How to get to Zhanjiang

Zhanjiang is a picturesque port city on the southern coast of Guangdong province in China, attracting travelers with its subtropical nature and sea views. Before traveling here, it is worth studying the available routes, as this transport hub is excellently connected with other regions of the country. When deciding how to get to Zhanjiang, you can choose the most convenient option: from air travel and high-speed trains to intercity buses or driving a car.

For those who value time and comfort, air travel is the optimal choice. The city is served by Zhanjiang Airport (ZHA), which receives flights from key transport hubs in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Direct air connections allow you to get here without unnecessary complications or long transfers.

The airport features modern infrastructure and convenient transport links to urban areas. Upon arrival, travelers can use taxis or buses to quickly reach the center of Zhanjiang. Choosing a flight to the local airport is the most rational decision for beginning your acquaintance with the region.

Rail transport is one of the most convenient and popular ways to reach the city. Zhanjiang is integrated into the developed railway network of China, including high-speed lines. The main flow of tourists is welcomed by the modern Zhanjiang West station, which services high-speed D and G type trains, ensuring a high level of comfort during the journey.

The route from Guangzhou is particularly popular: a trip on a high-speed train from Guangzhou South station takes only about 3 hours. This is an excellent alternative to flying, allowing you to save time on airport procedures and arrive immediately within the city limits. Direct connections are also established with Shenzhen and a number of other major metropolises in the country.

For travelers planning a complex itinerary across the south of the country, the railway opens up convenient transit opportunities. From here, it is easy to reach the neighboring resort city of Beihai or head towards the crossing to Hainan Island (via Haikou). In addition to high-speed lines, the city also has an older railway station that accepts regular trains, giving tourists flexibility in planning their budget and travel time.

An extensive network of highways makes traveling by bus an excellent alternative to the train, especially if you are coming from the neighboring Guangxi province. Comfortable trips from coastal Beihai cover a distance of 170 kilometers in approximately 2.5–3 hours, allowing you to enjoy the scenic views of the country's south. The route from the city of Yulin is no less convenient: a road trip of about 200 kilometers usually takes just over 3 hours.

A journey from the direction of Hainan Island deserves special attention. Buses from Haikou travel across the Qiongzhou Strait, which adds a touch of maritime charm to the trip, although it increases the travel time to 4–5 hours taking the ferry crossing into account. Zhanjiang's main bus stations are located quite conveniently, ensuring easy access to urban transport and major hotels immediately upon arrival.

Traveling by car offers freedom of movement and a chance to see the real life of southern China. The most scenic and fastest route leads from the resort city of Beihai: the 170-kilometer distance along a modern expressway can be covered in just 2–2.5 hours. If you are driving from the city of Yulin, the journey will take a little more time — about 3 hours to drive 200 kilometers.

A journey from the direction of Hainan Island, from the city of Haikou, promises to be a real adventure. The route includes a ferry crossing over the strait, so the total travel time will be approximately 4–5 hours. For those who do not plan to drive themselves, intercity taxis or private transfers are convenient options. The cost of a trip from neighboring cities often depends on the car class and negotiation skills, but one should expect a price starting from 400–600 RMB.

A trip to Zhanjiang will be much more comfortable if you take into account the local climate and logistics in advance. We have gathered useful recommendations for you that will help avoid common mistakes and allow you to enjoy your holiday on the southern coast.

1. Clothing and Seasonality. The climate here is humid subtropical. In summer and early autumn, opt for loose-fitting clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen) to handle the heat more easily. In winter, the temperature remains mild, but be sure to bring a light jacket or windbreaker for evening walks by the sea.
2. Transport. The city bus network is well-developed, but transport can be overcrowded during peak hours. For comfortable movement, it is better to use taxis or car-hailing apps (such as DiDi) — rides are relatively inexpensive.
3. Finances. In China, digital payments reign supreme. Link your card to Alipay or WeChat Pay in advance — this will significantly simplify paying for shopping and dining. Cash is not accepted everywhere, and difficulties may arise with international cards in small shops.
4. Health and Safety. Tap water is not suitable for drinking; buy only bottled water. Also, do not forget to bring insect repellent: in the humid climate, mosquitoes can be bothersome, especially during evening walks in the parks.
5. Language Barrier. English is not widely spoken in the city. Be sure to install an offline translator app on your phone with voice recognition and photo translation functions — this is the main tool for communicating with locals and reading menus.
6. Local Etiquette. Tipping in restaurants and taxis is not customary. Be polite and avoid displaying anger in public: preserving "face" and maintaining composure are very important in the local culture of communication.
7. What to Avoid. Be attentive to weather forecasts during the typhoon season (mainly from July to September). If a storm warning is announced, it is better to stay in the hotel and not plan trips to the coast.
8. Dining Advice. Zhanjiang is called the "City of Seafood". Be sure to try the local oysters, which are considered some of the best in the country, but choose popular restaurants with a high turnover of products for your tasting experience.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to focus on the beauty of nature and the unique atmosphere of the city, minimizing everyday inconveniences. May your trip leave only pleasant and delicious memories!