How to get to Tieling

Tieling is a colourful prefecture-level city in the Liaoning province, located in the northeast of China. Often referred to as the "city of coal and grain," this region today attracts travellers with its distinct charm, where industrial heritage sits side by side with picturesque natural landscapes.

The city's tourist appeal lies in its authenticity and the opportunity to experience the genuine culture of Dongbei. Here, you can stroll through well-maintained parks, visit the famous Lotus Lake wetlands, and explore historical landmarks that preserve the memory of this region's past.

There are no direct flights to the city, as Tieling does not have its own civil airport. It is most convenient for travellers to plan their flight via Shenyang (SHE). This is the nearest major aviation hub, which receives regular flights from many metropolises and is located just 63 kilometres from the destination.

Upon arrival in Shenyang, reaching the final point of the route is straightforward thanks to well-developed transport links. Tourists can use intercity buses, taxis, or high-speed trains, making the transfer quick and comfortable.

Rail travel is one of the most convenient and reliable ways to reach the city. Thanks to its favourable location on the country's transport map, tourists can easily plan their trip by choosing the appropriate type of train.

The city is served by two main railway hubs. The classic "Tieling" station handles regular passenger trains. For those who value time and maximum comfort, the modern "Tieling West" station is available. The important Harbin-Dalian high-speed line passes through here, ensuring rapid connections with the region's largest metropolises.

A bus journey along the roads of Liaoning province is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the region's atmosphere and reach your destination in comfort. Most often, tourists choose the route from neighbouring Shenyang: the distance between the cities is about 75 kilometres, and the trip on a modern express bus usually takes no more than an hour and a half.

Convenient connections are also established with the city of Siping, located a hundred kilometres to the north, from where the bus takes approximately two hours. Travellers departing from Benxi will cover about 140 kilometres, enjoying the views from the window for two and a half hours.

A car journey to Tieling along the expressways of the country's northeast will be a comfortable and picturesque adventure. The shortest and most popular route leads from Shenyang: the 75-kilometre distance can be covered in just over an hour. If you are travelling from the city of Siping, the road spanning about 110 kilometres will take approximately one and a half hours, revealing views of changing industrial and natural landscapes.

A trip from Benxi will require slightly more time — expect to spend about two hours on the road to drive 140 kilometres on quality asphalt. For those who prefer not to drive, booking an intercity taxi is an excellent option: although such a trip will cost more than a train or bus ticket, it provides maximum flexibility and the opportunity to stop at beautiful locations.

Preparing for a trip to Tieling requires attention to details specific to the lifestyle and culture of Northeast China. To ensure your visit to this colourful city is as comfortable as possible, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations.

1. Clothing and Climate: Winters here are cold and windy, so from November to March, be sure to bring thermal wear, a warm windproof jacket, and comfortable winter footwear. Summer, conversely, can be hot and humid — light natural fabrics will be the best choice.
2. Transport within the city: The most convenient way to get around is by taxi, the prices for which are quite reasonable here. Be sure to have the name of your hotel or attraction written in Chinese characters to show the driver, as verbal communication may be difficult.
3. Finance and Payment: Cash is used increasingly rarely. It is recommended to install Alipay or WeChat Pay apps in advance and link your bank card to them. International Visa and Mastercard cards are practically not accepted in ordinary shops and cafes in Tieling.
4. Connectivity and Internet: Familiar Western messaging apps and search engines may be unavailable. Install necessary services to bypass restrictions in advance or purchase a tourist SIM card. For navigation, it is better to use Chinese maps (e.g., Baidu Maps), as global services may function incorrectly.
5. Language Barrier: Few people speak English in Tieling. Download an offline translator with voice input and photo translation functions — this will become your main tool for communication in restaurants and shops.
6. Water and Hygiene: Drinking tap water is strictly not recommended; always purchase bottled water. In restaurants, tableware is often brought in shrink-wrap, which ensures its cleanliness, though many locals additionally rinse it with hot tea.
7. Local Etiquette: Greetings are usually limited to a nod or a slight bow; handshakes are less common. In restaurants, it is customary to order several dishes for a shared table and divide them among the group. Tipping is not customary and may even embarrass the staff.
8. Special Advice: Tieling is known in the country as the "comedy capital" thanks to popular TV shows. If you see many souvenirs with a rustic theme, know that this is a tribute to the local pop culture, of which the residents are very proud.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid domestic inconveniences and focus on exploring the unique atmosphere of the city. Tieling is a hospitable place, and even despite the language barrier, locals usually try their best to assist tourists.