How to get to Yiyang

Before travelling to Yiyang, an ancient city in Hunan province known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes, it is useful to plan your route in advance. If you are wondering how to get to Yiyang, the developed transport network of China is at your service, allowing you to reach here most comfortably by combining a flight with a high-speed train, bus, or car journey.

Since there is no airport within Yiyang itself, travellers usually choose to fly to the nearest major transport hubs in the province. The most convenient option is considered to be Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX), located less than a hundred kilometres away: it receives many domestic and international flights, serving as the main aerial gateway to the region.

Alternatively, you can consider flying into the neighbouring city of Changde. Taohuayuan Airport (CGD) is located at a relatively short distance, about 80–90 kilometres away. Both of these air hubs have established connections with your final destination, so covering the remaining distance by bus or train will not be difficult.

Travelling by train is one of the most convenient and fastest ways to get to Yiyang. The city operates a railway station that serves both regular and high-speed trains. Thanks to recent developments in transport infrastructure, the journey from the provincial administrative centre, Changsha, on a high-speed express takes less than an hour.

The railway network also provides direct connections to the neighbouring city of Changde and other settlements in the region. Chinese trains are famous for their punctuality and comfort, so the trip will allow you not only to reach your destination quickly but also to enjoy watching the picturesque landscapes of Hunan province from the carriage window.

Bus services in the region are excellently developed, so a trip to Yiyang along modern expressways will be a worthy alternative to rail transport. The most popular route connects the city with the provincial capital, Changsha: buses run between the cities with high frequency, covering a distance of about 90 kilometres in an average of one and a half hours.

For travellers, services from neighbouring Changde, located to the west, are also convenient; travel time here is usually comparable to the trip from the regional capital. Additionally, you can get there by a direct service from the city of Loudi. Local intercity buses are generally comfortable and equipped with air conditioning, allowing you to enjoy views of Hunan province in a pleasant environment.

Renting a car or booking a transfer is a great way to explore the province at your own pace, enjoying the views outside the window. The shortest and most popular route leads from the administrative centre, Changsha: a drive along the modern high-speed motorway spanning about 90 kilometres will take just over an hour. Taxis on this route are a common option, but it is better to agree on a fixed cost in advance or use Chinese aggregator apps.

Alternative routes are also convenient: the road from neighbouring Changde (about 95 km) will require approximately one and a half hours. If you are making your way from the city of Loudi, located to the south, expect to cover around 120 kilometres, which usually takes about two hours of driving to the centre of Yiyang.

To ensure your journey to Yiyang is as comfortable and smooth as possible, it is worth familiarising yourself with local features in advance. We have prepared a list of useful recommendations that will help you feel confident in this colourful corner of China.

1. Clothing and Seasonality: The climate in the region is humid subtropical. Summers can be very hot and humid, so choose loose clothing made of natural fabrics. In winter, despite the absence of severe frost, high humidity makes the air feel piercingly cold, and central heating is not available everywhere — be sure to bring a warm jacket and suitable sleepwear.
2. Transport: It is most convenient to use taxis to move around the city. We recommend downloading Chinese ride-hailing apps (such as DiDi), as flagging down a car on the street can be more difficult, and communicating with a driver without knowing the language can be problematic. City buses are cheap, but route maps are usually only in Chinese.
3. Finances: Cash is used less and less in China, and standard international Visa or Mastercard cards are not accepted everywhere. The most reliable option is to install Alipay or WeChat Pay apps in advance and link your card to them (or use the TourCard function). Nevertheless, it is still worth keeping a small supply of cash yuan for small shops.
4. Health and Safety: Tap water is not suitable for drinking; please purchase bottled water in supermarkets. Yiyang is a safe city, but one should be extremely attentive on the roads: traffic, including mopeds and electric scooters, can be chaotic, and pedestrians are not always given the right of way.
5. Communication: The English language is not widely spoken here, with the exception of major hotels. A tourist's main assistant is a smartphone with an offline translator installed that can translate voice and text via the camera (for reading menus and signs).
6. Local Etiquette: The Chinese value politeness. You can greet locals with a slight nod. It is customary to pass money, business cards, or gifts with two hands — this is a sign of respect. At the table, do not stick chopsticks vertically into rice, as this resembles a funeral ritual.
7. What to Avoid: Do not photograph people without their permission, nor should you take photos of strategic objects or police officers. Avoid loud arguments in public places — losing "face" (public humiliation or a scandal) is considered a serious breach of social norms.
8. Additional Tip: Be prepared for spicy food. Yiyang is located in Hunan province, the cuisine of which is famous for fiery dishes. If you are not a fan of spicy food, learn the phrase "bu la" (not spicy), although even in this case, the food may remain slightly piquant.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday difficulties and focus on the main thing — exploring the culture and beauty of the city. We wish you a pleasant and safe journey!