How to Get to Pingliang

A trip to Pingliang is a great opportunity to see authentic China and experience the origins of ancient culture in Gansu Province. This historic city, nestled at the foot of sacred mountains, is accessible to tourists thanks to various transport options, including planes, trains, and comfortable buses.

Since the city itself does not have its own airport, it is best to plan your flight to Pingliang via China's nearest air hubs. The most convenient arrival points are the airports in the cities of Guyuan and Qingyang, which are located within 70–90 kilometers of the destination.

Many travelers also choose the larger airport in Lanzhou. From there, you can quickly reach the city by ground transport, making this route popular due to the frequent flight schedules from the country's major metropolises.

Rail travel is one of the most popular ways to get to Pingliang, as the city is conveniently integrated into China's transport network. Trains run regularly between the local station and the province's major cities, offering passengers comfort and scenic views along the way.

If you cannot find a direct trip, we recommend considering a transfer in cities such as Lanzhou or Guyuan. These transport hubs provide stable connections to the region, making it easy to plan a route from almost anywhere in the country.

Intercity buses remain an affordable and reliable way to reach Pingliang from neighboring locations in China. Regular services are established from transport hubs such as Guyuan, Qingyang, and the administrative center of Lanzhou.

The city's bus terminals receive arrivals throughout the day, providing convenient links with regional centers. Travel time on modern expressways ranges from one and a half to four hours, allowing tourists to easily plan their travels across Gansu Province.

Traveling to Pingliang by car allows you to enjoy the freedom of movement and see the unique landscapes of China. The shortest route is from Guyuan — a distance of 94 km that can be covered in about 1 hour 20 minutes. The drive from Qingyang (164 km) will take just over 2 hours behind the wheel.

The journey from Lanzhou takes about 3 hours 30 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 287 km. High-quality expressways make traveling by taxi or rental car comfortable and safe, revealing impressive panoramas of the mountainous region along the way.

To ensure your trip to Pingliang goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, check out these useful practical tips for travelers in China.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate in the region can be changeable, especially in the mountains. Bring layered clothing and comfortable shoes with good tread for walking on the slopes of Kongtong Mountain.
2. Transport: Within the city, it is most convenient to get around by taxi or through ride-hailing apps. There is also a network of municipal buses, but the routes are mostly indicated in Chinese.
3. Finances: The primary currency is the yuan. We recommend installing the WeChat Pay or Alipay apps and linking your card, as cashless payment via QR codes is prevalent everywhere.
4. Health and Safety: The city is considered safe for tourists. Pharmacies are common, but it is advisable to carry a basic set of medications, as instructions and names will be in the local language.
5. Communication: English is not widely spoken. Download an offline translator in advance and save your hotel address in Chinese characters for taxi drivers.
6. Local Etiquette: When visiting temples and sacred sites, behave with restraint and respect local pilgrims. Photography inside some halls may be prohibited.
7. What to Avoid: Try not to plan your trip during "Golden Week" or the Chinese New Year, when transport is overcrowded and accommodation prices rise significantly.
8. Local Cuisine: Be sure to try the local noodles and Gansu meat dishes — they are famous for being hearty and for their unique blend of spices characteristic of the region.

Following these simple rules will help you dive deeper into the local culture and make your vacation as comfortable and eventful as possible.