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How to Get to Qinzhou

How to Get to Qinzhou

Qinzhou Guangxi, China Travel Guide

Airport Connections

Nanning Wuxu International Airport NNG

Located approximately 120-130 km north of Qinzhou, NNG is the busiest airport in Guangxi. It serves as a gateway to the region with extensive domestic and some international routes.

Facts

  • Gateway to Guangxi.
  • Extensive domestic routes (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
  • International routes to Southeast Asian destinations (Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur).

Beihai Fucheng Airport BHY

Situated approximately 90-100 km south of Qinzhou, BHY is smaller than Nanning's airport but a closer coastal connection. It mainly serves domestic routes.

Facts

  • Closer coastal connection to Qinzhou.
  • Connects to various major Chinese cities.
  • Convenient if your itinerary focuses on Guangxi's southern coast.

Direct Flight Options

No direct international flights to Nanning or Beihai from major global hubs outside Southeast Asia. Connections through major Chinese or Asian hubs are common.

Seasonal Flight Prices

Flight rates vary significantly. Expect higher prices during Chinese public holidays and the peak summer travel season (July-August).

Airport Facilities

Both NNG and BHY offer standard airport facilities: dining, retail, currency exchange, ATMs, and information desks.

Airport Transfers to Qinzhou

From Nanning Wuxu International Airport NNG

  • Airport Shuttle Bus: Direct assistance to Qinzhou city center, 1.5-2 hours.
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing (DiDi): Long-distance fare typically 300-400 CNY.
  • Train: Shuttle to Nanning East Railway Station, then high-speed train to Qinzhou East (30-45 minutes).
  • This is often the fastest and most comfortable option after reaching Nanning.

From Beihai Fucheng Airport BHY

  • Airport Shuttle Bus: Direct assistance to Qinzhou city center, 1-1.5 hours.
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing (DiDi): Fares likely 250-350 CNY.
  • Train: Transfer to Beihai Railway Station, then high-speed train to Qinzhou East (20-30 minutes).
  • More direct for Guangxi's the southern seaboard destinations.

Travel Tip

Pre-book Transfers

Pre-book your airport transfer tickets if arriving during peak hours or late at night.

Smooth Journey

This ensures a smooth onward journey to Qinzhou and avoids potential delays or queues.

Consider Peak Times

Especially during public holidays, booking in advance greatly assists travel logistics.

Land Routes

Train Connections

Qinzhou integrates well into China's high-speed train system. High-speed trains offer a fast and comfortable way to travel to and from the city.

High-Speed Rail

  • Major Stations: Qinzhou East Railway Station is the main hub for high-speed rail.
  • Routes: Connects to Nanning (30-45 min), Beihai (20-30 min), Fangchenggang (20-30 min).
  • Booking: Online via 12306.cn (Chinese) or Trip.com (English). Book in advance.

Long-Distance Buses

Qinzhou operates a main long-distance bus station, connecting the city to various destinations across Guangxi and some neighboring provinces. Buses are generally slower than high-speed trains.

Bus Services

  • Qinzhou General Bus Station (钦州汽车总站) operates routes across Guangxi.
  • Popular destinations Nanning, Beihai, Fangchenggang, and Guangzhou.
  • Booking: Purchase tickets directly at the bus station; online options for foreigners are limited.

Self-Driving & Safety

Self-driving in China for foreign tourists is generally not feasible without a Chinese driving license. International Driving Permits are not recognized.

Driving Considerations

  • Road Conditions: Major highways in Guangxi are well-maintained. Secondary roads vary.
  • Traffic: Driving in China can be challenging due to aggressive road behavior and unfamiliar rules.
  • Safety Concerns: Stay vigilant for pedestrians, cyclists, and scooters. Avoid night driving on unfamiliar roads.

Border Crossing Information

Qinzhou is not a border city. The nearest major land border crossing to Vietnam is Friendship Pass, approximately 200 km west of Qinzhou. Travelers planning to enter Vietnam overland need a separate Vietnamese visa.

Cross-Border Travel

  • Friendship Pass (Youyi Guan 友谊关) is in Pingxiang, Guangxi.
  • A separate Vietnamese visa for land entry.
  • Qinzhou is not a direct launch point for Vietnam by land.

Important Driving Note

  • Foreigners cannot legally drive in China without obtaining a temporary Chinese driving license.
  • This requires a Chinese visa and a medical examination.
  • Do not plan to drive without this specific Chinese license.
  • Traffic can be chaotic with aggressive driving styles.
  • Prevalence of scooters and pedestrians.
  • Directional tools are usually in Chinese.

Coastal and River Access

Ferry and Cruise Info

Qinzhou Port is a major cargo port. Passenger ferry services within the Beibu Gulf region are limited, mainly connecting nearby coastal cities. No major international cruise lines call at Qinzhou Port for tourist purposes.

Sea Travel Notes

  • Qinzhou Port (钦州港) mainly handles cargo.
  • Limited passenger ferries connect cities by the sea like Beihai and Fangchenggang.
  • No regular international tourist ferry services or major cruise calls.

River Transportation Options

River transportation for tourist purposes within Qinzhou is limited. Local rivers mainly serve for local transport, fishing, and small sightseeing boats in specific areas.

River Travel Notes

  • Local rivers mainly serve for fishing and small sightseeing boats.
  • Do not rely on rivers for intercity travel.
  • Boat trips available for dolphin watching at San Niang Wan.

Seaport Immigration

Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for Qinzhou as it's not a common international passenger port for foreign tourists.

Land Connections

Qinzhou Port areas connect to Qinzhou city center by local buses and taxis, for port workers and local residents.

Border Proximity

The nearest major land border crossing to Vietnam is Friendship Pass, about 200 km west of Qinzhou.

Departure Procedures

Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on travelers departing China by air, land, or sea. Any required fees include in your flight or train ticket price.

Ticketed Fees

  • No additional fees beyond ticket price.
  • Applies to air, land, and sea departures.
  • Confirm total cost when acquiring tickets.

Departure Timing

Prepare for a smooth departure from Qinzhou by understanding exit procedures and timing recommendations for different modes of transport.

Recommended Arrival Times

  • Air Departure (International): Arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Air Departure (Domestic): Arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Train Departure: Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.

Departure Procedures

Airport Process

Check-in at the counter or via self-service kiosks/online. Travel through security screening and exit immigration (for international flights).

Train Station Process

Pass through ticket verification and security checks before entering the waiting zone and boarding platform.

Bus Station Process

Arrive at the bus station 15-30 minutes before departure and present your ticket prior to boarding.

Check Your Schedule

Confirm your flight or train schedule the day before departure. Check for any delays or changes to ensure you arrive at the airport or station at the correct time.