Liuzhou (Railway Station)

Liuzhou Railway Station is a key transport hub in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, serving both high-speed and conventional trains. The station building has undergone extensive renovation and is now a modern complex capable of accommodating thousands of passengers daily. It is a convenient starting point for trips to the picturesque surroundings or to major metropolises of China.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has a clear division into zones. The entrance and ticket offices are usually located on the first level, while waiting halls and exits to trains are on the second, accessible by escalators. Navigation inside the terminal is often duplicated in English, which helps to find the necessary platform or exit. For transferring to another train, you generally do not need to leave the secure zone; simply follow the "Transfer" signs.

• Official Website: www.12306.cn (unified portal of China Railways).
• Information Phone: 12306 (unified hotline, English support may be limited).
• Address: Nanzhan Road, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China (Liunan District).
• Opening Hours: 24 hours (ticket offices may close for a technical break at night).
• Luggage Storage: Available in the waiting hall or near the ticket offices (usually for a fee).
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with elevators and ramps for passengers with reduced mobility.

You can reach Liuzhou Railway Station in several ways, as it is integrated into the city's transport network. The most popular option is city buses. Many routes (including BRT express lines) stop right at the station square; a trip from the city centre will take about 30–40 minutes.

If you prefer comfort, use a taxi. Drivers usually drop passengers off at a special ramp near the entrance to the departure hall. A trip from central hotels will take 20–25 minutes and will be inexpensive by the standards of major cities. Walking is only relevant if you are staying in the Liunan district, as distances in the city are significant.

Liuzhou Station offers a wide range of services for a comfortable wait. Passengers have access to spacious waiting halls with plenty of seats and air conditioning. For ticket purchases, there are both traditional ticket windows (where you can present a passport) and automatic terminals (often requiring a Chinese ID).

Amenities include free Wi-Fi (a Chinese phone number is required for registration) and dispensers with free hot drinking water — bring a thermos with you, as this is a tradition in China. There are also clean washrooms, phone charging stations, and a service area for passengers with disabilities.

It is difficult to go hungry at the station. Inside the terminal and on the station square, there are fast food outlets, including famous international chains (such as KFC or McDonald's), where you can have a quick and predictable snack. The average bill for lunch will be about 30–50 yuan.

If you have time before your train, be sure to try the local pride — river snail rice noodles (Luosifen). Small cafes near the station offer this aromatic and spicy dish at very affordable prices. Also, in the waiting halls, there are small convenience stores where you can buy water, snacks, instant noodles, and hot coffee.

The history of Liuzhou Railway Station is inextricably linked with the development of industry in the region. Originally built as an important hub for cargo and passenger transport, the station has been rebuilt multiple times to cope with the growing flow.

A key stage was the massive reconstruction in recent decades associated with the arrival of high-speed railways (CRH). The old building was modernized and expanded, turning into a futuristic hub. Today, the station plays a critical role, connecting Liuzhou with Guilin, Nanning, and other provinces, contributing to the economic and tourism growth of the city.

Arrive at the station in advance, at least 1–1.5 hours before departure. In China, thorough luggage screening and document checks are conducted at the entrance, which can create queues. It is important for foreign tourists to remember that passing through the turnstiles often requires a paper ticket or a manual passport check by a staff member, as the machines do not always read foreign documents.

Watch the display boards carefully: boarding ends 5 minutes before departure. Do not bring prohibited items (knives, flammable sprays), as they will be confiscated during security checks. If you have a layover at night, keep in mind that waiting halls may be closed late at night, so it is better to arrange a hotel nearby in advance.