How to get to Linyi

Linyi is a major historical and commercial hub in the Shandong province of eastern China, combining rich cultural heritage with the dynamic rhythm of modern life. If you have decided to visit this city, you will be pleased with the variety and convenience of available routes, thanks to the region's well-developed transport network. Figuring out how to get to Linyi is quite simple: you can fly here comfortably by plane, arrive by high-speed train, or take an intercity bus.

For those who value time and comfort, air travel is the most convenient way to reach your destination. The city is served by its own airport, Linyi Qiyang Airport (LYI), which receives regular flights from many major metropolises and key transport hubs in the region.

The airport is located in immediate proximity to the city limits, saving travellers from long transfers after landing. From the airport to the central districts and hotels, you can quickly take a taxi or use public transport routes.

Travelling by rail is an excellent alternative to flying, allowing you to see the country from the window of a comfortable carriage. Linyi boasts well-developed railway connections and is integrated into the high-speed network, making the journey fast and convenient.

The key transport hub for travellers is the Linyi North station, which accommodates modern high-speed trains. Trains regularly arrive here from many major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Jinan, as well as coastal cities such as Rizhao and Lianyungang. Regular transport links are established from the station to the city centre, so getting to your hotel by taxi or bus will be effortless.

Bus services in this part of the country are highly efficient, connecting Linyi with neighbouring provinces and coastal zones via high-quality highways. The trip from the port city of Rizhao is considered one of the fastest: the journey of about 100 kilometres takes just one and a half hours.

Equally popular is the route from Lianyungang, from where comfortable buses reach the destination in approximately two hours, covering 120 kilometres. Travellers from the city of Xuzhou will have to spend a little more time on the road — about three hours to cover a distance of 170–180 kilometres.

Travelling by car to this region is a great opportunity to appreciate the quality of local expressways and plan your time flexibly. Rizhao is the closest: a distance of 100 kilometres can be comfortably covered in just 1.5 hours. The trip from Lianyungang will take slightly longer — about 2 hours, during which you will drive approximately 120 kilometres.

If you plan to depart from the city of Xuzhou (Pengcheng), the road of about 170 kilometres will require around 2.5–3 hours. Intercity taxis are also available for tourists: the average cost of a trip on these routes varies from 300 to 600 yuan, making this a very reasonable choice, especially if you are travelling with a group or family.

To ensure your trip to Linyi is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth preparing for local specifics in advance. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations to help you feel confident in this dynamic city and avoid common difficulties.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate in the region has clearly defined seasons. Summer here is hot and humid, so prefer light, natural fabrics. Winter can be cool and windy, with temperatures sometimes dropping below zero — a warm jacket and hat will be necessary. In spring and autumn, the weather is changeable, so dressing in layers is best.
2. City Transport. The most convenient way for a tourist to get around is by taxi. It is relatively inexpensive here, and cars are equipped with meters. The bus network is well-developed, but route maps are usually only in Chinese characters, which may cause difficulties without knowledge of the language. We recommend downloading offline maps of the region to your smartphone in advance.
3. Money and Payment. The national currency is the Yuan. Be prepared that international Visa and Mastercard cards are not accepted everywhere, mostly only in major hotels. China is a country of digital payments: for convenience, it is worth installing Alipay or WeChat Pay apps and linking your card to them, or always carrying a supply of cash, preferably in small denominations.
4. Health and Safety. Linyi is a safe city where you can walk peacefully at any time of day. However, drinking tap water is strongly discouraged — buy bottled water in supermarkets. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross, but pharmacists rarely speak English, so have the names of necessary medicines in Chinese or a photo of them with you.
5. Language Barrier. English is not very common in the city, especially among taxi drivers and shop assistants in small stores. Your main assistant will be a translation app with voice input and photo translation functions. Also, be sure to take your hotel's business card with the address in Chinese to show to the driver.
6. Local Etiquette. Greetings are usually limited to a nod or a slight bow. An important nuance: it is customary to give and receive business cards, money, or gifts with both hands — this is a sign of respect for the other person. At the table, never stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this resembles funeral incense and is considered a bad omen.
7. What to Avoid. Beware of unlicensed taxi drivers who intrusively offer services at stations and the airport outside the queue — their prices are often inflated. Use only official taxi stands or book a car via an app. Also, try not to plan important movements during national holidays when the transport system is overloaded.
8. Bonus: Trade Specifics. Linyi is known as the "logistics capital" and a city of markets. A huge number of wholesale trade centres are located here. Do not miss the opportunity to visit local markets: you can find absolutely everything here, from souvenirs to electronics, at very attractive prices, and moderate bargaining is often welcomed.

By following these simple tips, you can easily adapt to the rhythm of life in Linyi and focus on exploring its culture and attractions. May your journey be smooth, safe, and full of bright discoveries!