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How to Get to Shaoguan

How to Get to Shaoguan

Shaoguan Guangdong, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports and Airlines

Shaoguan Danxia Airport (SGU) is a domestic airport. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) serves as the main international gateway.

Flight Information

  • SGU: Domestic connections to major Chinese cities via China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, Sichuan Airlines.
  • CAN: Major international hub for China Southern Airlines, with global direct flights.
  • Prices That change with the season: Higher during Chinese public holidays and summer. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

CAN provides extensive facilities. Transfers to Shaoguan are efficient, especially via high-speed rail.

Transfer Options to Shaoguan

  • SGU to City: Taxi (30-45 mins, ¥80-120), Airport Shuttle Bus (¥20-30).
  • CAN to Shaoguan (Recommended): Metro Line 3 to Guangzhou East/North, then high-speed train to Shaoguan Railway Station (50-60 mins train). Total 2-3 hours. Find flights on Skyscanner.
  • CAN to Shaoguan: Long-distance bus (2.5-3.5 hours, ¥80-120).

Domestic Flights

SGU connects Shaoguan to major Chinese cities, a convenience for domestic transfers.

International Gateway

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the main arrival point for international visitors.

Flight Price Changes

Flight prices vary by season, with peaks during the summer months and major Chinese holidays.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

  • Shaoguan is a major rail hub, with Shaoguan East for conventional trains and Shaoguan Railway Station for high-speed (G/D series) trains.
  • High-speed rail connects rapidly to Guangzhou (50-60 mins), Shenzhen (1.5 hrs), Changsha (2 hrs), Wuhan (4 hrs), and Beijing (8 hrs).
  • Book high-speed rail tickets in advance, especially during peak travel, via Trip.com (Ctrip).
  • Shaoguan is inland; direct overland border crossings for international travelers are not applicable.

Long-Distance Bus & Self-Driving

  • Shaoguan Bus Station serves a comprehensive network within Guangdong and surrounding provinces. Buses are comfy, air-conditioned, and punctual.
  • Self-driving: Not recommended for most short-term tourists due to mandatory Chinese driving license requirements (international permits are not accepted).
  • Road conditions: Major highways are well-maintained. Neighborhood streets in alpine regions can be narrow and winding.
  • Parking: Can be challenging in urban areas; paid parking lots are available near attractions.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

Not applicable to inland Shaoguan. No international ferry services or cruise ports.

River Transportation

Limited to scenic voyages on the Jinjiang River within the Danxia Mountain Scenic Area for sightseeing, not arrival/departure.

Immigration at Seaports

Not applicable for Shaoguan due to its inland location. Border crossings from Hong Kong or Macau involve onward land travel.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing China by air or land for tourists.

Recommended Timing

  • Air Travel (CAN): Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights, 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights.
  • High-speed Rail: Arrive at Shaoguan Railway Station 30-45 minutes before departure. Gates close 5-10 minutes prior.
  • Conventional Rail/Bus: Arrive at Shaoguan East or Bus Station 30 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Facilities vary by location. Plan accordingly.

Available Services

  • SGU: Offers basic facilities; arrive with most needs already met.
  • CAN: Full range of facilities, including duty-free shops, diverse restaurants, lounges, ATMs.
  • Shaoguan Railway & Bus Stations: Waiting areas, restrooms, convenience stores, basic dining.

Land Travel Considerations

High-Speed Rail Travel

High-speed rail is the most efficient and comfortable option for inter-city travel to/from Shaoguan.

Advantages

  • Rapid connections to major cities.
  • Comfortable and modern trains.
  • Frequent services available.

Long-Distance Bus Travel

Long-distance buses offer a budget-friendly alternative to high-speed rail for some routes.

Benefits

  • More economical for certain routes.
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned coaches.
  • Extensive network of routes.

Self-Driving & Rentals

Driving Requirements

A valid Chinese driving license is obligatory for self-driving. Foreign licenses and International Driving Permits are not accepted.

Rental Unfeasible

Car rental is largely unfeasible for most short-term tourists due to licensing requirements.

Road Conditions

Major highways are generally good. Local roads, especially in mountainous areas, can be narrow and winding.

Travel Smart

Opt for high-speed rail for efficiency and comfort when traveling between cities. For local trips, buses and ride-sharing are good options.

How to Get to Shaoguan. Flights, Transportation, Airlines