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How to Get to Baoan

How to Get to Baoan

Baoan Guangdong, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport SZX

SZX is your main point of coming in and going out. It is located directly within Bao'a District, making transfers to local accommodation simple. SZX holds an extensive domestic network, linking Shenzhen to nearly every major city inside China. Internationally, it has routes to major Asian cities and has direct flights to some European and Of North america hubs.

Airlines and Routes

  • Major Chinese carriers: China Southern, Shenzhen Airlines, China Eastern, Air China, Hainan Airlines.
  • International carriers: Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa.
  • Direct flights from London, Frankfurt, Seattle, Vancouver, Sydney, and major Asian cities.

Airport Services & Transfers

SZX has a comprehensive range of facilities for your travel experience, including duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, and ATMs. Free Wi-Fi exists throughout the terminals. Flight costs are generally reach their highest during major Chinese bank holidays. Book flights well in advance.

Transfer Options

  • Metro: Line 11 directly connects SZX to central Shenzhen.
  • Airport Rapid Buses: Routes connect to different Shenzhen districts.
  • Taxis & Ride-sharing: Didi Chuxing sees wide use and app booking.

Seasonal Pricing

Expect elevated prices in Chinese national holidays (Lunar New Year, Liberation Day Golden Week) and summer months. Better deals appear in off-season (winter excluding Lunar New Year, spring excluding May Day).

Airport Amenities

SZX has duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, luggage services, and tourist information. Free Wi-Fi is available.

Pre-Arrival App Setup

Download the Shenzhen Metro app and Didi Chuxing app. Set up your mobile payment (WeChat Pay or Alipay). This creates transportation navigation from the airport much smoother.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

  • No departure taxes apply undergo levying upon departure from mainland China.
  • For international flights, arrive 2-THREE hours beforehand to departure at SZX.
  • For domestic flights, plan arrival 1.5-2 hours prior.
  • For high-speed rail, get THERE 30-45 minutes prior.

Airport/Station Facilities

  • SZX has a variety of facilities for departing passengers: lounges, duty-free.
  • Numerous restaurants and cafes.
  • Currency exchange services and wi-fi At no cost-Fi.
  • High-high-speed train stations provide retail, dining, and waiting areas.

Affiliate Resources for Flights

Flight Deals

Find discounted flights with Dollar Flight Club for great savings.

Flight Search

Compare and book flights efficiently using Skyscanner for the best options.

Car Rentals

Book car rentals at your destination through DiscoverCars.com for convenience.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Shenzhen North Rail Depot (Futian District), accessible from Bao'a via metro, is an important hub for China's high-speed rail. From here, take high-speed trains (G and D trains) to Guangzhou, Hong Kong (West Kowloon Station), Beijing, Shanghai, and many other major Chinese cities. Shenzhen Train Station (Luohu District) serves conventional and some high-speed routes. High-bullet train has a comfortable and efficient way to travel long distances within China.

Tips for Train Travel

  • Book tickets in advance, notably during busy times.
  • Download the 12306 app (official Chinese railway booking) or use Skyscanner to book.
  • Get THERE 30-45 minutes prior to departure to get around the station and clear security.

Long-Distance Buses

Several long-distance bus stations operate in Shenzhen, including Yian Bus Station and Shenzhen North Long-Distance Bus Station. These present directions to various cities within Guangdong Province and neighboring provinces. Buses present a more budget-friendly choice for shorter intercity travel, or for reaching destinations not served by high-speed rail.

Border Crossings

  • Shenzhen shares a land border with Hong Kong.
  • Popular crossings include Luohu, Futian, Huanggang, and Shenzhen Bay.
  • Hong Kong and Macau have different visa requirements; check before cross-border trips.

Self-Driving & Car Hire

Foreign nationals cannot legally drive in mainland China with an international driving permit or a foreign driver's license. A valid Chinese driving license is a prerequisite. Car rental is typically available only with a local driver. If you plan to hire a car, it usually is accompanied by a chauffeur.

Driving Information

  • Road conditions in Bao'an and Shenzhen are generally excellent.
  • Traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours.
  • Observe local driving habits; ensure driver uses seatbelts.

Sea/River Arrivals

While air and land transport are the main methods to reach Bao'an, sea connections also exist, mainly via the Shekou Cruise Homeport in neighboring Nanshan District. This is the closest in distance main cruise and ferry terminal, easily accessible from Bao'an. It has high-speed ferry transportation to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), Hong Kong special administrative region, Macau, and Zhuhai.

Ferry & River Transport

  • Cruise ships also dock at Shekou, offering regional cruise itineraries.
  • River transportation does not serve as a principal intercity transport mode for tourists.
  • Immigration procedures at Shekou resemble airports; meet specific entry requirements for HK/Macau.

Travel Caution: Driving in China

  • International Driving Permits are NOT recognized in mainland China.
  • Foreign driver's licenses are NOT valid for driving in China.
  • A valid Chinese driving license is a prerequisite for legal driving.
  • Tourists without of Chinese origin license cannot legally rent and drive a car themselves.
  • If a car for extensive travel is desired, consider hiring a car with a local driver.
  • Motorcycle or electric scooter rentals for tourists are not common or widely available.

Getting Around Bao'an

Public Transportation Overview

Shenzhen has an vast and modern public transportation system. It results in getting around Bao'an and the wider city efficient and affordable. The Shenzhen Metro serves as the backbone of urban transport. It covers most locations, incorporating a large part of Bao'a District. As of late 2023, the metro network has 16 lines. Line 11 is notably useful, linking Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport directly to central Shenzhen.

Aspects

  • Metro lines (1, 5, 11, 12, 20) directly serve or connect to Bao'an.
  • Extensive bus network reaches areas not covered by rail.
  • Metro maps are available at stations, online, and via applications for mobile devices.

Ticketing & Accessibility

The Shenzhen Tong Card (rechargeable a smart pass) offers small discounts on fares for metro and buses. QR Code Payment (via Shenzhen Metro App, WeChat Pay, or Alipay) is the most common and convenient method. Single Journey Tickets are available from vending machines. Metro fares are distance-based, starting from ¥2. Metro lines generally operate from around 6:00 AM to 11:30 PM, with high frequency.

Operational Details

  • Fares start from ¥2; bus fares generally ¥2-¥3 per ride.
  • Metro operates ~6:00 AM - 11:30 PM; high frequency.
  • Subway stations are generally accessible with elevators and escalators.

Interchange Stations

Bao'a Center Station (Metro Line 1 & 5), Qianhaiwan Station (Line 1, 5, 11), Airport North Station (Line 11 & 20).

Avoid Rush Hours

Avoid 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM on weekdays; trains and stations can become very crowded.

Mobile Payments

Ensure WeChat Pay or Alipay are set up and linked to transit codes. This allows for the most seamless and convenient payment method.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Shenzhen has different types of licensed taxis (green, blue, or red). All licensed taxis include meters. You can flag down taxis on the street, find them at designated taxi stands (transit hubs, shopping malls), or book them via ride-sharing apps. Licensed you can pay for taxis with cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay.

Fares & Payments

  • Starting fare: approximately ¥10-¥12.
  • Per kilometer: around ¥2.4-¥2.6 after initial distance.
  • Additional charges: small fuel surcharge, night surcharge (20-30% after 11 PM).

Ride-Sharing Didi Chuxing

Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the dominant ride-sharing service within China. It possesses several options, including "Express" (standard), "Premier" (higher-end vehicles), and booking licensed taxis. The Didi app switches to English and links to WeChat Pay or Alipay. It earns a high recommendation for convenience and clear pricing.

Safety & Tips

  • Didi Chuxing is generally safe; the app gives driver and vehicle information.
  • Share ride details with a friend or family member for peace of mind.
  • Didi app's built-in translation feature assists communication.

Rental Options Cycling Focus

Car Rentals for Foreigners

Rental options in Bao'a mainly revolve around cycling. Car rentals for foreigners carry complexities. Foreign nationals cannot legally drive in mainland China with an international driving permit or a foreign driver's license. A valid Chinese driving license is a prerequisite.

Bicycle Sharing Programs

Dockless bike-sharing services are very popular. Companies like Meituan Bike (美团单车) and Hello Bike (哈啰出行) show extensive operation. Download their apps, register with a local phone number and mobile payment. Fees are low, typically ¥1.5 for 30 minutes.

Walking & Cycling Zones

Bao'an includes many well-maintained walkways and pedestrian areas. The Bao'a Coastal Leisure Belt is ideal for leisurely walks and cycling. Dedicated bike lanes appear more common in Shenzhen.

Cycling Tip

Embrace bike-sharing a ride for short lengths and local exploration. It is a splendid way to experience neighborhoods at your own pace and is very cost-effective. Ensure your phone has enough battery to unlock and lock the bike.