How to get to Xingtai

Xingtai is a city with an impressive history, located in the south of Hebei province in China. Known as the oldest city in North China, it has existed for over 3,500 years and once served as the capital during the ancient Shang Dynasty. This place is often called the "City of the Bull", a title reflected in local legends and the symbolism of the region.

Its geographical location at the eastern foot of the Taihang Mountains gifts the city with picturesque natural landscapes that coexist harmoniously with urban architecture. Travellers are attracted here by the rich cultural heritage, famous springs, and monuments associated with the name of the great astronomer and engineer Guo Shoujing, who was born on this land.

The most convenient way to reach your destination is to take a flight to the local Xingtai Dalian Airport (XNT). This aviation hub handles domestic flights, allowing tourists to arrive directly in the city without unnecessary transfers.

If a suitable direct route is not available, it is worth considering the neighbouring airports of Handan and Shijiazhuang. They receive a larger number of flights from various regions and serve as excellent alternative arrival points, from where you can quickly reach the final point of your journey by land.

Getting to Xingtai by rail is very convenient, as the city is located on the important Beijing — Guangzhou transport route. This ensures excellent connections and direct services from many major settlements in the country, including the capital.

Two key railway hubs operate in the city, giving tourists a choice. Xingtai Station accepts classic passenger trains, while the modern Xingtai East station serves high-speed express trains. A trip on a high-speed train will be the optimal solution for those who wish to save time and reach their destination with maximum comfort.

Bus services connect the region with neighbouring major centres, making overland travel fast and comfortable. A journey from the provincial capital, Shijiazhuang, takes about two hours, covering approximately 120 kilometres along modern highways. It is even faster to travel from nearby Handan: express buses often cover the 50-kilometre distance in less than an hour.

Regular traffic is also established from the historic city of Anyang, located in the neighbouring Henan province. The trip, spanning about 100 kilometres, usually lasts one and a half to two hours, allowing passengers to arrive comfortably at their destination while observing the landscapes of the North China Plain from the window.

Travelling to Xingtai by car is an excellent way to appreciate the quality of North China's modern expressways, especially the G4 highway passing through the city. The shortest and fastest route leads from the neighbouring city of Handan: a distance of about 55 kilometres can be comfortably covered in just 45–50 minutes. If you are departing from the provincial capital, Shijiazhuang, expect to spend approximately one and a half hours on the road, crossing 130 kilometres across the picturesque plain.

It is also convenient to arrive from the historic city of Anyang, located south of your destination. The road, about 100 kilometres long, usually takes slightly more than an hour, allowing for a quick crossing of the provincial border. It is worth noting that most expressways in the region are toll roads, and to book an intercity taxi, it is better to use popular local apps to fix the cost of the trip in advance.

Preparing for a trip to Xingtai requires taking into account certain local features characteristic of both Hebei province and the region as a whole. To ensure your journey goes smoothly, we have compiled a list of useful recommendations that will help you avoid common difficulties and feel confident.

1. Clothing and Climate: The region has distinct seasons: summers here are hot and humid, so choose light, breathable fabrics. Winters are dry and quite cold, so a warm jacket, hat, and gloves are mandatory. Given the proximity to the mountains, always bring comfortable, proven footwear for long walks.
2. Transport: The most convenient mode of transport is a taxi, as bus routes can be difficult to understand without knowledge of the language. It is highly recommended to save the name of your hotel and necessary attractions in Chinese characters (or take screenshots) in advance to show to drivers.
3. Finances: Cash and standard bank cards are not accepted everywhere. The main standard of payment is via mobile apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay, to which you can link an international card. Nevertheless, keep a small supply of cash yuan in small denominations with you in case of connection failures.
4. Health and Safety: Drinking tap water is strictly not recommended — buy only bottled water. Since Xingtai is a major industrial centre, air quality can vary, so it is wise to carry a protective face mask in case of smog.
5. Communication: English is practically not used here in everyday life, including the service sector. Be sure to install a reliable offline translator on your smartphone with the ability to translate text via camera — this will be your main assistant in shops and restaurants.
6. Local Etiquette: In China, it is not customary to leave tips in restaurants and taxis; attempting to give money above the bill may even embarrass the staff. Be reserved in communication, and when handing over a business card or money, try to use both hands as a sign of respect.
7. What to Avoid: Do not use the services of unlicensed taxi drivers who intrusively offer rides at station exits. Also, be extremely careful when crossing roads: even at pedestrian crossings, drivers do not always yield, and the flow of electric scooters can be chaotic.
8. Additional Advice: Take care of digital connectivity in advance. Install a VPN service on your devices before departure, as many familiar maps, messengers, and search engines will be unavailable, and downloading necessary apps once you are there is extremely problematic.

Observing these simple rules will make your stay in the "City of the Bull" comfortable and safe. Proper preparation will allow you to focus on exploring ancient history and natural beauties without being distracted by minor domestic details.