How to get to Tongren

Tongren is a colourful city in Guizhou Province in southwestern China, renowned for its impressive karst landscapes and rich ethnic heritage. If you are looking for information on how to reach Tongren, the local infrastructure offers travellers convenient options, including flights to Fenghuang Airport, high-speed trains, and bus routes. Visiting this region is worth it for its unique natural scenery, and the variety of transport links will make your journey comfortable and straightforward.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the region is by air. Travellers are welcomed by Tongren Fenghuang Airport (TEN), which serves domestic flights and receives many passengers annually. This modern transport hub allows you to comfortably begin your exploration of Guizhou Province immediately upon arrival.

If direct tickets are unavailable, you can plan your route through neighbouring cities with airports. Huaihua is located just 82 kilometres away, while Kaili and Wugang are slightly further. All these transport hubs are well connected to your destination, so the final leg of the journey by bus or train will not cause any difficulties.

Rail travel is one of the most popular and convenient ways to reach the city. Tongren boasts a developed transport infrastructure and is integrated into the country's extensive high-speed railway network. You can easily reach here via direct services from major regional centres such as Guiyang or Changsha.

The presence of modern railway stations allows tourists to plan their itinerary flexibly. High-speed trains ensure a quick and comfortable journey, offering passengers magnificent views of mountain landscapes and green valleys of Guizhou Province right from the carriage window.

Bus services connect the region with neighbouring provinces, turning the trip into a distinct visual adventure amidst karst mountains. The shortest and most popular route runs from the city of Huaihua: covering a distance of less than 100 kilometres takes just one and a half to two hours.

If you are planning a complex route through the south of the country, consider trips from Kaili, from where the road takes about 3–4 hours. Direct buses are also available from Wugang, offering a comfortable journey along the region's picturesque highways.

Travelling by car through Guizhou Province gives you freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy picturesque mountain views on the way to Tongren. The shortest and most convenient route leads from the city of Huaihua: covering a distance of 135 kilometres takes approximately 2.5 hours. This is an excellent choice for those who value comfort and want to manage their own time on the road.

If you are departing from Kaili, the 215-kilometre journey will take exactly three hours, while the road from Wugang (298 kilometres) will require nearly four hours of driving. Taxi services and private transfers are well-developed in the region; however, it is better to agree on the exact cost of long-distance trips with the driver in advance or use official car-hailing apps.

Preparing for a trip to Tongren requires attention to detail to ensure the journey runs smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations to help you feel confident in this picturesque part of China.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The climate in the region is humid subtropical, so the weather can be changeable. Be sure to bring a high-quality raincoat or umbrella, as rain is not uncommon here. Since the main attractions are associated with mountains, you will need comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes with non-slip soles.
2. Transport. To get around the city, it is most convenient to use official taxis or special Chinese car-hailing apps (similar to Uber) integrated into payment systems. Public transport is well developed, but route maps are often only in Chinese, making it difficult for tourists to navigate bus routes without preparation.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (RMB). Cash is useful for small purchases, but mobile payments via Alipay or WeChat Pay have become the ubiquitous standard. It is recommended to install these apps and link your card in advance, as international plastic cards are not accepted everywhere.
4. Health and Safety. Tongren is a calm and safe city. However, drinking tap water is not recommended: buy bottled water. Pack a small first-aid kit with familiar medicines, especially for digestion, as the local cuisine can be unusually spicy and rich for international visitors.
5. Communication. The main language of communication is Chinese (Mandarin and local dialects). Few people speak English, mostly staff in large hotels. Be sure to download an offline translator on your smartphone with voice input and photo translation functions — this will be your main assistant in communicating and reading menus.
6. Local Etiquette. Greetings here are reserved; handshakes are used, but a slight nod is also appropriate. It is important to show respect to elders. At the table, do not stick chopsticks vertically into rice — this resembles a funeral ritual and is considered bad manners.
7. What to Avoid. Try not to use the services of unlicensed drivers who push their services at train stations or near attractions. Also, avoid visiting popular tourist spots during Chinese national holidays ("Golden Week"), when the number of visitors becomes immense.
8. Extra Tip. If you plan to visit Mount Fanjingshan (the region's main gem), book entrance tickets in advance online. The number of daily visitors is limited, and tickets at the box office may sell out by the morning.

Following these simple rules will make your stay in Tongren comfortable and safe. Respect for local traditions and a little preliminary preparation will allow you to fully enjoy the beauty of nature and the hospitality of the local people.