How to get to Qingyang

When planning a visit to Qingyang, you will discover a unique city with a rich history, located in the eastern part of Gansu Province in northwest China. Often referred to as the cradle of early Chinese culture, this region today offers guests developed infrastructure and convenient logistics for a comfortable journey. To decide how to get to Qingyang, tourists can choose the most suitable option from a variety of available methods: from a quick flight to a journey by railway or intercity bus.

For travellers who value time, the optimal solution is a flight to the local Qingyang Airport (IQN). This compact yet modern aviation hub receives flights from various corners of the country, ensuring convenient connections between the region and key metropolises. The airport terminal possesses the necessary infrastructure, and established transport links allow tourists to quickly reach the city centre immediately after landing.

Alternatively, you may consider flying into neighbouring cities if the schedule of direct flights does not suit you. The nearest airports are located in the cities of Guyuan and Yan'an, situated less than 200 kilometres away. Another popular option is flying via the major tourist hub of Xi'an, from where it is easy to continue the journey to your destination by land.

Thanks to the active development of transport infrastructure, railway travel has become one of the most convenient ways to reach Qingyang. The city features a modern railway station serving high-speed trains on the line connecting Yinchuan and Xi'an. This allows tourists to reach their destination with maximum comfort and without long transfers.

The route from Xi'an is particularly popular: the journey on a high-speed express takes only about 1–1.5 hours. This is an excellent option for those wishing to save time. Regular and fast connections are also established with Yinchuan, making the city accessible for travellers exploring the country's northwest region.

A bus journey to Qingyang is a great opportunity to enjoy the landscapes of the Chinese countryside, taking advantage of the developed network of regional roads. The most popular service departs from the major tourist centre of Xi'an: modern, comfortable buses cover the distance of about 270 kilometres in approximately 3.5–4 hours, offering a budget-friendly alternative to rail transport.

For those exploring neighbouring provinces, convenient short routes are provided. The road from the city of Yan'an, known for its historical monuments, will take about 3 hours. Regular connections are also established with the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region: the journey from the city of Guyuan will require just 2–2.5 hours of time.

Travelling by car will grant you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the unique landscapes of the Loess Plateau on the way to Qingyang. The most sought-after route runs from the major tourist hub of Xi'an: the distance of about 270 kilometres along a modern expressway is covered on average in 3.5–4 hours. Intercity taxi or private transfer services are widely available here, although the cost of the trip will be higher than public transport.

An excellent alternative would be trips from neighbouring regional cities located significantly closer to the destination. The journey from the historic city of Yan'an will take no more than 3 hours (about 190 km), while the road from the city of Guyuan requires only 2–2.5 hours to cover 160 kilometres. The road surface on all main directions is of high quality, making the road trip comfortable and safe.

Thorough preparation for your trip to Qingyang will help you avoid logistical inconveniences and fully immerse yourself in exploring the unique culture of this region. To ensure your journey through China goes smoothly, we have compiled a list of important recommendations considering local realities.

1. Clothing and Climate. The weather in the region is continental, with noticeable temperature fluctuations. Even if you are travelling in summer, be sure to bring a light jacket or hoodie for cool evenings. In winter, it is quite cold and windy here, so warm windproof clothing and thermal underwear will be required. Given the terrain of the Loess Plateau, prioritise comfortable closed shoes with flat soles.
2. Transport Nuances. To move around the city, it is most convenient to use taxis, which are relatively inexpensive here. We recommend installing Chinese car-hailing apps in advance (for example, via mini-programs in Alipay), as hailing a car on the street can be difficult, and communicating with a driver without knowledge of the language can be problematic.
3. Finances and Payment. Cash is used increasingly rarely in the country. Before your trip, be sure to install the Alipay or WeChat apps and link your bank card to them. This is the primary method of payment everywhere: from large hotels to street food vendors. It is worth keeping a small reserve of cash yuan only in case of technical glitches.
4. Health and Hygiene. Tap water is not suitable for drinking; please purchase bottled water in supermarkets. The air in this part of the province can be dry and dusty, especially in spring, so people with sensitive respiratory systems are advised to carry protective masks, as well as skin moisturisers and eye drops.
5. Connectivity and Language. English is not widely spoken in Qingyang. Download an offline translator to your smartphone in advance with voice input and photo translation functions (using the camera for characters). Also, ensure you purchase a local SIM card or activate roaming with internet access, as familiar Western messaging apps and maps may not work correctly without special services.
6. Local Etiquette. Be prepared for increased attention from locals, as foreign tourists are a rarity here. Restraint and politeness are appreciated. Handing over business cards or money should be done with two hands—this is a sign of respect. At the table, do not leave chopsticks sticking vertically into rice, as this is associated with memorial rituals.
7. What to Avoid. Do not rely entirely on global mapping services (such as Google Maps), as maps may be outdated or misaligned. It is better to use local navigation apps. Also, avoid discussing sensitive topics with locals and photographing strategic objects or police stations.
8. Special Recommendation. Qingyang is famous for its folk crafts. Do not miss the opportunity to purchase local embroidered sachets (xiangbao) or intricate paper cuttings as souvenirs. These are not merely trinkets, but an important part of the region's intangible cultural heritage, which is best bought at local markets rather than in airport souvenir shops.

Observing these simple rules will make your visit safe and comfortable, allowing you to focus on the impressive landscapes and the rich history of the city. Be open to new experiences, and this land will welcome you with true Eastern hospitality.