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What to Pack for Cixi

What to Pack for Cixi

Cixi Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Cixi

Travelers usually arrive via one of these three international airports, then connect to Cixi by ground transportation.

Airport Options

  • Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB): Approximately 70-80 km south of Cixi.
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): About 130 km west of Cixi.
  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Approximately 180 km north of Cixi, with extensive international connections.

Airlines & Routes

NGB principally provides for Chinese domestic airlines, connecting to major Chinese cities. Limited international routes operate to East Asia. HGH and PVG cater to a wider range of domestic and international airlines and global routes.

Flight Information

  • No direct international flights to Ningbo (NGB) originate from major global hubs outside East Asia.
  • Flight prices increase during peak seasons: Spring Festival, National Day Golden Week (early October), and summer holidays.
  • Prices decrease during off-peak times. Domestic flight availability remains stable year-round. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are good for finding deals.

NGB Transfers to Cixi

Direct shuttle services connect NGB to Cixi (1.5-2 hours). Taxis cost ¥200-300+ (1-1.5 hours). Didi is also an option.

PVG Transfers to Cixi

Take Maglev/Metro to Hongqiao, then high-speed train to Yuyao North or Shaoxing North (bus connections to Cixi). Long-distance buses take 3-4 hours.

HGH Transfers to Cixi

Direct buses from HGH to Cixi take 2-2.5 hours. High-speed train involves shuttle to Hangzhou East, then train to Yuyao North or Shaoxing North, then connect.

Airport Facilities & Services

Ningbo Lishe NGB

  • Dining options available.
  • Duty-free shops.
  • Currency exchange and ATMs.
  • Wi-Fi access for passengers.

Hangzhou Xiaoshan HGH & Shanghai Pudong PVG

  • Extensive international facilities and lounges.
  • Airport hotels for layovers.
  • Diverse dining choices.
  • Numerous shopping options.

Seasonal Flight Information

Peak Season Fares

Flight prices generally rise during major holidays like Spring Festival, National Day Golden Week holiday period in japan (early October), and summer holidays.

Off-Peak Savings

Prices typically decrease during off-peak times. Travel during these periods yields savings.

Availability

Domestic flight availability remains stable year-round, but international flights can vary seasonally. Check ahead.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Cixi does not have a direct high-speed railway station within its urban core. Connections route through nearby stations.

Nearest Stations

  • Yuyao North Railway Station (余姚北站) and Shaoxing North Railway Station (绍兴北站) are the closest high-speed stations.
  • Both depots are on the Hangzhou-Ningbo High-Speed Railway. Cixi is accessible by local bus or taxi from these stations.
  • Ningbo Railway Station (宁波站) is a major hub, about an hour's drive from Cixi, with extensive high-speed rail connections across China.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Cixi Bus Station (慈溪汽车站) is a major hub for intercity and inter-county buses, offering economical regional travel.

Bus Services

  • Regular bus services connect Cixi to Ningbo, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Wenzhou, Taizhou, and other cities.
  • Bus travel is a convenient and economical choice for connections within Zhejiang and neighboring provinces.
  • Check schedules at the bus station for the most current route information.

Self-Driving Considerations

Mainland China does not recognize an International Driving Permit (IDP). Foreigners need a temporary or full Chinese driver's license.

Driving Requirements

  • Obtain a temporary Chinese license (if eligible) or a full license, often involving a written test.
  • Renting a car is generally not recommended for short-term foreign visitors due to license requirements and local road conditions. DiscoverCars.com has options if you meet criteria.
  • Road conditions: Major highways like G15 Shenhai Expressway are well-maintained. Regional roads vary. Traffic is heavy during peak hours.

Road Safety & Navigation

Roads around Cixi are generally in good condition. Driving culture is assertive, so defensive driving is suitable. Electric scooters and bicycles are common.

Aspects

  • China enforces strict penalties for drunk driving. Adhere to all area traffic laws.
  • Drivers need extra vigilance for scooters and bicycles.
  • Baidu Maps or Amap are important for navigation. Download these apps.

Sea/River Arrivals

  • Cixi has a coastline along Hangzhou Bay, but it is not a major port for passenger ferries or international cruises.
  • Ningbo Port, nearby, mainly handles cargo. Some domestic passenger ferries may operate from Ningbo to the islands in the Zhoushan archipelago, but not directly to Cixi.
  • No significant river transportation options exist for travelers in Cixi.
  • Border crossing information is not applicable for Cixi as it is within mainland China.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for Cixi.
  • Connections to land transportation from sea/river arrival points are not applicable for Cixi as a direct tourist destination.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are collected when departing China from airports. Plan your arrival at the airport or station with sufficient time for check-in and security.

Recommended Timing

  • International Flights: Arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure.
  • Domestic Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • High-speed Rail: Arrive 30-60 minutes before departure for protection and platform location.

Departure Facilities

Airports and stations maintain standard facilities for departing travelers, simplifying the process.

Available Services

  • Check-in counters and security screening.
  • Duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
  • Restaurants and cafes for meals before departure.

Long-Distance Bus Departure

Be THERE two0-30 minutes before departure for long-distance buses. This allows time for boarding.

Travel Time Advisory

Double-check flight/train departure times. Allow ample time for travel to the airport or station, especially during peak traffic hours.

Final Document Check

Before leaving your accommodation, confirm all travel documents are on hand and accessible.

Departure Checklist

Pre-Departure Essentials

Ensure all necessary items are packed and readily available for your departure journey.

Items

  • Passport and visa (if applicable).
  • Flight/train/bus tickets.
  • Wallet with local currency and cards.

Final Preparations

A smooth departure depends on completing these steps before you leave your accommodation.

Last-Minute Tasks

  • Charge all electronic devices.
  • Secure all luggage.
  • Settle hotel bills and come back keys.

Airport/Station Services

Information Desks

Assistance with queries and directions.

Waiting Areas

Comfortable seating for pre-departure waits.

Restrooms

Clean and accessible facilities.

Route Planning

Consider travel time to the airport or station, notably during peak traffic. Factor in potential delays when planning your departure.