How to get to Jiaxing

Located in the very heart of the Yangtze River Delta, picturesque Jiaxing is a pearl of Zhejiang province, harmoniously combining ancient history with a modern rhythm of life. Known as the "home of silk" and a land of lakes, this city attracts tourists with its unique atmosphere of traditional water towns and rich cultural heritage. You can get to Jiaxing in various ways: thanks to its advantageous geographical location between Shanghai and Hangzhou, convenient routes via high-speed trains, buses, and highways lead here.

The city of Jiaxing itself does not have its own airport; however, thanks to the region's developed transport infrastructure, getting here by air is not difficult. Travellers usually fly into airports in neighbouring major cities, which have excellent connections to the final destination.

The most convenient arrival options are the airports serving Suzhou (63 km), Huzhou (66 km), and Hangzhou (79 km). The proximity of these aviation hubs allows tourists to quickly cover the remaining distance by land and start exploring the region's attractions without long transfers.

Rail transport is one of the most comfortable ways to get to the city, as it is an important hub on the map of China's railways. The main flow of passengers is received by the modern Jiaxing South Railway Station, where high-speed trains regularly arrive from various corners of the country.

A train journey from the nearest metropolises takes minimum time and is distinguished by a high level of convenience. You can easily get here from cities such as Suzhou, Huzhou, and Hangzhou, enjoying the views of Zhejiang province. Thanks to frequent services, route planning becomes flexible and simple for any tourist.

Bus service remains a popular and budget-friendly option for travelling to Jiaxing, connecting it with many settlements in the region. Comfortable intercity buses depart regularly from bus stations in neighbouring provinces, allowing you to get to the city centre without unnecessary transfers.

Although travel time may vary depending on traffic, routes from cities such as Suzhou and Hangzhou are among the most popular directions. This is an excellent choice for those who prefer to observe the changing landscapes outside the window and are not tied to a strict train schedule.

A trip by car or taxi gives travellers freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the high-quality roads of East China. If you are heading from the city of Suzhou, the journey will take only about 1.3 hours, during which you will cover a distance of 86 km.

A similar time, approximately 1.3 hours, will be required for the road from Hangzhou (distance about 87 km). The route from Huzhou is slightly longer — about 106 km, which will take you approximately 1.5 hours on the way. Taxis in this region are accessible, but for intercity trips, it is recommended to agree on the price in advance or use official ride-hailing apps.

To ensure your trip to Jiaxing is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant memories, it is worth preparing for local specifics in advance. Here are some practical tips that will help you feel confident in this distinctive Chinese city.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: The climate here is humid subtropical. In summer, be sure to bring light, breathable clothing and an umbrella (rainy season), while in winter and early spring, a warm jacket will be needed, as humidity intensifies the feeling of cold.
2. Transport: To move around the city, it is convenient to use taxis or ride-hailing services. Public buses are well developed, but route maps are often only in Chinese.
3. Payments: Cash is not accepted everywhere. It is highly recommended to install Alipay or WeChat Pay and link your card, as digital payments are the main method of settlement even in small shops.
4. Connectivity and Internet: Many familiar Western services and social networks are blocked in China. Take care of roaming or purchasing a local SIM card with an appropriate service package in advance.
5. Language Barrier: Not all taxi drivers and shop assistants know English. Download an offline translator with voice and photo recognition functions — this will be your main assistant.
6. Water and Hygiene: Drinking tap water is strictly not recommended. Buy bottled water in supermarkets; it is inexpensive and sold everywhere.
7. Visiting Attractions: For popular places, such as South Lake, it is better to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds of tourists, especially on weekends and national holidays.

Following these simple recommendations will allow you to avoid practical inconveniences and fully concentrate on exploring the beauty of Jiaxing's canals and architecture.