How to get to Zhengzhou

Zhengzhou is a vibrant metropolis and a key transport hub in the central part of China, harmoniously blending a modern rhythm of life with rich historical heritage. When planning a trip to Zhengzhou, you will discover a multitude of travel options: the city is excellently connected to the outside world by air, a network of high-speed trains, as well as bus and road highways. Thanks to its strategic location, the question of how to get to Zhengzhou is resolved quickly and conveniently, opening access to the heart of the Middle Kingdom for travellers.

The region's main air gateway is Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO). This is a modern and major aviation hub that serves numerous domestic and international flights, connecting the city with key global metropolises and other provinces of the country.

The airport is located southeast of the city centre. Excellent transport accessibility is organised here for the convenience of passengers: you can reach your destination by high-speed intercity train, metro, bus, or taxi. The terminal's developed infrastructure allows travellers to comfortably begin their acquaintance with this amazing place immediately after landing.

Zhengzhou is rightfully considered the "heart" of China's railway network. Thanks to its unique geographical position at the intersection of the vital "North-South" and "East-West" main lines, the city is one of the country's most significant transport hubs, ensuring convenient connections with practically every region of the Middle Kingdom.

It is easy to get here on both regular passenger trains and high-speed trains (CRH). The main passenger flow is served by two major stations: the historic Zhengzhou Railway Station in the city centre and the modern hub Zhengzhou East, which receives the majority of high-speed expresses. A trip on a bullet train from Beijing or Shanghai will take just a few hours, making the railway one of the most popular ways to travel to this region.

An extensive network of highways makes bus travel an excellent alternative to trains, especially for trips from neighbouring historical centres. One of the most popular routes is the journey from ancient Luoyang: covering a distance of about 140 kilometres takes less than two hours, allowing you to enjoy views of Henan province along the way. Regular connections are also established with the city of Anyang, located 190 kilometres to the north, from where comfortable coaches deliver tourists to Zhengzhou in approximately two and a half hours.

Travellers can also utilise routes from more distant points, for example, from the city of Xinyang, which allows for flexible planning of complex itineraries around the country. Most intercity buses arrive at the main bus station (Zhengzhou Long-distance Bus Center), which is conveniently located opposite the central railway station, ensuring an easy transfer to other modes of transport.

A car journey to Zhengzhou is a great opportunity to see the changing landscapes of Henan province and plan stops along the way at your own pace. A trip from famous Luoyang will take just one and a half to two hours, as the distance between the cities is approximately 140 kilometres along a high-quality expressway. The journey from Anyang, located to the north, will require a little more time — about two and a half hours to cover 170–190 kilometres.

A route from the city of Xinyang will also be comfortable, thanks to the developed network of toll highways linking the regions of China into a unified transport system. If you do not plan to rent a car, you can use taxi services or book a transfer via popular apps; it is better to check the cost of the trip in advance, but on average, intercity transport rates remain reasonable for this level of comfort.

To ensure your trip to Zhengzhou is as comfortable as possible and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth preparing for local specifics in advance. We have compiled a list of useful recommendations for you that will help you easily navigate the city and avoid common difficulties.

1. Seasonal Clothing. The city has four distinct seasons. Summers here are hot and humid, so choose light natural fabrics, while for winter, which can be quite cold and dry, be sure to bring a warm jacket and thermal wear; layered clothing is useful in the off-season.
2. Getting Around the City. The fastest and clearest way to travel is the modern metro, covering key districts. For taxi rides, it is better to install the DiDi app (similar to Uber) or ask hotel staff to write the destination address in Chinese characters, as drivers rarely speak English.
3. Money and Payments. The national currency is the Yuan. Although cash is accepted, China is a country of digital payments; we strongly recommend linking your card to the Alipay or WeChat Pay systems in advance, as international Visa and Mastercard cards do not work in all terminals.
4. First Aid and Health. The city is safe for tourists, but the language barrier in pharmacies can be a problem. Bring a supply of necessary familiar medicines, especially for stomach upsets and colds, as well as a face mask in case of smog, which sometimes occurs in large industrial centres.
5. Language Barrier. The main language of communication is Chinese (Mandarin). Few people speak English, mostly young people and international hotel staff, so be sure to download an offline translator on your smartphone for communicating in shops and restaurants.
6. Local Etiquette. Tipping is not customary in restaurants and may even confuse the staff. Observe table manners: never stick chopsticks vertically into rice (this resembles a funeral ritual) and do not point at people with them.
7. Water and Hygiene. Strictly avoid drinking tap water without boiling it. Buy bottled water in supermarkets; it is inexpensive and sold everywhere, which will protect you from digestive issues.
8. Time Planning. Consider the scale of the city and potential traffic jams during peak hours. Zhengzhou is a huge metropolis, so allow extra time for travel to attractions, especially if you plan a trip to the famous Shaolin Temple.

By following these simple tips, you will be able to focus on exploring the culture and sights without being distracted by everyday inconveniences. We wish you a fascinating and trouble-free journey!