Zhengzhou Henan, China Travel Guide
Zhengzhou's main air gateway, CGO, serves domestic and regional destinations. Major Chinese airlines operate here, featuring Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, and Hainan Airlines. Some international carriers like Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, and Thai Airways also fly here.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) provides duty-free shops, various restaurants and cafes, currency exchange, ATMs, and lounges. Free Wi-Fi is available. Direct long-haul international flights outside Asia are limited; connections often route through Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Guangzhou (CAN), or other Asian transit hubs. Use Skyscanner for flight searches.
Access internet services at CGO.
Available at the airport for convenience.
Browse shops at the international terminal.
Arrive at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport two to three hours before your international flight to complete check-in, security, and immigration procedures.
For domestic flights from CGO, plan to arrive one and a half to two hours before departure.
For train travel, arrive at the station at least 30-45 minutes before departure to navigate the station and board your train.
Zhengzhou functions as a major high-speed rail hub inside China. Zhengzhou East Railway Station (郑州东站) is the main hub for high-speed (G/D series) trains, connecting to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Wuhan, and Chengdu. Zhengzhou Railway Station (郑州站), closer to the city center, serves conventional (K/T/Z series) trains and some high-speed lines. Chinese trains are modern, efficient, and comfortable, offering various classes.
Zhengzhou Central Bus Station (郑州中心汽车站) and other regional bus stations connect to cities and towns within Henan Province and surrounding provinces. Bus travel is generally slower and less comfortable than high-speed rail, but it provides a budget-friendly alternative for shorter distances. Purchase tickets at bus station counters.
Foreign driving licenses are not recognized in mainland China. Obtaining a temporary Chinese driving permit is complex for tourists and usually not practical for short visits. Driving on Chinese roads presents challenges due to dense traffic, local driving practices, and language barriers, with most street signs in Chinese. Consider DiscoverCars.com for worldwide rental options, but note the local license requirements.
Major highways and roads are generally well-maintained. Traffic can be heavy and chaotic in urban areas. Safety concerns include aggressive driving, many motorcycles and scooters, and pedestrians. Staying alert and defensive driving practices are advisable. The presence of Didi Chuxing as a ride-sharing alternative can mitigate driving concerns.
No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on travelers departing from China.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO) provides dining, shopping, lounges, and duty-free options for departing travelers. Train stations offer waiting rooms, shops, and restaurants, enhancing comfort before your journey.
Ensure your passport and visa are readily available.
Have your boarding pass, either digital or printed, ready for scanning.
Adhere to airline luggage restrictions to avoid delays.
High-speed rail offers an efficient and comfortable way to traverse China. Booking tickets in advance, especially during peak travel times, is advisable. Utilize official apps or websites, or consider a travel agent.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport provides various amenities to enhance your travel experience, from dining to shopping and lounges. Utilizing these services during layovers or waits can make journeys nicer.
Most international travelers will connect through major Chinese or Asian hubs. Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou serve as common connection points.
Allow ample time for layovers, especially if transferring between different terminals or airports.
Check if your nationality qualifies for China's 24/72/144-hour visa-free transit policies, that might be useful for layovers.
Double-check your flight or train schedule for any last-minute changes. Ensure all personal belongings, especially your passport and wallet, are secured before heading to your departure point.
