How to get to Zhaotong

Picturesque Zhaotong, located in Yunnan Province in southwest China, attracts travellers with its authentic atmosphere and natural beauty. Those planning to travel to Zhaotong will be pleased to know that the city enjoys excellent transport accessibility: you can arrive by plane, train, bus, or car. Regardless of the chosen route, the journey to this interesting region will mark the beginning of an exciting adventure.

The fastest and most convenient way to reach the destination is by air. The city has its own Zhaotong Airport (ZAT), which connects the region with major transport hubs in China. Direct flights operate from the provincial capital Kunming, as well as from Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, and other metropolises.

The airport is very conveniently located — just a few kilometres east of the centre of Zhaotong. Thanks to this proximity, the transfer to your hotel will take minimal time: you can cover this distance by taxi or bus in literally 15–20 minutes. This saves travellers from the need to fly to neighbouring cities and spend hours on ground transfers.

For those who prefer the charm of railway travel, a trip to Zhaotong is an excellent choice. The city operates a railway station that ensures stable connections with other regions. This saves travellers the hassle of finding complex connecting routes through remote transport hubs.

You can reach the city by train from the provincial capital, Kunming, as well as from Chengdu. Such a journey allows you to enjoy the picturesque views of mountains and valleys for which the south of China is famous. Public transport and taxis run regularly from the station to the city centre, so the journey to your accommodation will not take much time.

Bus services connect the region with neighbouring provinces, turning the trip into a true excursion along scenic mountain roads. One of the fastest options is the route from the city of Bijie: a comfortable bus covers the distance of about 200 kilometres in approximately 2–3 hours. Equally convenient is the service from Yibin, from where the journey along a modern highway takes about 3–4 hours, allowing you to enjoy views at the junction of two provinces.

Travellers coming from western Sichuan can take a bus from Xichang, although this route requires more time — roughly 5–7 hours on the road. Intercity buses in this part of China are generally known for their punctuality, and the developed network of expressways makes ground travel to Zhaotong an excellent and economical alternative for lovers of road adventures.

Driving to Zhaotong is a great chance to see impressive mountain landscapes at the junction of three provinces. The fastest route leads from Bijie: a comfortable expressway stretching about 200 kilometres allows you to reach your destination in just 2.5 hours. The scenic road from Yibin will require a little more time — about 3.5–4 hours to cover 260 kilometres.

Fans of longer road trips might prefer the route from Xichang, which stretches for 340 kilometres and requires about 5 hours of driving. In the region, you can use taxi services for intercity transfers; however, it is advisable to discuss the total cost with the driver in advance, which usually includes not only the metered fare but also tolls for using the highways.

Preparing for a trip to Zhaotong requires attention to detail, given its high-altitude location and the cultural features of Yunnan Province. To ensure your trip goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have compiled several important practical recommendations that will help you feel confident in a new environment.

1. Clothing for the weather: Since the city is located on a plateau, the climate here is temperate, but the weather can be changeable. Even in summer, evenings can be cool, so dressing in layers is the best solution. Be sure to bring sunscreen and sunglasses: due to the altitude, UV radiation here is more intense than it might seem at first glance.
2. Getting around the city: The most convenient and accessible transport for a tourist is a taxi. However, drivers extremely rarely speak English. Save the names of your hotel and desired attractions in Chinese (characters) on your phone in advance to simply show them to the driver.
3. Financial matters: In modern China, cash is used less frequently, giving way to mobile payments. Before your trip, install the Alipay or WeChat applications and link your bank card to them. Nevertheless, it is still worth having a small supply of cash yuan for small purchases at street stalls.
4. Health and safety: It is strictly advised not to drink tap water — please buy bottled water from shops. The city is generally safe, but keep an eye on your personal belongings in crowded places. Also, remember that the city is at an altitude of about 1,900 metres above sea level: if you are sensitive to altitude changes, give your body time to acclimatise on the first day.
5. Connectivity and language: The language barrier can be a significant obstacle, as English is not widely spoken here. Be sure to download an offline translator to your smartphone with voice input and photo translation functions (for reading menus and signs).
6. Local etiquette: Be polite and respect local traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples. At the table, never stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice — this is associated with funeral rites and is considered a rude breach of etiquette.
7. What to avoid: Do not use the services of private drivers without a meter who may persistently offer their services at stations or the airport. Use official taxis or book a car through applications.
8. Special recommendation: Zhaotong is famous for its apples, which are considered some of the best in the country. Be sure to buy and try them at a local market — it is an inexpensive but very delicious and healthy gastronomic experience.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid everyday inconveniences and focus on what matters most — exploring the amazing nature and culture of this corner of China. Be open to new things, and the journey will gift you a wealth of vivid emotions.