How to get to Jiujiang

When planning a trip to Jiujiang, you are heading to a vibrant port city on the banks of the Yangtze River, which serves as the main gateway to the picturesque Mount Lushan and is renowned for its rich history. If you are looking for a way to get to Jiujiang, China's developed transport network is at your service: you can comfortably arrive here by high-speed train, intercity bus, or by plane.

The fastest way to reach Jiujiang is by plane. The city is served by its own Jiujiang Lushan Airport (JIU), located south of the centre. Regular flights operate here from several major cities in the country, making air travel the most comfortable option for travellers wishing to save time.

Alternatively, Nanchang Airport (KHN) is often chosen, located approximately 100 kilometres from the city. This is a major aviation hub with a wider route network. You can reach your destination from Nanchang quite quickly by taking a high-speed train or an intercity bus.

Rail transport is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach the city. Jiujiang is an important transport hub where major lines intersect, including the Beijing-Kowloon line, making it easy to get here by train from almost anywhere in the region.

Two main passenger terminals operate in the city and its surroundings: Jiujiang Central Station and Lushan Station. The latter serves a large number of high-speed trains (G- and D-trains). Thanks to this, travellers can arrive here via direct services from Shanghai, Wuhan, Hefei, and other metropolises.

The route via neighbouring Nanchang is particularly convenient: the journey on a high-speed express takes less than an hour. By choosing the train, you not only save time but also get the opportunity to comfortably observe the changing landscapes of Jiangxi province from the window of a modern carriage.

Bus services connect Jiujiang with many cities in Jiangxi province, offering travellers a convenient and scenic alternative to trains. The most in-demand route runs from the administrative centre of Nanchang: comfortable buses cover the distance of about 120 kilometres in an average of one and a half to two hours. Departures are frequent, allowing for flexible travel planning while enjoying views of southern China along the way.

For those exploring the cultural attractions of the region, an excellent option would be a trip from the famous "Porcelain Capital" of Jingdezhen, located 140 kilometres to the east; the journey time is about two and a half hours. Direct connections are also established with the city of Ezhou in the neighbouring Hubei province, from where a bus will take you to your destination in a similar amount of time. Arrivals are usually at the central bus station, conveniently located for further transfers to Mount Lushan or strolls along the waterfront.

Travelling by car to Jiujiang allows you to enjoy freedom of movement and appreciate the quality of the region's expressways. The most popular route leads from the provincial administrative centre — the city of Nanchang: the distance of 130 kilometres is easily covered in just one and a half hours. No less picturesque will be the drive from the famous "City of Porcelain", Jingdezhen, located approximately 140 kilometres to the east, which will take you slightly less than two hours.

If you are making your way from the neighbouring Hubei province, Ezhou serves as a convenient starting point, from where the road of about 160 kilometres will take approximately two hours. For those who prefer not to drive, booking an intercity taxi or transfer via local apps is available; the cost of such a trip from the nearest major cities usually ranges from 300 to 600 yuan, depending on the car class.

To ensure your journey to Jiujiang goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth considering a few local features in advance. These practical recommendations will help you navigate the urban environment easily and feel confident in this part of China.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: Jiujiang has a humid subtropical climate. Summers here are hot and humid, so choose light, natural fabrics. Winters, although not extremely cold (around +3...+5°C), feel piercing due to high humidity and the lack of central heating in many buildings, so be sure to bring warm clothes for sleeping and walking. If you plan to ascend Mount Lushan, note that the temperature there is always 5–7 degrees lower than in the city.
2. Transport: To move around the city, it is most convenient to use taxis or ride-hailing services (such as DiDi), which are often integrated into payment apps. City buses are cheap, but routes are indicated only in Chinese. Always have the name of your hotel or attraction written in characters to show the driver.
3. Finances: As elsewhere in the PRC, cash is used less and less. It is strongly recommended to install the Alipay or WeChat app before the trip and link your bank card to it. This will allow you to pay for everything: from street food to museum tickets. Nevertheless, keep some cash yuan with you for small expenses or in case of connection failure.
4. Health and Safety: Tap water is not suitable for drinking; use only bottled or boiled water. Jiujiang is a safe city, but standard precautions are advisable. Pharmacies are easily recognized by the green cross, but it is better to bring specific medicines with you, as finding Western equivalents may be difficult.
5. Communication: English is not widely spoken in Jiujiang, even in the service sector. Be sure to download an offline translator (for example, Baidu Translate or Google Translate with a downloaded package) on your smartphone. This is your main tool for communicating with locals.
6. Local Etiquette: Restraint and politeness are appreciated. Handing over and receiving business cards, money, or gifts should be done with both hands — this is a sign of respect. In restaurants, do not leave chopsticks sticking vertically into rice (this is associated with funeral rites).
7. What to Avoid: Beware of "private" taxi drivers intrusively offering services at the exit of train stations; it is better to stand in the official taxi queue. Also, try not to plan visits to main attractions during national holidays ("Golden Weeks"), when the city is overcrowded with domestic tourists.
8. Additional Tip: Jiujiang is famous for its tea, especially the "Lushan Clouds and Mist" (Lu Shan Yun Wu) variety. It is better to buy it in specialized tea shops in the city centre, where you can first taste the drink, rather than in souvenir kiosks near tourist trails, where prices are often inflated.

Observing these simple rules will allow you to focus on the beauty of the Yangtze River and mountain landscapes without being distracted by domestic inconveniences. Good preparation is the key to a comfortable holiday in this colourful region.