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How to Get to Mangshi

How to Get to Mangshi

Mangshi Yunnan, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports and Airlines

Air travel offers the fastest way to reach Mangshi, though it involves domestic connections for international visitors.

Connectivity

  • Dehong Mangshi Airport (LUM) serves Mangshi. This is a domestic airport.
  • Major Chinese airlines operate flights to LUM, including China Eastern, Lucky Air, Sichuan Airlines, Ruili Airlines, Air China, Juneyao Air, Chongqing Airlines, and Kunming Airlines.
  • Most frequent route to Kunming (KMG), which happens to be an important hub for Yunnan. Other connections from Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi'an, Shenzhen, Shanghai Pudong, Beijing Daxing, and Guangzhou.

International Flights & Pricing

Direct international flights are unavailable at LUM. International travelers must fly into a major Chinese international airport first.

Information

  • Popular entry points: Kunming (KMG), Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK) or Daxing (PKX), and Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN).
  • Flights to Mangshi are available year-round.
  • Prices increase during major Chinese holidays. Book in advance for better prices. For affordable options, explore Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.

Airport Facilities

Dehong Mangshi Airport is a small-to-medium domestic airport with standard facilities including check-in, security, shops, restaurants, and restrooms.

Airport Bus

Airport shuttle bus service runs between the airport and Mangshi city center (e.g., Mangshi Bus Station). Fares are typically low, around ¥10-¥20.

Taxi & Didi

Taxis are available outside the terminal, costing ¥30-¥50 to the city center. Ride-sharing via Didi Chuxing is also available.

Transfer Options to City

Cost-Effective Transfers

  • Airport bus service is a cost-effective choice for transfers.
  • Check the schedule upon arrival as routes can differ.
  • Keep small denominations of CNY for bus fares.
  • A scannable code payments (WeChat Pay/Alipay) are increasingly accepted.

Convenient Transfers

  • Taxis offer direct door-to-door service and are readily available.
  • Confirm the driver uses the meter or agree on a fare beforehand.
  • Didi Chuxing provides a convenient option with transparent pricing.
  • Have your destination address in Chinese for taxi drivers or Didi.

Airport Facilities and Services

Basic Amenities

Check-in counters, security screening, and lavatories are available.

Food and Shopping

A few shops for snacks, drinks, local souvenirs, and cafes/restaurants.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi may be available, but connectivity can vary.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing Information

Mangshi in Dehong Prefecture borders Myanmar. The nearest major border crossing is in Ruili, approximately 1.5-2 hours by bus from Mangshi.

Crossing to Myanmar

  • The Jiegao Border Gate in Ruili connects to Muse in Myanmar.
  • Foreigners can cross this border, but Myanmar visa requirements must be met in advance.
  • It is generally not possible to obtain a visa-on-arrival for Myanmar at this specific land border for most nationalities. Plan your Myanmar visa before attempting this crossing.

Train Connections

Mangshi does not have a train station. The nearest major train terminals are in Baoshan (under construction for high-speed rail to Kunming) or Dali.

Rail Alternatives

  • Travelers use long-distance buses from Kunming or Dali to reach Mangshi if they prefer land travel.
  • This bus journey can be lengthy but offers views of the Yunnan landscape.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Mangshi has a central long-distance bus station (Mangshi Bus Terminal) that acts as a hub for travel to nearby areas.

Bus Routes

  • Frequent services connect Mangshi with Kunming (9-10 hours), Dali (6-7 hours), Baoshan (3-4 hours), and Ruili (1.5-2 hours).
  • Purchase tickets at the bus station a day in advance or on the day of travel, especially during busy periods.
  • Buses are generally comfortable, with air conditioning on most intercity routes.

Self-Driving and Road Conditions

A temporary Chinese driving license is required for foreigners to drive. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not recognized. This makes self-driving impractical for most short-term tourists.

Driving Information

  • Roads between major cities and within Mangshi are mostly asphalted and in good condition.
  • Mountainous expect winding roads. Heavy rains during the wet season cause localized damage or closures.
  • Driving habits in China are aggressive. Remain aware of large vehicles. In the wet season, watch for landslides.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Ferry Services: Not applicable. Mangshi is far inland.
  • River Transportation: Not applicable for public passenger services.
  • Immigration at Seaports: Not applicable due to inland location.
  • Mangshi's inland position means sea and major river transportation are not relevant for passenger arrivals.
  • The Mangshi River flows through the area but is not used for public passenger transportation.
  • Therefore, connections to land transportation from sea or river are not a consideration for travelers to Mangshi.

Departure Information

Exit Fees and Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are charged for departing China by air or land for foreign tourists. Your flight ticket price typically includes any relevant airport taxes.

Check-in Times

  • For domestic flights from Dehong Mangshi Airport, arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • This allows sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.
  • For bus travel from Mangshi Bus Terminal, arrive at least 30 minutes prior to leaving to locate the bus you are taking and board.

Airport and Station Facilities

Facilities cater to departing travelers, guaranteeing a smooth transition.

Departure Amenities

  • Dehong Mangshi Airport provides check-in counters, security, waiting areas, and small shops or restaurants.
  • Mangshi Bus Terminal offers waiting areas, ticket counters, small shops/eateries, and washrooms.
  • These facilities support a comfortable wait before your departure.

Reconfirm Travel

Always reconfirm your flight or bus schedule the day before departure.

Holiday Impact

Essential during holidays or periods of potential weather disruption.

Plan Ahead

Early arrival at the airport or bus station reduces stress and allows for contingencies.

Getting to Kunming from Mangshi

Flight Options to Kunming

The most common and fastest way to reach Kunming from Mangshi is by air. Dehong Mangshi Airport (LUM) has frequent flights to Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG).

Airlines & Duration

  • Multiple airlines, including China Eastern, Lucky Air, and Air China.
  • Flight duration is roughly 60 minutes.
  • Several flights operate daily, offering flexibility.

Bus Options to Kunming

For those who prefer land travel or seek a more budget-friendly option, long-distance buses connect Mangshi to Kunming.

Travel Time & Stations

  • Buses depart from Mangshi Bus Terminal to Kunming's West Bus Station.
  • The journey takes approximately 9-10 hours, depending on road conditions.
  • Buses are generally comfortable with air conditioning.

Travel Considerations to Kunming

Time vs. Cost

Flights are faster but more expensive. Buses are cheaper but take significantly longer.

Booking

Book securing flights early, especially during peak seasons. Bus tickets can be purchased at the station.

Luggage

Flights have baggage limits. Buses may allow more flexibility but less security.

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