MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Hezhou

How to Get to Hezhou

Hezhou Guangxi, China Travel Guide

Air Travel Connections

Main Access Airports

Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (KWL): Approximately 2-3 hours drive from Hezhou. A major airport with domestic and some international connections. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): In Guangdong, approximately 3-4 hours by high-speed train from Hezhou North Station, plus transfers. CAN a major international hub.

International Flights

  • No direct international flights serve Guilin (KWL).
  • Travelers typically fly into a major Chinese gateway city like Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, or Hong Kong.
  • From there, connect to Guilin by domestic flight or get a high-speed train to Hezhou.

Airport Services & Transfers

Guilin, Guangzhou, and Nanning airports basic amenities: Duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi, luggage services, car rentals, taxi stands.

Transfer Options to Hezhou

  • From KWL: Airport transfer service to Guilin city/train station, then high-speed train or long-distance bus to Hezhou.
  • Private taxi from KWL: Approximately ¥500-800.
  • From CAN: Metro to Guangzhou South Railway Station, then high-speed train to Hezhou North Station.

Guilin Liangjiang KWL

Located 2-3 hours from Hezhou. Major airport with domestic & some international connections.

Guangzhou Baiyun CAN

3-4 hours by high-speed rail from Hezhou. Major international hub with global connections.

Nanning Wuxu NNG

4-5 hours by high-speed rail from Hezhou. Extensive domestic network and SEA routes.

Airport-to-Hezhou Transfers

From Guilin Liangjiang Airport KWL

  • Airport shuttle to Guilin city center or train stations.
  • From Guilin, board a high-speed train or long-distance bus to Hezhou.
  • Private taxi or pre-booked transfer: approximately ¥500-800.
  • Travel time: approximately 2-3 hours by car from KWL.

From Guangzhou Baiyun Airport CAN

  • Take the metro to Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站).
  • From Guangzhou South, board a high-speed train to Hezhou North Station (贺州站).
  • Long-distance buses from the airport to Hezhou bus station are also an option.
  • High-speed train travel time: approximately 3-4 hours, plus airport transfers.

Flight Booking Advice

Peak Season Travel

Flight prices generally increase during peak seasons (autumn, Chinese public holidays). Book flights well in advance to secure better rates. Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts.

Shoulder Season Deals

Prices typically moderate during shoulder seasons (early spring, late autumn). These periods can offer a good balance of weather and cost savings. Skyscanner for comparing prices.

Off-Season Value

Lower prices in the quiet seasons (winter, summer not including holidays). These times fewer crowds and more affordable options for flights and accommodation.

Land Transportation Options

High-Speed Rail

Hezhou North Railway Station (贺州站) a major high-speed rail hub. It joins Hezhou to Guangzhou (approximately 1.5-2 hours), Shenzhen (approximately 2-2.5 hours), Guilin (approximately 1-1.5 hours), Nanning (approximately 3-4 hours), and other major cities in the south of China.

Train Booking Tips

  • Book tickets via the official 12306.cn website/app (Chinese phone number and ID verification needed).
  • Alternatively, use third-party agents like Trip.com for international convenience.
  • Book well in advance, especially for holidays, as trains often sell out quickly.

Long-Distance Buses

Hezhou Bus Station (贺州汽车站) connections to nearby cities within Guangxi and Guangdong provinces. Routes include Guilin, Wuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Nanning. Buses provide a more budget-friendly option for inter-city travel.

Bus Travel Tips

  • Purchase tickets at the station counter on the day of travel for less popular routes.
  • For busy periods or popular routes, booking in advance advisable.
  • Confirm destination and departure times carefully, as Chinese bus stations can be busy.

Self-Driving in Hezhou

Foreign nationals a valid Chinese driver's license to drive in mainland China. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not accepted. Car rental is feasible for those holding a Chinese license. DiscoverCars.com compare rental options globally, but China-specific rules apply.

Road Conditions

  • Major highways connecting Hezhou to other cities are excellent and well-maintained.
  • Driving within Hezhou city can be chaotic with scooters, electric bikes, and pedestrians. Defensive driving necessary.
  • Rural roads may be unlit and winding, extra caution, especially at night.

Car Rental Options

Car rental procedures for foreigners with a Chinese license are straightforward having key domestic rental companies. International brands with local operations can also be used.

Rental Considerations

  • You must have a valid Chinese driver's license. IDPs are not accepted for driving.
  • Rental costs vary by vehicle type and rental duration.
  • Consider purchasing additional insurance for peace of mind.

Important Driving Reminders

  • Drive on the right side of the road in China.
  • Speed limits are enforced, and surveillance cameras are common.
  • Strict penalties for drunk driving.
  • Parking is available in designated lots or on streets, often payment.
  • Be prepared for dynamic traffic conditions and varied driving styles.
  • GPS navigation (Baidu Maps/Amap) is for getting around efficiently.

Sea/River Arrivals Not Applicable

Ferry Services N/A

Hezhou is an inland city in Guangxi province, distant from any sea. Therefore, ferry services and cruise ports are not applicable for travel to this destination. International cruise arrivals typically stop at major coastal cities like Shanghai or Tianjin.

Immigration Procedures at Seaports N/A

  • As sea travel is not relevant for Hezhou, there are no seaport immigration procedures.
  • Standard entry and visa regulations apply at air or land borders.
  • Check official entry points if traveling to other coastal regions.

River Transportation N/A

No regular tourist river transportation services directly Hezhou for inter-city travel. The Hejiang River (贺江) flows through Hezhou, but it is mainly for local purposes or limited sightseeing boats within specific park areas.

Local Waterways N/A

  • Limited to small pleasure boats or ferries for scenic cruises, not commuting.
  • These regional boat trips operate within specific park areas like Guposhan.
  • Enjoy the scenery from these local boats, but do not plan on them for getting between cities.

Seaport Immigration N/A

No seaports in Hezhou, so seaport immigration procedures are not applicable.

Connections to Land N/A

Not applicable for sea/river arrivals to Hezhou. All connections will be via land or air transport from other cities.

Local Waterways N/A

Hejiang River has local pleasure boats, but no inter-city water transport for tourists.

Departure Planning

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing from China via airports or land borders. Your departure process will largely are based on your mode of transport.

Timing Your Departure

  • High-speed trains: Arrive at Hezhou North Railway Station 30-60 minutes before departure for ticket checks and security.
  • Bus travel: Arrive at Hezhou Bus Station 20-30 minutes before departure.
  • Flights (from Guilin/Guangzhou): Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.

Departure Facilities

Hezhou North Railway Station offers waiting areas, convenience stores, and restrooms for departing travelers. For flights, you will use facilities in one of the larger regional airports.

Airport Services

  • Major airports (Guilin, Guangzhou, Nanning) a wider range of facilities.
  • Restaurants, shops, lounges, and Wi-Fi access available.
  • Ample time for check-in, security, and any unexpected delays.

Traveler's Departure Checklist

Documents Ready

Confirm your passport and visa are readily accessible. Have flight/train tickets and boarding passes printed or on your mobile device.

Check-in Time

Adhere to recommended arrival times for airports or stations to comfortably complete all pre-departure procedures.

Transport Confirmation

Double-check the status of your flight, train, or bus before heading to the station/airport for any schedule changes.

Booking Trains in Advance:

Book high-speed train tickets in advance, especially for travel during Chinese public holidays. Tickets often sell out quickly.

How to Get to Hezhou. Flights, Transportation, Airlines