How to get to Jinchang

If you have decided to visit Jinchang, you are about to embark on a journey to the "Nickel Capital" of China, located in the picturesque Hexi Corridor of Gansu Province. Finding your way to Jinchang is straightforward: the city is connected to the outside world by regular flights, railway routes, and convenient highways. This industrial hub offers tourists not only business opportunities but also the chance to witness a unique combination of modern industry and the region's rugged natural beauty.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is by air. The city is served by its own Jinchuan Airport (JIC), located approximately 15 kilometres from the city centre. This allows travellers to save significant travel time and avoid long overland journeys.

As the airport is regional, most routes involve a layover in the country's major transport hubs. Flights to Jinchang are most frequently operated via Lanzhou, Xi'an, or Beijing. Connecting flights are well-organised, making the journey comfortable even for tourists travelling with luggage.

If direct tickets to Jinchuan are unavailable, you might consider alternative options arriving in neighbouring cities, such as Zhangye or Xining. However, in this case, you will need to plan an additional transfer by train or bus, which will take several hours.

For those who prefer overland travel, a railway journey is a convenient option. The city is served by Jinchang Station, located on the busy Lanzhou — Xinjiang line. Trains arrive here from many major metropolises, making this route highly popular among tourists and locals alike.

It is important to note a geographical detail: the railway station is not located within the city limits but in the town of Hexibao, at a significant distance from the centre. To reach the main districts of the city after disembarking from the train, you will need to use additional transport. Regular buses run between the station and the city, and for greater comfort, you can take a taxi directly at the terminal exit.

Bus travel is an excellent way to enjoy the rugged landscapes of the Hexi Corridor while moving between neighbouring cities. One of the most popular routes connects the location with Zhangye: express buses cover the distance of 150 kilometres in just 2–2.5 hours. A trip from Xining will take about 4–5 hours, but the travel time passes unnoticed thanks to the scenic views outside the window throughout the 300-kilometre journey.

Regular connections are also established with the city of Zhongwei in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region; the duration of such a trip is about 5 hours. A key advantage of buses is the convenience of arrival: unlike rail transport, intercity buses usually arrive at the bus station in the central Jinchuan district. This allows tourists to avoid a long transfer from the suburbs and immediately find themselves within the city limits.

Travelling by car offers the freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the rugged scenery of the Hexi Corridor at your own pace. The shortest and least tiring route leads from the city of Zhangye: a distance of 150 kilometres on the expressway can be comfortably covered in just 2 hours. The road from Xining will take more time — about 4–5 hours for a 300-kilometre journey, but the views outside will shift smoothly from mountain ranges to endless steppes.

If you are departing from the city of Zhongwei, expect to spend about 5 hours behind the wheel to cover approximately 400 kilometres. For tourists without a local driving licence, a convenient solution is to book an intercity taxi or a private transfer with a driver, where the cost of the trip is often fixed and depends on the car class. The road surface on the main highways leading to the "Nickel Capital" is of excellent quality, making a road trip in this region pleasant and safe.

Preparing for a trip to Jinchang requires attention to detail, considering the region's climatic features and the specifics of small industrial centres in China. To ensure your visit to the "Nickel Capital" is comfortable and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate here is sharply continental and arid. Summers can be hot, but evenings may be cool, so the principle of layering clothing is the best solution. In winter, warm clothes protecting against the wind will be required. Be sure to bring sunglasses and sunscreen, as the sun in Gansu Province is very strong.
2. Transport. The most convenient way to move around the city is by taxi, the prices for which are quite reasonable here. Public transport is fairly well developed, but navigating routes without knowing the language will be difficult. We recommend saving the names of necessary places (hotel, station, attractions) in Chinese (characters) in advance to show the driver.
3. Finances. International bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are practically not accepted in ordinary shops and cafes in Jinchang. The main payment method is mobile apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, to which you can link a foreign card. Always keep a small supply of cash yuan, preferably in small denominations.
4. Health and Safety. The main feature of the local climate is very dry air. Be sure to bring moisturising cream for face and hands, lip balm, and drink plenty of bottled water. The city is safe for tourists, but be attentive when crossing roads: traffic can be chaotic.
5. Communication. The level of English proficiency among the local population is extremely low. For communication, a smartphone with an installed offline translator that can translate speech and text from photos is vital. Also, download offline maps of the region in advance.
6. Local Etiquette. Tipping is not customary in restaurants and taxis. When interacting with locals, be polite and modest. If you are invited to a meal, remember not to stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this is associated with funeral rites.
7. What to Avoid. It is strongly recommended not to drink tap water; use only bottled or boiled water. Also, try to avoid discussing sensitive political topics to avoid putting your interlocutors in an awkward position.
8. Additional Tip. Do not think of Jinchang only as an industrial giant. If you are here in summer or early autumn, be sure to visit the "Purple Flower Sea" — a huge park with fields of lavender and verbena, which has become a new symbol of the city.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid everyday difficulties and focus on exploring the unique atmosphere of Gansu Province. Jinchang is a hospitable city that knows how to surprise the prepared traveller.