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How to Get to Siping

How to Get to Siping

Siping Jilin, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Nearby Airports & Airlines

Siping lacks its own major airport, but two international airports serve the region.

Airport Options

  • Changchun Longjia International Airport (CGQ): ~110-120 km north of Siping.
  • Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE): ~130-140 km south of Siping.
  • Domestic flights connect to major Chinese cities. International routes mainly link to East Asian cities.

Transfers to Siping

From both airports, high-speed rail is the most efficient transfer option.

Getting to Siping

  • From CGQ: High-speed train from Longjia Station (airport-connected) to Siping East (30-45 mins).
  • From CGQ: Airport bus to Changchun city, then intercity bus/train to Siping.
  • From SHE: Shuttle/taxi to Shenyang South, then high-speed train to Siping East (40-60 mins).

Flight Availability

Flight availability stays stable. Prices peak during Chinese federal holidays and summer travel.

Airport Services

Airports offer restaurants, duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, and Wi-Fi.

Global Connections

Direct international flights from major global hubs outside Asia are not common for CGQ or SHE. Connect via Beijing/Shanghai.

Booking Your Flight

Flight Search Tools

  • Find cheap flights with Dollar Flight Club.
  • Compare options on Skyscanner.
  • Book straight with with airlines or trusted travel agencies.
  • Consider booking well early to get better deals.

Transfer Tips

  • Plan transfers from the airport to Siping in advance.
  • Allow ample time for connecting flights between flight and train.
  • Look up bus schedules if you use public transit from airports.
  • Taxis/private cars for direct transfers (~1.5-2 hours).

Airport Facilities

Dining & Shopping

Restaurants, cafes, and duty-free shops are available at CGQ and SHE.

Financial Services

Currency exchange and ATMs are readily available.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available for connecting to the internet.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Siping functions as a major railway hub in Jilin Province, serving both conventional and high-speed rail travelers.

Railway Stations & Services

  • Siping Railway Station for conventional trains across China.
  • Siping East Railway Station for high-speed trains (Harbin-Dalian line).
  • Book tickets online (12306.cn, Trip.com, Ctrip) or at terminals.

Bus Services

Long-cross-country buses offer alternatives to trains, especially for towns not on the rail network.

Intercity Bus Options

  • Siping has long-distance bus terminals.
  • Ways to nearby cities in Jilin and neighboring provinces (e.g., Changchun, Shenyang, Harbin).
  • Generally slower and less comfortable than high-speed rail.

Self-Driving in Siping

Self-driving can be challenging for foreign visitors due to license requirements.

Requirements & Conditions

  • A valid Chinese driver'a driver's license is mandatory. International Driving Permits are not recognized.
  • Major highways are generally well-maintained. City roads can experience congestion.
  • The Baidu maps app navigation is the most accurate for finding your way in China.

Car Rental

Car rental options for foreign visitors are limited.

Rental & Rules

  • Tourists typically cannot obtain a Chinese license for short visits.
  • Major rental companies operate in larger cities, but pick-up places in Siping might be present. DiscoverCars.com for international bookings.
  • China drives on the right. Local traffic laws and traffic signs are important.

Road Safety Concerns

  • Aggressive driving habits are common.
  • Motorcycles and electric scooters often disregard driving regulations.
  • Occasional livestock on rural roads.
  • Night driving can be challenging due to varied lighting.
  • Road quality changes, with rural roads sometimes of lower quality.
  • Border crossing information is not relevant as Siping is a landlocked city.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Plan your departure from Siping with adequate time to spare, especially for global flights.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights: Arrive 3-4 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • High-Speed Trains: Show UP 30-45 minutes before you leave.

Airport/Station Facilities

Airports and major railway stations offer multiple services for departing travelers.

Services Available

  • Airport lounges and waiting areas.
  • Duty-free shops, restaurants, and convenience stores.
  • Currency exchange options.

Exit Fees

No particular exit fees or taxes are levied on international departures out of Chinese airports. These are commonly in the ticket price.

Conventional Transport

For conventional trains and buses, arrive 30 minutes before departure.

Sea/River Departures

Siping is an inland city; sea or river departures are not applicable for passenger travel.

Getting Around Siping

Public Transportation

Siping's public transportation system helps you reach most parts of the city effectively.

Bus System

  • Siping mainly uses a comprehensive bus network; no metro or tram.
  • Routes cover most urban areas, connecting districts and attractions.
  • Fares typically ¥1-2. Pay with cash (exact change), local card, or mobile payment.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing apps offer convenient alternatives to buses for direct routes or with baggage.

Options & Safety

  • Licensed taxis (green or yellow) with meters. Hail on street or use apps.
  • Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) is the dominant ride-sharing app.
  • Didi is generally safe. Taxis: use meter, avoid "black cabs."

Rental Options

Car Rental

Requires of Chinese origin driver's license. IDPs are not accepted. Limited options for foreign visitors.

Motorcycle/Scooter Rental

Not as common for visitors. Requires a Chinese person motorcycle license.

Bicycle Rentals

Shared bike programs via apps (Meituan Bike, Hello Bike) require Chinese phone/payment. Limited traditional shops.

Navigation Tips

Use Baidu Maps navigation (Chinese) for correct, real-time bus route information. Have small CNY cash for bus fares. For taxis, have your destination written in Chinese to show the driver.