How to Get to Yixing. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Main Gateways

Sunan Shuofang International Airport (WUX) in Wuxi (60km northeast) and Changzhou Benniu Airport (CZX) (70km north) serve domestic and some regional international flights.

Airport Codes & Locations

WUX: Wuxi (domestic & regional intl).
CZX: Changzhou (mainly domestic).
NKG: Nanjing (major international hub).

International Connections

Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG), approximately 110km to the northwest of Yixing, functions as a major international hub with extensive domestic and international connections.

Airlines & Routes

Major Chinese carriers (China Eastern, Southern, Air China).
NKG has direct flights from major global hubs (e.g., Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific).
Seasonal price fluctuations; book early for better deals (e.g., Skyscanner).

WUX to Yixing

Airport shuttle buses, taxis (¥200-250), or Didi ride-sharing services.

CZX to Yixing

Airport shuttle buses (transfer in Changzhou), taxis (¥250-300), or Didi options.

NKG to Yixing

Direct long-distance airport shuttle buses (1.5-2 hours, ¥60-80). Taxis (¥350-450) or Didi available.

Airport Facilities & Recommendations

Facilities Available

Dining options and various shops.
Baggage services and currency exchange.
Wi-Fi and lounges.
Various ground transportation choices.

Travel Advice

For international travel, NKG often offers the most direct and convenient transfers.
Book booking flights early, especially during Chinese holidays (e.g., Dollar Flight Club).
Confirm your terminal and gate well in advance at large airports.
No specific exit fees are levied; included in airfare.

Transfer Options to Yixing

Nanjing Lukou

Direct transport buses are the most convenient.

Wuxi/Changzhou

Shuttle buses and taxis readily available.

Didi Chuxing

Ride-sharing apps offer flexibility and convenience.

Land Transportation

Yixing Railway Station

Yixing Train Station (宜兴站) offers excellent high-speed rail connections (G and D trains) on the Nanjing-Hangzhou line.

Destinations

Nanjing (40-60 min), Hangzhou (1 hr).
Shanghai (1.5-2 hrs), Beijing (6-7 hrs).
Frequent services to major cities.

Booking & Facilities

Buy tickets on the web via official apps (e.g., 12306, Ctrip/Trip.com) or at train stations. Advance booking is recommended, notably during busy times.

Travel Tips

Book in advance for Chinese holidays.
Station facilities include waiting areas, shops, and food.
Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure.

Bus Transportation

Ticket & Routes

Buy tickets at the bus station or online platforms.
Connects to many regional cities.
Regional bus companies operate services.

Self-Driving Considerations

Self-driving in China has challenges for foreign nationals. International Driving Permits (IDPs) are not recognized, and obtaining a temporary Chinese driving permit is generally not feasible for short-term visitors.

Driving Restrictions

IDPs are not valid in mainland China.
Requires a temporary or full Chinese license.
Process impractical for short-term tourists (DiscoverCars.com not relevant for IDP use).

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads are generally well-maintained highways and local roads.
Traffic can be heavy, especially in urban areas.
Drivers may not always follow rules strictly.

Pedestrians and cyclists should exercise caution.
Strict penalties apply for drunk driving.
Border crossing information is not applicable for Yixing.

Other Transportation

Sea & River Access

Yixing is not a coastal city and does not feature major international ferry or cruise ports. Therefore, direct sea or river arrivals for inter-city travel are not applicable.

Local Water Activities

Local sightseeing boats on Taihu Lake.
Leisure cruises available in specific scenic areas.
These are for recreation, not inter-city transport.

Immigration & Connections

Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable when traveling to Yixing. International travelers must use designated air or land ports of entry elsewhere in China.

Related Information

No seaport immigration for Yixing.
Connections to land transportation from sea/river not relevant for Yixing.
Inquire locally for specific scenic boat schedules.

Main Entry Points

International visitors enter China via major airports or land borders.

No Direct Ferry Services

Yixing does not have direct a ferry to another country connections.

Local River Journeys

Limited to sightseeing within scenic areas like Shanjuan Cave.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

No specific exit fees or taxes are levied on departing from China. These are typically included in your airfare or train ticket price.

Recommended Arrival Times

Flights: 2-3 hours before international, 1.5-2 hours for domestic.
Trains: 30-45 minutes before departure.
Earlier arrival during peak seasons or holidays.

Airport & Station Facilities

Expect basic amenities at major departure points to meet your needs before leaving.

Available Amenities

Check-in counters, security screening.
Duty-free shops (international airports), restaurants.
Lounges and waiting areas.

Final Preparations

Confirm Details

Double-check departure gate/platform and time.

Collect Tickets

Ensure all tickets are printed or on your mobile device.

Last-Minute Shopping

Take advantage of duty-free or local souvenir shops.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Confirm your departure gate or platform well in advance, especially at large train stations or airports, to save time and avoid stress.

How to Get to Yixing