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How to Get to Zhangzhou

How to Get to Zhangzhou

Zhangzhou Fujian, China Travel Guide

Major Airports & Connections

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport XMN

The main airport for reaching Zhangzhou is Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN). It is approximately 60-80 kilometers (37-50 miles) northeast of Zhangzhou city center. Xiamen Gaoqi offers the most extensive domestic and international connections. Smaller domestic airports like Longyan Guanzhishan Airport (LCX) and Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport (SWA) are present in the broader region.

Airlines & Routes

  • Numerous domestic routes to major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu).
  • International/regional routes to major Asian hubs (Hong Kong special administrative region, Macau, Taipei, Singapore, Bangkok, Tokyo, Seoul).
  • Xiamen Airlines, China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, Cathay Pacific operate flights.

Direct Flight Options & Availability

Non-stop flights to Xiamen (XMN) are available from select major global hubs. Xiamen Airlines and its partners operate these routes from cities like Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Paris, and Sydney. Most travelers from abroad connect through a major Asian or Chinese hub, like Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Shanghai, or Beijing, before flying to Xiamen.

Booking & Prices

  • Flight prices to Xiamen typically increase during major Chinese holidays.
  • Spring Festival, National Day Golden Week, May Day, Mid-Autumn Festival see higher fares.
  • Peak summer travel season also experiences higher fares. Advance booking is useful.

Flight Deals

Discover affordable flights with services like Dollar Flight Club for the best travel dates and prices.

Flight Search

Utilize platforms like Skyscanner to compare routes and prices from various airlines to Xiamen.

Airport Facilities

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) offers duty-free shops, restaurants, currency exchange, ATMs, baggage services, VIP lounges, car rental desks, and free Wi-Fi.

Transfer Options from Xiamen Airport to Zhangzhou

Efficient Transfers

  • High-speed Rail: Taxi/transfer to Xiamen North Railway Station, then frequent trains to Zhangzhou (15-25 min).
  • Long-distance Bus: Direct shuttle buses from Xiamen airport to Zhangzhou (1.5-2 hours).
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing: Direct taxi or Didi ride (1-1.5 hours, ¥150-250).
  • High-speed rail is often the quickest and most efficient option.

Travel Planning

  • Consider traffic flow for bus/taxi travel times.
  • Have Didi or a taxi app ready for ride-sharing.
  • Confirm taxi fares or use metered services.
  • Account for baggage handling time at each transfer point.

Departure Information from Zhangzhou

Exit Fees

China does not impose a separate exit fee or departure tax for international travelers. These costs are typically included in the air ticket price.

Departure Procedures

For international flights departing from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), plan to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and immigration exit formalities.

Airport Facilities

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport provides various facilities for departing passengers, including waiting areas, a range of places to eat, retail stores (including duty-free), and lounges.

Land Transportation to Zhangzhou

Train Connections & Services

Zhangzhou Railway Station is a primary hub on the Fuzhou-Xiamen-Shenzhen High-Speed Railway. High-speed trains provide fast and frequent connections to numerous cities. Advance booking is recommended, especially during peak travel times and holidays.

Train Routes & Booking

  • Xiamen (15-25 minutes), Fuzhou (1.5-2 hours), Quanzhou (40-60 minutes).
  • Guangzhou/Shenzhen (3-4 hours), Shanghai (8-10 hours), Beijing (12-14 hours).
  • Book tickets via Ctrip (Trip.com), China Railway 12306 app/website, or station counters.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Zhangzhou operates a central long-distance bus station with routes connecting to various cities within Fujian Province, including Xiamen, Quanzhou, Fuzhou, and Longyan. Connections also extend to neighboring provinces, like Shantou and Guangzhou in Guangdong.

Bus Travel Benefits

  • Offers a more economical option compared to trains.
  • Reaches destinations not served by train.
  • Generally slower but more comprehensive for regional travel.

Self-Driving Considerations

Foreigners generally cannot rent and drive a car inside China without a Chinese driving license. International Driving Permits are not recognized. This process is usually not practical for short-term visits. Major rental companies like Hertz and Avis operate in China if you acquire a Chinese license.

Licensing & Rentals

  • Chinese driving license is required for self-driving.
  • International Driving Permits are not accepted.
  • The process for obtaining a temporary Chinese driving permit is complex.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

Major highways and city roads in Zhangzhou and Fujian Province maintain good condition. Rural roads leading to sites like the Fujian Tulou may be narrower and winding.

Driving Safety Tips

  • Aggressive road behavior behaviors present challenges for foreign drivers.
  • Presence of numerous motorcyclists and pedestrians sharing roads.
  • Be aware of differing local driving customs.

Border Crossing Information

  • This section is not directly applicable for direct travel to Zhangzhou from outside mainland China.
  • For travelers entering mainland China via land from Hong Kong or Macau, standard immigration procedures apply.
  • Designated border crossings include Shenzhen or Zhuhai.
  • Ensure valid visa for mainland China before attempting land entry.
  • Have all necessary travel documents ready for inspection.
  • Be prepared for security checks at border points.

Sea and River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Zhangzhou's Gulei Port and other smaller ports mainly handle cargo. International ferry or cruise services directly to Zhangzhou for tourism are not a main travel option. Nearby Xiamen, however, operates ferry services to Kinmen (Taiwan) and contains a cruise terminal for domestic and international cruises.

Sea Travel Points

  • Zhangzhou's ports are mainly for cargo.
  • Xiamen offers ferry services to Kinmen (Taiwan).
  • Xiamen also has a cruise terminal for various routes.

River Transportation Options

Options for travel on the river for tourist purposes are limited. Zhangzhou is located on the Jiulong River, but organized river tours for tourists do not represent a main mode of transport for getting to or around the city. Recreational boating may be available.

River Travel Insights

  • Jiulong River is a central feature of Zhangzhou.
  • Tourist river tours are not a common transport method.
  • Recreational boating might be a possibility around Dongshan Island.

Immigration at Seaports

Not applicable for international tourist arrivals directly in Zhangzhou. For Xiamen, standard immigration procedures apply if arriving by international ferry or cruise.

Land Connections

Not applicable for international tourist arrivals directly in Zhangzhou. Travelers arriving via nearby sea hubs like Xiamen connect to land transport (train, bus, taxi) for travel to Zhangzhou.

General Advice

Always confirm specific travel paths and entry requirements before planning sea or river journeys to the region.

Departure from Zhangzhou

Departure Procedures & Timing

For international flights departing from Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN), plan to arrive at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure. This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, security screening, and immigration exit formalities. Ensure all required travel documents, including your passport and boarding pass, remain readily accessible.

Checklist for Departure

  • Verify flight status and terminal information.
  • Organize passport, visa, and boarding pass.
  • Allow extra time for transfers from Zhangzhou to Xiamen.

Airport & Station Facilities

Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport provides various facilities for departing passengers. These include waiting areas, diverse dining options, retail stores (including duty-free), and lounges. High-speed rail stations in Zhangzhou offer waiting halls, shops, and food stalls for those departing by train. Baggage services and information desks are also available.

Facilities at a Glance

  • Duty-free shopping at Xiamen airport.
  • Variety of dining options at airport and stations.
  • Free Wi-Fi access at major departure points.

Exit Fees or Taxes

No Separate Fee

China does not impose a separate exit fee or departure tax for foreign visitors.

Included in Ticket

These costs are typically integrated into the air ticket price at the time of purchase.

Transparent Pricing

What you pay for your flight generally covers all standard departure taxes.

Final Travel Reminder

Reconfirm all travel plans and departure times 24-48 hours before your journey. Allow ample time for commuting from Zhangzhou to Xiamen Airport to avoid any last-minute stress.