How to Get to Tonghua. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel Insights

Airports & Routes

Tonghua has its own regional airport, but international travelers first arrive at a major Chinese gateway.

Local & Gateway Airports

Tonghua Sanyuanpu Airport (TNH): Main regional airport, ~50 km from city center.
Major International Gateways: Beijing (PEK), Shanghai (PVG), Shenyang (SHE), Changchun (CGQ).
TNH mainly has domestic flights to Beijing, Shanghai, Dalian, Qingdao, etc.

Flight Considerations

Booking & Availability

No direct international flights to TNH. Connect via major Chinese hubs.
Flight frequency to TNH can be seasonal; more options in summer.
Prices increase during major Chinese holidays (Chinese New Year, National Day). Book in advance. Dollar Flight Club Skyscanner for deals.

Airport Transfers

From TNH: airport shuttle buses to the downtown area (e.g., railway station) or taxis (approx. 100-150 CNY).

Arrival Time Airport

For domestic flights from TNH, arrive 2-3 hours before departure. This accounts for check-in and security.

Hub Connections

From larger hubs (Shenyang, Changchun): take a connecting domestic flight, train, or long-distance bus to Tonghua.

Tonghua Sanyuanpu Airport

Airport Overview

A smaller regional airport with basic facilities.
Limited dining and retail options.
Basic waiting areas.
Do not expect extensive services typical of more substantial international airports.

Domestic Airlines

Serviced by domestic airlines.
China Express.
China Eastern.
Spring Airlines.

Long-Distance Travel

Train Booking

Purchase e-tickets via 12306.cn (Chinese only) or Trip.com (English). Book in advance, especially during peak travel.

Bus Booking

Purchase tickets directly at Tonghua Long-distance Bus Station. Advance booking may be feasible for popular routes.

Car Rental Note

Not recommended for international visitors. A valid Chinese driver's license is needed, foreign licenses are not recognized.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Tonghua Railway Station is a major hub connecting the city to various destinations across Northeast China.

Routes & Types

Connections to Shenyang, Changchun, Jilin City, Dalian.
Mainly conventional trains (K, T, Z series). High-speed (D-series) links continue to expand.
Advance booking is advisable, especially in the high season.

Long-Distance Bus

Tonghua Long-distance Bus Station links the city to provincial and neighboring cities.

Connectivity & Comfort

Connections to Changchun, Jilin City, Ji'an, Baishan (Jilin) and Shenyang, Dalian (Liaoning).
Comfort levels vary, from basic coaches to modern vehicles.
Tickets often purchasable on travel day, outside peak times.

Self-Driving & Roads

Foreign driver's licenses are not recognized. A temporary Chinese driver's license is necessary to drive legally.

Driving Information

Obtaining a temporary license is time-consuming and impractical for short-term tourists.
Driving in China has challenges due to high traffic density and aggressive styles.
Highways linking major Jilin cities are good. Local roads vary. DiscoverCars.com offers options if you can drive.

Border & River

Tonghua is an inland city, so sea/river arrivals are not relevant for inter-city travel.

Border & River Access

Border crossings with North Korea for specific purposes require special permits, not for relaxed tourism.
The Hunjiang River flows through Tonghua, but public passenger river transportation is not a main mode of inter-city travel.
No sea or cruise ports.

Important Departure Note

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically levied beyond what is included in your ticket price.
Confirm your departure gate or platform well in advance at busy train stations.
For train/bus departures, arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure for ticket checks and security.

Tonghua Sanyuanpu Airport offers limited facilities for departing travelers.
Major city airports offer a wider range of dining, retail, and lounge options for international departures.
Train and bus stations in Tonghua typically possess waiting areas, restrooms, and limited food vendors.

Border Information Summary

North Korean Border

Tonghua is close to the North Korean border, separated by the Yalu River. However, general tourist border crossings are not permitted from this region.

Access Restrictions

Border crossings in the Jilin region are typically for specific purposes.
Special permits are necessary, generally not available for casual tourism.
Do not plan on crossing into North Korea from Tonghua without extensive prior arrangements.

Other Borders

Tonghua also borders Liaoning Province westward, an internal Chinese provincial border.

Inter-Provincial Travel

Travel to Liaoning Province is unrestricted for tourists.
Train and bus connections to cities in Liaoning are frequent.
No special permits are required for inter-provincial travel within China.

Border Security

Border areas are busyly monitored. Adherence to all regulations is important.

Restricted Zones

Some areas very near the North Korean border may have restricted access.

Check Before Travel

Always confirm border requirements with the Chinese embassy before travel near any international borders.

Getting Around Tonghua

Local Transport Tips

Efficient navigation of Tonghua's local transport options.

Practical Advice

Use Baidu Maps (most accurate local mapping app, mainly Chinese) for real-time bus routes.
Carry small cash denominations (1-2 CNY) for buses or have WeChat Pay/Alipay set up.
Learn Chinese names of destinations or have them written down to overcome language barriers.

Walking & Cycling

Explore Tonghua's pedestrian-friendly areas and consider cycling with caution.

Active Exploration

Downtown areas, parks (Botanical Garden), and Hunjiang River waterfront are pleasant for walking.
Dedicated cycling lanes are not extensive. Cycle on main roads with be careful because of traffic.
Self-guided exploration with mapping apps is common. No formal international walking tours are widely advertised.

Specialized Transport Notables

Tour Buses

Not typically available for Tonghua city itself. Organized tours to nearby Ji'an or Changbai Mountains may use dedicated buses.

Water Transport

Not a common mode of transport for tourists. The Hunjiang River is not used for regular passenger services.

Cable Cars/Funiculars

Not present in Tonghua city itself.

Accessibility Note

Accessibility infrastructure is still developing in Tonghua. Pavements can be uneven, and public transport could have limited accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges.

How to Get to Tonghua