How to get to Jixi

When planning a trip to China, pay attention to Jixi — a colourful city in the northeastern Heilongjiang province, combining industrial dynamics with picturesque landscapes by Lake Khanka. If you are looking for information on how to get to Jixi, you will be pleased to know that the region's transport accessibility allows you to use a plane, train, or intercity bus. You can travel to Jixi in various ways, making this corner of the country open to tourists with any budget and preferences.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach your destination is by air. Travellers are welcomed by Jixi Airport (JXA), which ensures regular connections with the region's major transport hubs. This aviation hub allows you to significantly save travel time and immediately immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Heilongjiang province.

If direct tickets are not available, you can plan a route through neighbouring cities with airports, such as Suifenhe or Mudanjiang, located relatively nearby. A convenient alternative could also be a flight to Jiamusi, from where it is easy to continue the journey by land. The airport terminal itself has well-established transport links with the city, so the transfer to the centre will not cause difficulties.

Travelling by train is an excellent choice for those who prefer comfort and reliability. The city is well-integrated into the country's railway network: stations operating here accept trains of various categories. Special attention should be paid to Jixi North Railway Station, where modern high-speed express trains arrive, significantly reducing travel time.

It is most convenient to get here via train services from major transport hubs such as Harbin or Mudanjiang. A railway journey allows you not only to avoid tiring transfers but also to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Heilongjiang province from the carriage window. Upon arrival, you can easily reach the centre or your hotel by using a taxi or the developed public transport network.

Bus services in this part of the country are excellently developed, connecting the region with neighbouring major hubs via reliable and regular routes. One of the most popular options is the trip from Mudanjiang: comfortable buses cover a distance of about 140 kilometres in approximately two to three hours along a quality highway.

The transfer from the border city of Suifenhe is no less convenient, from where the road will take about three and a half hours. Travellers also frequently choose direct routes from the city of Jiamusi, allowing them to reach their destination in an average of 3–4 hours, enjoying the characteristic landscapes of Heilongjiang province along the way.

Travelling by car offers freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the views of Heilongjiang province. One of the fastest options is considered the route from Mudanjiang: a distance of about 140 kilometres can be covered in less than two hours along a modern expressway. If you are departing from the border city of Suifenhe, the road to Jixi will take approximately three hours, during which you will drive about 170 kilometres.

The route from Jiamusi, located 280 kilometres to the north, is also in demand; travel time will be 3–4 hours depending on traffic. For the trip, you can use intercity taxi services, the cost of which is best negotiated in advance, or rent a car to make stops at picturesque spots along the G11 highway.

Preparing for a trip to Jixi requires attention to detail so that the journey proceeds smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations for you that will help you feel confident in this city in the northeast of the country.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. Winters in Heilongjiang province are harsh and snowy, so from November to March, be sure to pack quality thermal underwear, a warm down jacket, a hat, and waterproof shoes with thick soles. Summer here is warm but not exhaustingly hot — light clothing will suffice, though a windbreaker for evening walks by the water would be useful.
2. Transport. The most convenient and accessible way to get around the city is by taxi. Public transport can be difficult to navigate without knowledge of the language. We strongly recommend having a hotel card or the name of your destination written in characters to show the driver.
3. Finances. Mobile payment systems like Alipay and WeChat Pay dominate in China, and you can use them to pay even in small shops. Cash yuan is accepted everywhere, though change may not always be available. Cards from international systems like Visa and Mastercard work extremely rarely, mostly only in major hotels or Bank of China ATMs.
4. Health and Safety. It is strictly recommended not to drink tap water; buy bottled water in supermarkets. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, but pharmacists rarely speak English, so save photos of the medicines you need or their names in Chinese in advance.
5. Communication. The level of English proficiency among the local population is not high. Before your trip, be sure to download an offline translator app to your smartphone with voice input and text translation via camera functions — this will become your main tool for communication and reading menus.
6. Local Etiquette. When receiving or giving something (a business card, money, a gift), try to use both hands — this is a sign of respect. At the table, never leave chopsticks sticking vertically into a bowl of rice, as this is associated with funeral rites.
7. What to Avoid. Beware of "private" taxi drivers who intrusively offer services at train stations, and always demand that the meter be turned on in official taxis. Also, try not to photograph administrative buildings and police officers without permission.
8. Gastronomic Advice. Since the city is located near Lake Khanka (Xingkai), freshwater fish is a local culinary specialty. Be sure to try the "fish banquet" or stewed fish in soy sauce — this is the pride of the local cuisine.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid most everyday difficulties and focus on exploring the unique atmosphere of the region. May your acquaintance with the city be comfortable, safe, and filled with gastronomic discoveries!