How to get to Jiamusi

When planning a journey to the northeastern part of China, many tourists wonder how to reach Jiamusi — a vibrant city in Heilongjiang province, situated on the banks of the Songhua River. Reaching this important regional centre is possible through various means: the city is served by planes, trains, and intercity buses, allowing for a flexible itinerary. The developed transport infrastructure makes a trip to Jiamusi accessible and comfortable for every traveller.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the city is by air via Jiamusi Airport (JMU). This busy aviation hub serves over a million passengers annually and receives regular flights from major metropolises, ensuring stable connections with other regions. The terminal is located just a few kilometres from the city limits, allowing travellers to reach the centre in a very short time.

If direct flight tickets are unavailable, one might consider alternative arrival options via neighbouring cities. The nearest airports are in Jixi and Mudanjiang, located a few hours' drive away. Although such a route will require a subsequent transfer to ground transport, it can be a good backup option for constructing a complex logistical route across the northeast of the country.

The city boasts excellent railway accessibility, serving as an important transport hub for Heilongjiang province. The Jiamusi Railway Station receives trains from various regions of the country, ensuring stable connections with major metropolises and neighbouring areas.

High-speed trains connecting the city with Harbin are particularly popular. A journey on this route is quick and offers maximum comfort, allowing tourists to save significant travel time. Modern carriages are equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant journey, and the regular schedule provides the opportunity to plan your agenda flexibly.

Bus services in Heilongjiang province are a reliable and budget-friendly way to travel, allowing you to observe the authentic life of the region from the window. It is most convenient to travel from neighbouring Jixi: the express covers the distance of approximately 170 kilometres in an average of three hours. Another popular option is a trip from Mudanjiang, which will take about four to five hours, covering a distance of just over 300 kilometres on a quality highway.

Travellers heading from the border direction should consider a direct route from Suifenhe, although the journey in this case will extend to 6–7 hours due to the distance of nearly 450 kilometres. Most intercity buses arrive at the central bus station, located in the immediate vicinity of the railway station, which significantly simplifies logistics for transit tourists.

Travelling by car through Heilongjiang province offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the northern landscapes. The shortest route leads from the city of Jixi: a distance of about 170 kilometres can be comfortably covered in 2.5–3 hours via the expressway. The road from Mudanjiang will take a little more time — about 4 hours to cover approximately 300 kilometres.

If you are departing from the border city of Suifenhe, count on a 5–6 hour journey, as the distance is about 450 kilometres. A trip by intercity taxi on these routes is possible but will cost significantly more than a train or bus ticket, so the price should be negotiated with the driver in advance. A private car or rental vehicle is an excellent choice for those who wish to make stops in picturesque locations and not depend on public transport schedules.

Thorough preparation will make your trip to Jiamusi comfortable and save you from unnecessary hassle upon arrival. To ensure your journey through northeastern China goes smoothly, we have compiled the most important recommendations regarding daily life and local specifics.

1. Seasonal clothing. The climate here is sharply continental. Winters are very harsh and windy, with temperatures often dropping below -20°C, so be sure to bring thermal underwear, a high-quality down jacket, and non-slip footwear. Summers are warm and humid; light clothing is suitable for walks, but a windbreaker may be needed in the evening.
2. Transport nuances. Taxis in the city are inexpensive, but drivers rarely speak English. Always carry the name of your hotel or destination written in Chinese characters. It is also convenient to use city buses — the fare is only 1–2 yuan, but you need to have small cash or a transport app.
3. Payment methods. International bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted only in large hotels or expensive restaurants. The primary method of payment is via Alipay or WeChat Pay apps, to which a foreign card can be linked. Always keep a small supply of cash yuan for small shops.
4. Health and water. Drinking tap water is strictly not recommended; purchase bottled water in supermarkets. Pharmacies are easily recognised by the green cross, but it is better to bring medicines with you, as finding familiar western equivalents without knowledge of the language will be difficult.
5. Language barrier. English is not widely spoken in Jiamusi. Before the trip, be sure to download an offline translator to your phone with voice input and photo translation functions (for example, Baidu Translate or similar). This is your main tool for communication.
6. Table etiquette. In restaurants, it is customary to order several dishes for everyone to share. Never stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this is associated with funeral rites. Tipping is not customary; it may be perceived as disrespect or an attempt to return change.
7. What to avoid. Beware of "black taxis" (unlicensed private drivers) who intrusively offer services at stations and the airport. A ride with them can cost several times more than the official rate, and it is also unsafe.
8. Useful advice. Since the city is located not far from the border, there are many signs in Cyrillic here, but they should not always be trusted — the translation is often machine-generated and incorrect. Rely on visual images or maps on your smartphone, rather than just the Russian inscriptions.

Observing these simple rules will help you adapt faster to the rhythm of life in Jiamusi and focus on exploring the culture and sights. Be open to new experiences, and the city will welcome you with its northern hospitality.