. The station is located west of the city centre, so walking can be tiring and would take too much time.

The most convenient option for tourists is a taxi. A trip from the city centre will take about 20–30 minutes and is inexpensive by international standards. Be sure to have the station name written in Chinese characters to show the driver.

The public transport network is also well developed. Numerous city buses run to the station, connecting it with key districts and attractions. The bus stop is located right on the station square, allowing for an easy transfer from the train to urban transport.

Huzhou Station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait before your journey. In the centre of the building, there is a spacious general waiting hall with plenty of seating. Separate, quieter rest zones are provided for business class passengers.

Tickets can be purchased or printed at the ticket counters (staffed by employees) or at automatic terminals (most of which accept only Chinese ID cards, so international visitors are advised to go to the counter). Free Wi-Fi is usually available throughout the station, although a Chinese phone number may be required to connect.

Other amenities include: free dispensers with hot water (boiling water) for brewing tea or preparing noodles, clean restrooms, charging stations for mobile devices, and small shops with travel essentials. Elevators and special assistance are available upon request for citizens with reduced mobility.

If you are hungry before your journey, there are several options at Huzhou Station. Inside the building, there are typically international fast-food chains (such as KFC or McDonald's), where you can expect consistent quality and a quick bite.

Small cafes offering local cuisine, such as beef noodles or dumplings, are also available. This is an excellent way to experience the culinary traditions of the region without leaving the station. The average bill here will be slightly higher than in the city, but remains quite affordable.

For those who just need coffee or snacks, 24-hour convenience stores are in operation. There you can buy water, biscuits, fruit, and pre-packaged meals.

The history of the modern Huzhou Railway Station is inextricably linked with the development of high-speed rail in China. The current building was put into operation in July 2013, becoming an important part of the Nanjing — Hangzhou line.

The opening of this station marked a new era for the city, significantly reducing travel time to key economic centres — Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. Prior to this, the region's rail accessibility was limited by older lines and slower trains.

The architecture of the station reflects the city's drive towards modernisation while maintaining respect for cultural heritage. Over the years, the station has gone through several stages of passenger flow optimisation to cope with the growing number of tourists and business travellers.

For a stress-free journey through Huzhou Station, it is recommended to arrive at least 45–60 minutes before the train's departure. This time is necessary to pass the mandatory security screening and document check at the entrance.

It is important for international tourists to remember that an original passport is required for boarding and collecting tickets. The electronic ticket system is now actively used in China, so it is often enough to simply scan your passport at the turnstile, but it is always better to have your booking number at hand.

Pay attention to luggage regulations: aerosols, knives, and flammable items are prohibited. If you have a connection, follow the signs for "Transfer" (or the corresponding Chinese characters) to avoid leaving the secure area and to save time. The station may close for a few hours at night, so plan long layovers in advance.