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Yangquan Travel Resources

Yangquan Travel Resources

Yangquan Shanxi, China Travel Guide

Pre-Departure Checklist

Starting your planning early frequently results in a relaxed trip.

Chronological Planning Milestones

Organize your preparations over time.

1

Months Ahead

Visa Application

Apply for your Chinese visa, a time-consuming step.

International Flights

Book flights to a major Chinese gateway city, then to Taiyuan (TYN) or Shijiazhuang (SJW).

Health Consultation

Consult your doctor for recommended vaccinations and medications.

2

Month Ahead

Domestic Transport

Book major inter-city train admission to Yangquan North, using Trip.com for ease.

Accommodation

Secure your accommodation in Yangquan via Trip.com or another reliable platform.

Mobile App Setup

Download WeChat, Alipay, Didi Chuxing, Baidu Maps/Amap, Pleco. Link international credit cards.

3

Week Ahead

Confirm Bookings

Reconfirm all flight, train, and hotel reservations.

Packing

Pack according to the season and your detailed packing list.

Document Copies

Make digital (cloud, email) and physical copies of all documents. Store separately.

Required Bookings

items to arrange in advance for your trip.

Essential Reservations

  • Chinese visa completion.
  • International flights to China.
  • Domestic flights or high-speed train tickets to Taiyuan/Shijiazhuang, then to Yangquan.
  • Hotel accommodation in Yangquan and any other cities on your itinerary.

Recommended Research

Topics to explore for a richer travel experience.

Advance Exploration

  • Familiarize yourself with Chinese cultural norms to avoid misunderstandings.
  • Research specific attractions in Yangquan and nearby areas to prioritize your visits.
  • Investigate Shanxi cuisine and any specific dietary needs you have.
  • Understand how to use local buses and the Didi ride-hailing app.

Home Preparations

Secure everything at home for peace of mind while traveling.

Property Security

  • Lock all windows and doors.
  • Set any alarms.
  • Keep valuables safe.
  • Consider smart home security features.

Mail & Pet Care

  • Arrange for mail to be held or collected.
  • Secure pet care arrangements.
  • Ensure your pets receive proper attention.
  • Confirm caregiver details.

Financial & Contacts

  • Pay any upcoming bills or arrange automatic payments.
  • Leave your itinerary and emergency contacts with a trusted person.
  • Ensure a friend or family member has your essential travel information.
  • Confirm your travel dates are known.

Bank Notification

Inform your bank and your credit card providers about your trip plans to prevent transaction flags and service interruptions.

Arrival in Yangquan

These steps ease your arrival and settling-in process when you get to China and Yangquan.

Initial Airport Procedures

  • 1
    Immigration & Customs:

    Have your passport, visa, and completed Arrival/Departure card ready. Prepare for fingerprint and facial scans.

  • 2
    Luggage Collection:

    Collect your checked luggage.

  • 3
    Airport Transfer:

    Locate the airport shuttle bus to the relevant train terminal (Taiyuan South or Shijiazhuang Station) for your onward high-speed train to Yangquan North.

Orientation & Essentials

  • To Accommodation:

    Head directly to your pre-booked accommodation using Didi or a taxi from Yangquan North Railway Station.

  • Local SIM Card:

    If not already acquired, purchase a local SIM card at an official provider store using your passport. This aids app registration.

  • Explore Immediate Area:

    Once settled, take a short walk around your hotel to familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and discover close-by amenities.

Financial & Local Setup

Currency Exchange

Exchange currency at the airport or withdraw CNY from an ATM upon arrival in Taiyuan/Shijiazhuang.

Mobile payment is preferred, but some cash for small purchases or buses is useful.

Initial Purchases

Your first purchase upon arrival should be bottled water, as tap water is not safe to drink.

Carry a reusable water bottle to refill.

Small Bills for Buses

If using cash for omnibuses, ensure you carry small bills (¥1, ¥2).

Change is rarely given on public buses.

Directions from Railway Station

From Yangquan North, use Didi (recommended) or a licensed taxi to reach your hotel. Have your hotel address written in Chinese characters for clarity.

Departure from Yangquan

Final checks for a smooth exit from the city and China.

Shopping & Luggage

  • Purchase any desired souvenirs a few days before your departure for packaging time.
  • Check your airline's luggage allowance for your return flight to avoid overweight baggage fees.
  • If you have large purchases, inquire about shipping options at a China Post office.
  • Be aware of international shipping costs and customs regulations.

Departure Logistics

  • Allow ample time for travel from Yangquan to your departure airport (Taiyuan/Shijiazhuang).
  • Reconfirm all your return flight or train tickets.
  • Pack strategically, distributing items across your luggage to avoid overweight bags.
  • Have your passport, visa, and boarding passes/tickets readily accessible for departure procedures.

VAT & Expenses

Financial Considerations

  • VAT Refund Procedures:China does not feature a general Value Added Tax (VAT) refund system for tourists on purchases.
  • Pre-Departure Timing:For international flights, attempt to be at the airport 2-3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Travel:For domestic flights or high-speed trains, 1.5-2 hours is typically enough.
  • Peak Travel:Allow extra time during peak hours or if you have multiple connections.

Return Trip Essentials

  • Rereconfirm all your return flight or train tickets.
  • Distribute items across your luggage to avoid overweight bags.
  • Ensure all liquids are in checked luggage or meet carry-on restrictions.
  • Have your passport, visa, and boarding passes/tickets readily accessible for departure.

Final Hotel Check

Before leaving your hotel room for the last time, do a final sweep for forgotten items.

Pay particular attention to chargers, passports, and any small valuables.

Yangquan Travel Resources. Apps, Maps, Emergency Contacts