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How to Get to Liaoyang

How to Get to Liaoyang

Liaoyang Liaoning, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Flights

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE) is about 70-80 km north of Liaoyang, serving as the main international and domestic hub. Anshan Teng'ao Airport (AOG), 40 km south, is smaller with fewer domestic routes. Major Chinese airlines operate at SHE with extensive domestic connections and international routes to East Asia. Direct international flights to SHE are available from some major East Asian hubs. Most global hubs outside East Asia require connections through Chinese gateway cities (Beijing, Shanghai) or other major Asian hubs. Check Skyscanner or Dollar Flight Club for flights.

Airport Details

  • SHE: Largest airport in Northeast China.
  • AOG: Limited domestic routes.
  • Flight prices peak during major Chinese holidays and summer.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE) offers duty-free shops, various restaurants, cafes, currency exchange, ATMs, free Wi-Fi, car rental, and lounges. From SHE to Liaoyang, shuttle buses take 1 to 1.5 hours. Taxis/ride-sharing (Didi Chuxing) offer direct but more expensive transport. Train connections from Shenyang North/Railway Stations to Liaoyang take 20-30 minutes after an airport shuttle bus ride. From Anshan Teng'ao Airport (AOG), taxis or ride-sharing are the most convenient direct options.

Transfer Options

  • Airport shuttle bus is cost-effective from SHE.
  • Taxis/ride-sharing for direct transport.
  • High-speed train from Shenyang to Liaoyang (20-30 min).

Best Value Flights

Shoulder seasons and winter (excluding Chinese New Year) often offer lower fares.

Book in Advance

Important for peak travel times to secure desired routes and prices.

Airport Services

SHE offers duty-free, dining, currency exchange, Wi-Fi, and waiting areas.

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

  • Liaoyang Railway Station serves conventional and high-speed trains.
  • Stop on Harbin-Dalian High-Speed Railway.
  • Book online (Trip.com for foreigners) or at the station.
  • Reserving ahead is advisable, especially during holidays.

Long-Distance Bus Options

  • Liaoyang Long-Distance Bus Station connects to cities within Liaoning and neighboring provinces.
  • Regular services to Shenyang, Anshan, Benxi, Dalian, etc.
  • Purchase tickets at the bus station counter.
  • Generally slower than high-speed trains but serve smaller towns.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Driving License

Foreigners need a temporary Chinese driving license; IDPs are not recognized. This is not practical for short-term tourists. Car rentals require a valid Chinese license. Check DiscoverCars.com for rental options If you have the correct license.

Road Conditions

Major roads and highways are well-maintained. Provincial and county roads vary. Urban traffic can be heavy, especially during rush hours. GPS networks are helpful.

Safety Concerns

Defensive driving is essential. Road safety involves sharing roads with pedestrians and cyclists.

Sea/River Arrivals

Sea Arrivals

Liaoyang is an inland city; sea arrivals are not direct. Dalian, the closest major port city on the Liaodong Peninsula, offers international ferry connections (e.g., to Incheon, South Korea) and serves as a cruise port. If arriving by sea in Dalian, use land transportation (high-speed train or bus) to reach Liaoyang. Immigration and customs procedures occur at the port of entry.

Port City Connection

  • Dalian is the nearest large seaport.
  • From Dalian, connect to Liaoyang via high-speed train.
  • Immigration procedures at the seaport at the time of arrival.

River Transportation

The Taizi River flows through Liaoyang, but it does not feature significant passenger river transportation or boat taxis for public use. Recreational boating may be available during warm months in specific park areas (e.g., Taizi River Park, Wangshuihu Park), but this serves leisure, not transport. River arrival is not a direct route to Liaoyang.

Local River Use

  • No regular boat taxi services.
  • Recreational boating is for leisure.
  • Not a transport option for getting around the city.

Focus on Air/Land

Plan your arrival via Shenyang Taoxian Airport or direct train/bus.

Inland City

Liaoyang is not on the coast or a major navigable river for transport.

Check Travel Advisories

Always consult official advice for travel to current entry details.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Timing

China does not impose a specific exit fee for departing international travelers; your airline tickets typically include airport taxes. For flights abroad from Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE), arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure for check-in, baggage drop, security, and immigration. Allow 1.5-2 hours for transfer from Liaoyang to SHE. For domestic flights from SHE or Anshan Teng'ao Airport (AOG), arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.

Departure Timing

  • International Flights (SHE): 2-3 hours prior.
  • Domestic Flights (SHE/AOG): 1.5-2 hours prior.
  • High-Speed Trains (Liaoyang): 30-45 minutes prior.

Station Facilities

Shenyang Taoxian International Airport (SHE) offers standard facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shops, restaurants, cafes, plus lounges in the international departures area. Liaoyang Rail Depot provides waiting rooms, small shops, and food vendors. Amenities at the rail depot are more basic than at major international airports but are sufficient for train travel.

Facility Overview

  • SHE: Duty-free, dining, lounges.
  • Liaoyang Railway Station: Waiting rooms, food vendors.
  • Check for Wi-Fi availability at various points.

Departure Checklist

Confirm Schedule

Double-check flight or train schedule the day before departure.

Allow Travel Time

Traffic or unexpected events can extend travel time to the airport or station.

Have Documents Ready

Keep passport, visa, and tickets easily accessible for efficient processing.

Final Travel Planning

For streamlined journeys between major cities, high-speed trains are the choice. For smaller small communities or attractions not served by rail, long-distance buses are an alternative.