How to get to Kaili

When planning how to get to Kaili, you discover a colourful city in Guizhou province that serves as the cultural centre of the Miao people. This unique destination in China attracts tourists with its authentic atmosphere, and you can travel to Kaili in various ways using the developed network of air connections, railways, or highways.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the centre of Miao culture is to take a flight to the local Kaili Huangping Airport (KJH). This air hub receives planes from various corners of the country, ensuring a direct link to the region. The airport is located quite close to the city, so the transfer to your hotel will not take much time.

If there are no direct tickets, travellers often choose to fly to neighbouring cities, for example, to Duyun, which is just 57 kilometres away. Another popular option is the major transport hub of Guiyang (135 km), offering a wider network of routes and convenient connections. Good transport links are established from these airports to the destination, allowing you to quickly cover the remaining part of the journey.

Travelling by train is one of the most convenient ways to get to the city. Kaili has direct railway connections with many regions of the country, so tourists will not have to look for complex detour routes.

There are two railway stations operating in the city. For those who value time, the ideal option is Kaili South station (Kaili South), which receives modern high-speed trains. You can get here quickly from the provincial capital and other major transport hubs. The old railway station serves regular services, which will suit travellers who prefer classic trains.

A journey by rail allows you to enjoy the picturesque views of Guizhou province while en route. Convenient transport connections are established from both stations: you can get to the centre or move on to ethnic villages by taxi or regular buses.

Bus services in Guizhou province are distinguished by reliability and comfort, connecting the region with key transport hubs. The most popular route leads from the provincial capital, Guiyang; covering 170 kilometres on a modern expressway will take about two and a half hours. If you are planning a trip from neighbouring Duyun, the journey will be very short and last just an hour, as the cities are separated by only 60 kilometres.

For those combining visits to ethnic villages with natural attractions, a direct service from scenic Libo is convenient. The bus covers the distance of 200 kilometres in approximately three and a half hours, allowing you to enjoy views of karst landscapes outside the window. Most intercity services arrive at the main bus station of Kaili, from where it is easy to continue the journey deeper into the region by taxi.

Travelling by car along the modern expressways of Guizhou province will give you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy mountain landscapes. The most in-demand route runs from the administrative centre, Guiyang; the road of about 170 kilometres usually takes two and a half hours. If you are departing from neighbouring Duyun, the trip will not be tiring at all, as the distance of 60 kilometres can be covered in less than an hour.

For those who want to combine the trip with sightseeing of natural beauties, the route from Libo is suitable, which will require about three and a half hours to cover 200 kilometres of the way. Since renting a car in China often requires a local driver's licence, tourists frequently book a private transfer or taxi, the cost of which depends on the car class and negotiation skills if the meter is not used.

A trip to Kaili will be much more comfortable if you prepare for local features and the rhythm of life in advance. This city, serving as the gateway to the unique world of Miao culture in China, requires attention to detail — from weather specifics to payment nuances.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate in Guizhou province is humid subtropical, so rain is a frequent occurrence in any season; be sure to take an umbrella or a high-quality raincoat. Since sightseeing involves walking through hilly terrain and ethnic villages, prefer comfortable, non-slip flat shoes.
2. Transport. Inside the city, the most convenient means of transport is a taxi, the prices for which are quite reasonable; always ask the driver to turn on the meter ("da biao") when boarding. For trips to surrounding villages, you can use regular buses from bus stations or arrange a private transfer for the whole day.
3. Finances. International bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted extremely rarely, mostly only in large high-class hotels. The main currency is the Chinese Yuan, and it is critically important for tourists to have a sufficient supply of cash, as popular local payment systems like WeChat Pay and Alipay may be inaccessible without a Chinese bank account.
4. Health and Safety. Kaili is a calm and safe city, but in crowded places, one should keep an eye on personal belongings. It is strictly not recommended to drink tap water; use only bottled or boiled water.
5. Communication. The level of English proficiency among the local population is very low. For comfortable communication, install an offline translator on your smartphone in advance that can recognize speech and text by photo — this will help you read menus and communicate with taxi drivers.
6. Local Etiquette. The Miao people are famous for their hospitality, and upon entering a village, you may be greeted with a traditional offering of rice wine. A complete refusal might be perceived as a lack of respect; however, if you do not consume alcohol, simply touching the cup to your lips as a symbolic gesture is sufficient to show courtesy.
7. What to Avoid. Be careful when buying silver jewellery at markets: the region is famous for silver masters, but street stalls often sell items made of inexpensive alloys at inflated prices to tourists. Buy souvenirs only in certified shops.
8. Additional Tip. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the Sunday market, where residents of surrounding villages gather in national costumes. This is the best place to see the living culture of the region and try the famous local "Sour Fish" soup in an authentic setting.

By following these simple recommendations, you can avoid everyday difficulties and focus on the main thing — immersing yourself in the colourful atmosphere and exploring the rich traditions of this amazing corner of Asia.