How to get to Liaoyang

When planning a trip to Liaoyang, you are choosing a journey to one of the oldest cities in Northeast China, renowned for its rich historical heritage and ancient monuments. Located in Liaoning Province, this city attracts travellers with its unique atmosphere, so it is important to know in advance how to reach Liaoyang with maximum comfort. Thanks to the region's developed infrastructure, you can arrive here in various ways: by plane via nearby airports, by high-speed train, intercity bus, or by car.

For travellers planning a visit to Liaoyang, flying remains the fastest way to reach the region, although the city itself does not have a civil airport serving passenger flights. Tourists will need to choose one of the neighbouring aviation hubs that provide convenient connections to the destination.

The main air gateway is considered to be Shenyang Taoxian International Airport, located approximately 65 kilometres away. It is a major hub receiving flights from most metropolises in China and foreign countries. Thanks to the well-established transport infrastructure, a transfer by bus or taxi from the terminal will take about an hour.

The closest alternative is Anshan Teng'ao Airport, situated just 25–30 kilometres away. Geographically, this is the most convenient option; however, the route network here is significantly more modest, and flights are less frequent. The choice between these two airports depends on your schedule and departure city.

Rail travel is one of the most reliable and comfortable ways to arrive in Liaoyang. The main transport hub, Liaoyang Railway Station, receives dozens of trains daily, including high-speed trains on the Harbin — Dalian line. This allows travellers to get here quickly and without unnecessary transfers from many of the country's metropolises.

Geographical proximity to major centres makes the train journey particularly convenient and untiring. The trip from bustling Shenyang usually takes less than an hour, while from neighbouring Anshan, you can arrive in literally 15 minutes. Regular connections with the city of Benxi are also established, making it easy to combine visits to several interesting locations within a single trip.

Bus services connect Liaoyang with neighbouring cities in Liaoning Province through a dense network of routes, making travel along the highways a convenient and scenic alternative to the railway. Travellers often choose a trip from the administrative centre — Shenyang: covering the distance of 70 kilometres on a comfortable bus takes about one and a half hours.

For those departing from Anshan, the journey will be quite short, as the bus covers the distance of 30 kilometres in less than an hour. A direct route is also available from the city of Benxi, located approximately 60 kilometres to the east; travel time is usually around 90 minutes.

Travelling by car to Liaoyang offers freedom of movement and allows you to appreciate the high-quality roads of Liaoning Province. Most often, tourists drive from the major transport hub of Shenyang: the distance of 70 kilometres along the G15 expressway is easily covered in one hour, and taxi services on this route are widely available and popular.

The nearest neighbour is Anshan, from where you can reach the city centre in just 30–40 minutes, covering about 30 kilometres. The road from Benxi will take slightly longer — about an hour for a distance of 60 kilometres, making this route convenient for short trips around Northeast China.

Preparing for a trip to Liaoyang requires attention to detail to ensure your journey through Northeast China goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions. We have compiled essential recommendations that will help you feel confident in the new environment and avoid common practical difficulties.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The region features a sharp continental climate. Winters here are cold and windy, so a warm down jacket, hat, and thermal underwear are mandatory from November to March. Summers can be hot and humid, so light clothing made from natural fabrics and sun protection are useful.
2. Transport. For tourists, the most convenient mode of transport remains the taxi: fares here are quite reasonable. City buses are cheap (usually 1-2 yuan), but route maps and stop announcements are only in Chinese, which complicates navigation.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Chinese Yuan. Cards from international payment systems (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted extremely rarely, mostly only in luxury hotels. Be sure to carry a supply of cash or set up tourist versions of Alipay or WeChat Pay apps in advance.
4. Health and Safety. Liaoyang is a peaceful city, but standard precautions are advisable. Do not drink tap water; use only bottled water. It is recommended to bring a first aid kit with familiar medicines, as it is difficult to find equivalents in local pharmacies without knowing the language.
5. Communication. The English language is practically not spoken in Liaoyang outside of tourist centres. It is critically important to download an offline translator on your smartphone that can translate voice and text from photos (for reading menus and signs).
6. Local Etiquette. The Chinese value politeness and restraint. Greetings are usually limited to a nod or a handshake. At the table, remember an important rule: never stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — this is associated with funeral rites.
7. What to Avoid. Do not get into a taxi without a meter and avoid persistent drivers at train stations to avoid overpaying several times over. Also, consider that familiar Western maps (Google Maps) may function incorrectly or be blocked; it is better to use local alternatives.
8. Extra Tip. To immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of the city, head to the White Pagoda (Baita) Park early in the morning. At this time, locals gather there for Tai Chi exercises, dancing, and water calligraphy on the asphalt.

Following these simple practical tips will make your stay in Liaoyang comfortable and safe. This will allow you to avoid distractions from minor daily issues and focus entirely on exploring the city's rich history and cultural heritage.