How to Get to Lishui. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving Lishui

Lishui does not have its own major international airport. Travelers typically fly into nearby hubs and then connect.

Nearest Airports

Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (WNZ): About 1.5-2 hours drive. Handles domestic and some regional international flights.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): About 2.5-3 hours drive or high-speed train. Major international airport with extensive connections.
Quzhou Airport (JUZ): Closer than Hangzhou, but a smaller regional airport with fewer flight options.

Airlines and Routes

Chinese domestic airlines (Air China, China Southern, China Eastern, Hainan Airlines) serve Wenzhou.

Flight Options

WNZ routes mainly connect to major Chinese cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu) and a few international destinations.
HGH offers extensive routes to European, North American, and Asian hubs.
Flight prices generally increase during Chinese public holidays and peak summer travel season. Off-peak seasons offer better deals. Check Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner.

Direct Flights

No direct international flights reach Wenzhou (WNZ) or Quzhou (JUZ) from major global hubs. HGH has limited direct flights from some major Asian hubs and a few from Europe.

Airport Facilities

Wenzhou (WNZ) and Hangzhou (HGH) airports offer dining, duty-free shops, currency exchange, ATMs, rental car agencies (DiscoverCars.com), and information desks. Free Wi-Fi needs local phone registration or VPN.

Transfers to Lishui

From WNZ to Lishui: Airport shuttle bus or taxi (¥300-400). From HGH to Lishui: Airport shuttle to Hangzhou East, then high-speed train to Lishui is most efficient. Taxi (¥600-800+).

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

Lishui Railway Station is a major stop on the Jinhua-Wenzhou High-Speed Railway.
High-Speed Rail connections to Hangzhou (1.5-2 hrs), Shanghai (2.5-3 hrs), Wenzhou (1 hr), Fuzhou (2.5-3 hrs).
Booking: Online via 12306.cn (requires Chinese ID) or third-party apps (Trip.com). Buy at station counters with passport.
Long-Distance Bus: Lishui Long-Distance Bus Station connects to various cities and towns within Zhejiang.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Self-Driving: Not recommended for most tourists. Foreigners cannot legally drive with an IDP alone; a temporary Chinese driver'a driver's license is mandatory.
License requirements, language barriers, plus tough driving conditions make it difficult.
Road Conditions: Highways are excellent. Provincial roads are good. County and village roads vary.
Safety Concerns: High traffic density, aggressive driving, frequent horn use. Scooters, motorbikes, and walkers may not adhere strictly to traffic laws.

Sea/River Arrivals

Not Applicable

Sea and river arrivals are not applicable for international travel to Lishui. Lishui is an inland city in Zhejiang province and lacks sea access or cruise ports for international arrivals.

River Transportation

Lishui sits on the Oujiang River. Local scenic boat tours or small ferries may operate for short trips inside the Lishui area (e.g., Xiandu Scenic Area or Guyan Huaxiang). These are for local transport or tourism, not for arriving from other towns or provinces.

Immigration Procedures

Immigration procedures at seaports and connections to land transportation are not applicable due to Lishui's inland location.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

China does not typically have separate exit fees or taxes for departing travelers; these are generally included in the airfare.

Departure Guidelines

For international flights from Hangzhou or Wenzhou: Arrive at least 2-3 hours before departure.
For domestic flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure. Allow ample time for thorough security checks.
For high-speed trains: Arrive at Lishui Railway Station 30-45 minutes before departure for security, ticket verification, and platform finding.

Airport/Station Facilities

Airports (HGH, WNZ) and Lishui Railway Station offer services for departing travelers.

Available Services

Airports: Check-in counters, baggage drop, security, duty-free shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, Wi-Fi.
Lishui Train Terminal: Waiting areas, ticket counters, security checks, basic shops and food stalls.
Familiarize yourself with the layfrom your departure point.

Pre-Departure Checklist

A final check ensures nothing is overlooked before you leave Lishui.

Final Reminders

Passport & Visa: Ensure they are safely stored and easily accessible.
Tickets & Bookings: Confirm all flight/train bookings and have them ready.
Currency: Convert any remaining local currency if needed, or spend it.

Post-Trip Considerations

After Departure

Health Check: Consider a post-travel health check if you experienced any symptoms.
Feedback: Offer feedback to tour operators or accommodations.
Share Your Experience: Write revistas or share photos with friends and family.

Air Travel Compensation

Flight Delays

If your flight was delayed or canceled, you might be eligible for compensation.

Compensation Amount

Passengers may receive as high AS €600 in compensation.

Claim Assistance

Visit AirHelp to check your eligibility and file a claim.

Final Preparations

Double-check all travel documents and the right times. Arrive at the airport or station with ample time for a stress-free departure.

How to Get to Lishui