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How to Get to Shiyan

How to Get to Shiyan

Shiyan Hubei, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Airports & Airlines

Shiyan Wudangshan Airport (WDS) serves as the main airport for Shiyan city and the Wudang Mountains region. It handles domestic flights, connecting the area to other major Chinese cities. Several domestic Chinese airlines operate flights to WDS. These include China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Spring Airlines, and Tianjin Airlines, among others. WDS offers domestic flights from major Chinese cities like Wuhan, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Xi'an.

Air Hubs

  • Shiyan Wudangsha Flight center (WDS).
  • Direct domestic connections from major Chinese cities.
  • Flight availability consistent, prices higher during peak seasons.

International Connections & Transfers

There are no direct international flights to Shiyan Wudangshan Airport. Travelers from global hubs connect through a major Chinese international airport. Common connection points include Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), and Wuhan Tianhe International Airport (WUH). From any of these international gateways, take a domestic flight to Shiyan Wudangshan Airport (WDS).

Transfer Options from WDS

  • Airport Bus Bus to Shiyan city or Wudang Mountain.
  • Taxis readily available; use meter or agree on fare.
  • Didi Chuxing (ride-hailing app) for transparent pricing.

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Flight prices are higher during Lunar New Year, Golden Week holidays (early May and October), and summer holidays (July and August). Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Airport Facilities

Shiyan Wudangshan Airport (WDS) is a relatively small airport. Its facilities include standard check-in counters, security screening, domestic departure gates, a few small shops, and dining options.

Connection Hubs

Connect through Shanghai (PVG), Beijing (PEK), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (CTU), or Wuhan (WUH) for international arrivals to Shiyan.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

  • Shiyan Railway Station for conventional trains (K, T, Z series).
  • Wudangshan East Rail Depot for high-speed trains (G- and D-series).
  • High-speed rail connects to Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.
  • Book tickets via 12306.cn (Chinese phone) or Trip.com.

Bus Options & Driving Considerations

  • Shiyan Bus Station for long-distance services within Hubei and neighboring provinces.
  • Foreigners cannot drive with an IDP; a Chinese license is required.
  • Major highways are well-maintained; urban traffic can be heavy.
  • Hire a private car with a driver for flexible arrangements (DiscoverCars.com for options).

Sea/River Arrivals & Border Information

No Sea/River Ports

Ferry services and cruise ports are not applicable for Shiyan, as it is an inland city without direct access to the sea or major navigable rivers for inter-city passenger transport.

Limited River Transport

River transportation is limited to local small boats on the Danjiangkou Reservoir, mainly for scenic tours rather than functional transport for arrival or departure.

Domestic Borders Only

Border crossing information does not apply to Shiyan, as it is located entirely within China. All entry and exit points are domestic.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No particular exit fees or taxes are levied on travelers departing China by air or land, beyond what is typically included in your flight or train ticket price. If you depart from Shiyan Wudangshan Airport (WDS), arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before your domestic flight’s scheduled departure time. This allows sufficient time for check-in, bag check, and security screening. For high-speed trains from Wudangshan East Railway Station, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure. High-speed rail stations are generally efficient, but security checks and discovering your platform can take time. For conventional rail services from Shiyan Railway Station, allow similar time.

Departure Times

  • Air Travel (WDS): 1.5 - 2 hours before departure.
  • High-Speed Rail: 30 - 45 minutes before departure.
  • Conventional Train/Bus: 30 - 45 minutes before departure.

Airport & Station Facilities

Shiyan Wudangshan The airport has rudimentary waiting spots, some small shops, and eateries. Wudangshan East Railway Station provides waiting halls, restrooms, shops, and sometimes fast-food outlets. These facilities design passenger comfort during waiting periods. Ensure all necessary documents, like your passport and boarding pass or e-ticket, are easily accessible. For high-speed rail tickets, booking via Trip.com (the English version of Ctrip) offers a convenient way to purchase tickets in advance and avoid language barriers at the station, though you will still collect physical tickets.

Travel Tips for Departure

  • Keep passport, boarding pass/e-ticket accessible.
  • Use Trip.com for advance train purchasing tickets.
  • Collect physical tickets if booked online via some platforms.

Car Rental for Departure

As foreigners require a Chinese driver's license to drive, self-driving a rental car for departure is not a feasible option for most tourists. Instead, arranging a hired car with a driver through your hotel or a local travel agency for airport or train station transfers is a viable alternative.

Hiring a Car with Driver

  • Book through hotel or local agency.
  • Specify pick-up and drop-off points.
  • Confirm timing well in advance of departure.

Long-Distance Bus Departure

Long-distance buses from Shiyan Bus Station serve various cities. This can be an economical option for departure, though travel times are longer than high-speed rail. Purchase tickets at the bus station in advance, especially during peak travel periods.

Bus Departure Details

  • Depart from Shiyan Bus Station.
  • Purchase tickets at the station.
  • Factor in longer travel times.

Important Travel Notes

  • No specific exit fees or taxes beyond ticket price.
  • Give 1.5-2 hours for domestic flights.
  • Allow 30-45 minutes for train departures.
  • Keep all travel documents accessible.
  • Trip.com simplifies train ticket booking in English.
  • Foreigners cannot self-drive; hire a chauffeured car.

Essential Documents

Passport and Visa Validity

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of entry into China. It should also have a minimum of one blank visa page for the visa stamp. A valid visa is a fundamental requirement for most foreign nationals entering mainland China.

Requirements

  • Passport validity: 6 months beyond entry.
  • One blank visa page required.
  • Valid Chinese visa for entry.

Copies and Backups

Always carry printed and digital versions of your passport and visa. Store these in a different place than the originals. Consider emailing copies to yourself or storing them in a secure cloud service. This ensures you have backups in case of loss or theft, aiding in replacement procedures.

Backup Strategies

  • Physical copies in separate bag.
  • Digital copies in email or cloud storage.
  • Keep originals securely stored.

Health Documents

Carry copies of your vaccination records and relevant your medical records, preferably converted into Chinese.

Travel Itineraries

Have printed and digital copies of all flight, hotel, and excursion bookings.

Emergency Contacts

Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family, embassy, and insurance providers.

IDP and Driving Regulations

International Driving Permit IDP

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not valid for driving in mainland China. Foreign people cannot legally drive a private car in China without obtaining a local Chinese driver’s license. If you do not have a Chinese license, you cannot drive. This applies to both car rentals and personal vehicles.

Driving Regulations

  • IDP not recognized.
  • Requires Chinese driver's license.
  • No driving without local license.

Alternatives to Self-Driving

Given the IDP restrictions, consider alternative transportation methods. Public transport, taxis, and ride-sharing apps (like Didi Chuxing) are widely available and efficient. For more flexible travel or longer excursions, hiring a car with a driver is a useful and compliant option.

Recommended Options

  • Public transportation.
  • Taxis and ride-sharing services.
  • Hire a car with a professional driver.

Other Important IDs

Student IDs

An International Student Identity Card (ISIC) may occasionally offer discounts at some attractions, though this is less common for foreign students in China.

Senior IDs

Senior discounts are typically reserved for Chinese citizens. Carry your ID if you have one, but rely less on them for discounts.

Press IDs

Press IDs may be recognized for official media visits; verify requirements in advance.

Final Document Check

Before departure, perform a final check of all your documents. Confirm passport and visa validity, and ensure all reservations are confirmed.