How to Get to Dingxi. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Dingxi's Region

Major Airports & Airlines

Dingxi does not have its own major civilian airport. All air travel to the region routes through the provincial capital's airport.

Air Hub:

Closest major airport: Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport (ZLLL).
Approximately 120-130 kilometers (75-80 miles) northwest of Dingxi.
Major Chinese airlines operate numerous domestic routes (Air China, China Southern, etc.).

Direct Flights & Seasonal Changes

Direct international flights to Lanzhou are limited. The majority of foreign visitors fly into China's major hubs and then connect domestically.

Flight Information:

Connect from Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), or Guangzhou (CAN).
Prices increase during major Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year, May Day, National Day).
Booking in advance is recommended for peak periods. Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for flight deals.

Airport Facilities

Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport features two terminals with restaurants, shops, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, and free Wi-Fi.

High-speed Rail Transfer

Take a high-speed train from Zhongchua Flight center Station directly to Dingxi North Railway Station (30-45 mins). This is often the fastest and most convenient.

Taxi/Private Car

Taxis are available outside the airport. Private car hire offers a direct transfer to Dingxi (1.5-2 hours).

Transfer Options from Lanzhou Airport

Rail Connections:

Zhongchuan Airport Station offers direct high-speed trains to Dingxi North.
Travel time: approximately 30-45 minutes.
Often the fastest and most convenient transfer method.
From Lanzhou city center, conventional train journeys to Dingxi are also available.

Road Transport:

Airport transfer service buses operate to Lanzhou city center.
From Lanzhou, take a long-distance bus to Dingxi. This option takes longer.
Taxis or private car hire provide direct transfers to your Dingxi accommodation.
Journey by car: approximately 1.5-2 hours, traffic dependent.

Booking Your Journey

Flight Bookings

Use platforms like Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for comparing flight prices and routes to Lanzhou.

Train Tickets

Purchase tickets at stations, or online via 12306.cn (Chinese) or third-party apps like Trip.com for an English interface.

Car Rentals

DiscoverCars.com for private car options with a driver, as foreign driving licenses are not accepted for self-driving.

Land Transportation Options

Train Connections & Services

Dingxi is a significant position as a railway hub within Gansu Province, offering both conventional and high-speed rail services.

Railway Stations:

Dingxi Railway Station (定西站): Conventional speed trains on Longhai Railway.
Dingxi North Railway Station (定西北站): High-speed rail services.
Book tickets at stations, 12306.cn (Chinese), or Trip.com (English).

Long-Distance Bus Options

Dingxi's long-distance bus station provides connections to various cities and towns within Gansu Province, and some neighboring provinces.

Bus Travel:

Spots include Lanzhou, Baiyin, Tianshui.
Buses offer more frequent travel for shorter distances.
Can reach areas not serviced by the rail system, often a more direct route to smaller towns.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

International driving permits (IDPs) are not recognized in mainland China. Foreigners must obtain a temporary or full Chinese driver's license.

Driving Information:

Obtaining of Chinese origin license is a complex process.
For most short-term visitors, self-driving is not practical.
Highways linking major urban areas are generally in good condition.

Chinese Driving Culture & Safety

Rural roads can be less developed and differ in quality. Chinese driving culture can be aggressive, with fewer adherence to rules.

Safety Notes:

During summer monsoon, heavy rains increase landslide risk on mountain roads.
Consider private car hire with a local driver for convenience and safety.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Dingxi is an inland city within China's interior.
It does not have access to a sea coast or major navigable rivers.
No ferry services, cruise ports, or public boat services operate here.

No immigration procedures related to sea arrivals apply in Dingxi.
All international arrivals to China occur at designated international airports or land border crossings.
River transportation is not a relevant public option for travelers in this region.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on foreign travelers departing mainland China by air or land. The price of your flight or train ticket typically covers any associated charges.

Departure Timing:

For Lanzhou Zhongchua Flight center: arrive 2-3 hours before domestic flights.
For international flights: arrive 3-4 hours prior (check-in, security, immigration).
For train departures from Dingxi: arrive 30-60 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport and Dingxi's train stations provide different facilities to departing travelers.

Available Services:

Lanzhou Airport: duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges.
Dingxi Train Stations: waiting areas, small shops, food stalls.
Allow ample time for travel from Dingxi to Lanzhou airport for flights.

Departure Logistics

Airport Transfers

Ensure enough time for the journey from Dingxi to Lanzhou Zhongchuan Airport, considering traffic and train schedules.

Check-in & Security

Allow ample time for check-in procedures and security screening, especially during busy travel periods.

Boarding Time

Be aware of your boarding gate and time to avoid rushing before your flight or train departs.

Departure Checklist

Before You Leave Your Accommodation

A final confirm before heading to the airport or station helps avoid last-minute issues.

Final Review:

All personal belongings packed.
Passport, tickets, and travel documents secured.
Hotel bills settled, no items left behind.

En Route to Departure Point

Confirming getting around and timing eases your journey to the airport or train station.

Travel Confirmation:

Confirm taxi/ride-share or train departure times.
Factor in potential traffic delays to Lanzhou airport.
Keep your itinerary accessible for reference.

Departure Day Reminders

Travel Documents

Ensure passport, visa, and tickets are within easy reach.

Keep photocopies separate.
Digital copies accessible on phone.
Inform family of travel updates.

Luggage & Belongings

Verify all luggage items are securely closed and labeled.

Check carry-on restrictions.
Precious belongings in carry-on.
Medication in original packaging.

Last-Minute Purchases

Consider duty-free shopping at Lanzhou airport, if desired.

Keep receipts handy.
Check customs limits for home country.
Use remaining local currency.

Smooth Departure:

Following these departure protocols supports a calm and efficient exit from Dingxi and China. Plan ahead to end your journey stress-free.

How to Get to Dingxi