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How to Get to Ziyang

How to Get to Ziyang

Ziyang Sichuan, China Travel Guide

Air Travel to Ziyang

Major Airports Serving Ziyang

All air travelers will use one of Chengdu’s international airports. These serve as the main gateways to the Sichuan region and Ziyang.

Chengdu Airports

  • Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU): The main and newest airport, ~50-70 km northwest of Ziyang.
  • Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): An older, major hub for domestic flights and some international routes.
  • TFU is geographically closer to Ziyang and more convenient for transfers.

Airlines and Typical Routes

Both TFU and CTU serve as major hubs for numerous domestic and international airlines, providing extensive flight connections worldwide.

Connectivity

  • Domestic Airlines: Air China, China Southern, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, Xiamen Airlines.
  • Global Airlines: Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, EVA Air.
  • Typical Routes: Major cities across China, Asia, Europe (Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London), North America, Middle East.

Seasonal Availability

Flight prices generally increase during peak travel seasons in China, including Spring Festival, May Day (in many countries), Foundation Day, and summer holidays.

Price Fluctuations

Lower prices often appear for flights during the low season (winter, excluding Chinese New Year) and shoulder months. Check Dollar Flight Club.

Booking Insights

Book international flights well in advance, especially if your travel dates fall within peak periods. Use sites like Skyscanner for comparisons.

Transfer Options from Airports to Ziyang

From Chengdu Tianfu International Airport TFU

  • High-speed Rail: Shuttle bus or metro to TFU Railway Station, then a train to Ziyang North Station (20-30 minutes).
  • Airport Shuttle Bus: Direct shuttle buses operate between TFU and Ziyang city, with schedules coordinated with flight arrivals.
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing: A taxi or Didi ride to Ziyang city takes ~1-1.5 hours, depending on traffic, though more expensive.
  • Car Rental: Not practical for foreigners due to driving permit requirements. Consider DiscoverCars.com for other regions.

From Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport CTU

  • Metro/Shuttle to High-speed Rail: Take the metro or shuttle to Chengdu East Railway Station, then a high-speed train to Ziyang North Station.
  • Long-Distance Bus: Buses connect CTU to Ziyang Bus Station; a slower but more economical option.
  • Taxi/Ride-sharing: Longer and more expensive from CTU compared to TFU.
  • The TFU connection is generally faster and more direct for Ziyang.

Airport Facilities and Services

Retail & Dining

Duty-free shops, a wide array of retail stores, numerous restaurants, cafes, and fast-food options.

Passenger Services

Airline lounges, VIP services, currency exchange counters, ATMs, and car rental services.

Connectivity & Lodging

Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminals and on-site hotels or hotels handily placed near the airport.

Land Transportation

Train Connections and Services

Ziyang is well-integrated into China's extensive high-speed train system, making it easily accessible from major cities.

Ziyang Railway Stations

  • Ziyang North Railway Station (资阳北站): Main high-speed rail station with frequent services.
  • Connections to Chengdu (20-30 min) and Chongqing (about 1 hour), and other major cities with transfers.
  • Book train tickets in advance via 12306.cn (English version) or Trip.com, especially during peak travel.

Long-Distance Bus Options and Companies

Ziyang's Long-Distance Bus Station (资阳汽车站) serves as a hub for intercity bus travel, offering an an alternative to provincial routes.

Bus Travel Overview

  • Routes connect Ziyang to various cities within Sichuan province and neighboring provinces.
  • Bus travel is typically more economical than high-speed rail, making it a good budget option.
  • Journeys are significantly slower than high-speed trains and is sometimes less comfortable.

Self-Driving Considerations and Requirements

Driving yourself in China has significant challenges for international visitors, mainly due to licensing and contrasting cultural norms.

Driving Requirements

  • Foreigners cannot legally drive in mainland China with an International Driving Permit (IDP) alone.
  • A temporary Chinese driving permit is necessary, obtainable upon arrival, but often impractical for short visits.
  • Driving culture in China is not the same as Western countries; expect less strict adherence to lane discipline and signals.

Road Conditions and Safety Concerns

Major highways connecting Ziyang to Chengdu and Chongqing are generally well-maintained. However, road conditions on smaller provincial roads can vary.

Local Road Safety

  • Urban areas inside China, including Ziyang, can experience heavy traffic.
  • Be aware of various road users, including electric scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians, who may not always follow driving regulations.
  • GPS apps like Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps (Amaps) are essential for navigation, but they are mainly in Chinese.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Ziyang is a landlocked city, so sea arrivals are not applicable.
  • The Tuo River flows through Ziyang, but it is not a main mode of passenger transport for tourism.
  • No ferry services or cruise ports serve Ziyang.
  • No international border crossings apply directly to Ziyang's access.
  • The river is not prominent for sightseeing or transport.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not relevant for Ziyang.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are charged when departing China via air or land; these are typically included in your flight ticket price.

Timing Recommendations

  • International Flights (from TFU/CTU): Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure for check-in and security.
  • Domestic Flights (from TFU/CTU): Arrive at least 2 hours before departure.
  • High-Speed Trains (from Ziyang North): Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure for security and boarding.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Both Chengdu airports and Ziyang North Train Station offer extensive facilities to cater to the needs of departing travelers.

Available Services

  • Check-in counters, self-service kiosks, security screening points.
  • Passport control and customs offices (at airports), duty-free shops, and a wide range of dining options.
  • Lounges and comfortable waiting areas, along with boarding gates (airports) or platforms (train stations).

Chengdu Tianfu Airport TFU

Modern facilities, extensive international and domestic connections. Allow ample time for transfers.

Chengdu Shuangliu Airport CTU

Older, closer to Chengdu city center. Major domestic hub, some international flights. Good transport links to Chengdu.

Ziyang North Railway Station

Main high-speed rail station for Ziyang. Modern and efficient, with connections to Chengdu and Chongqing.

Getting Around Ziyang

Comprehensive Overview of Public Transit

Ziyang city operates a wide network of public buses. These public buses cover most of the urban area, connecting residential zones, commercial districts, administrative centers, and both train stations. The structure is an economical and widespread method for getting around. Buses are generally modern and air-conditioned, with comfortable rides.

Bus Network Features

  • Extensive network across urban areas.
  • Connects residential, commercial, and administrative centers.
  • Economical and widespread.

Ticketing Systems and Fare Options

Bus fares are highly affordable, typically costing CNY 1-2 per ride. Payment options include exact cash or mobile payment via apps like Alipay and WeChat Pay.

Payment Methods & Hours

  • Cash: Exact change (1 or 2 Yuan coins/small banknotes); drivers do not carry change.
  • Mobile Payment: Scan a QR code upon boarding using Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat Pay (微信支付).
  • Hours: Generally runs from ~6:00 AM to 9:00 PM/10:00 PM, with varying frequency.

Route Maps, Important Hubs & Accessibility

Route Maps & Apps

Find detailed bus route maps at bus stops. Local navigation apps like Baidu Maps (百度地图) and Gaode Maps (高德地图 - Amaps) provide the most up-to-date information, including real-time bus locations.

Important Hubs

transportation hubs include Ziyang Railway Station, Ziyang North Railway Station, Ziyang Bus Station, and major commercial districts like Renmin Road.

Accessibility

Accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges on Ziyang's public buses is limited. Many older buses may not have ramps or designated spaces for wheelchairs.

Navigating Efficiently

Download and use Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps for real-time bus locations and routes. Have small cash or mobile pay ready, and identify your stop by listening to announcements or following on the app.

How to Get to Ziyang. Flights, Transportation, Airlines