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How to Get to Ruian

How to Get to Ruian

Ruian Zhejiang, China Travel Guide

Air Travel to Ruian

Airports & Connectivity

Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (WNZ) serves as the main air gateway for Ruian. This airport manages both domestic and limited international flights.

Air Hubs

  • Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (WNZ): Approximately 30-40 km to the northeast of Ruian.
  • Major International Hubs: Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA), or Hangzhou Xiaoshan (HGH).
  • No direct international flights from major global hubs arrive at WNZ. Connections via major Chinese cities or Asian hubs (e.g., Hong Kong special administrative region, Seoul) apply.

Airlines & Transfers

WNZ hosts domestic flights operated by major Chinese airlines. These airlines connect WNZ to most major Chinese cities. The airport has limited international routes, mainly to Southeast Asia or East Asia.

Transfer Options

  • From WNZ to Ruian: Direct airport shuttle buses (40-60 mins), taxis/Didi (approx. ¥100-150), Wenzhou Metro S1 line.
  • From Shanghai/Hangzhou: High-speed train to Ruian Railway Station (e.g., Shanghai Hongqiao, Hangzhou East).
  • Flight prices climb during major Chinese holidays (Spring Festival, National Day, May Day) and high summer travel. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner help track fares.

Peak Season Fares

Expect higher flight prices during major Chinese holidays.

Off-Peak Benefits

Late autumn and winter (excluding Chinese New Year) generally offer lower fares.

Airport Services

WNZ provides restaurants, shops, currency exchange, ATMs, and rental car agencies. Wi-Fi access is available.

Airport Transfer Details

From Wenzhou Longwan WNZ

  • Bus To the airport: Direct shuttle to Ruian city center (40-60 minutes).
  • Taxi/Didi: Readily available, approximately ¥100-150 to Ruian city center.
  • Metro: Wenzhou Metro S1 Line from Airport Station (机场站) to Ruian Station (瑞安站).
  • WNZ offers basic amenities: dining, shopping, currency exchange, ATMs, and car rentals.

From Shanghai/Hangzhou Hubs

  • Metro/Shuttle: Take to nearest high-speed rail station (e.g., Shanghai Hongqiao, Hangzhou East).
  • High-speed Train: Efficient travel to Ruian Train Station (Ruian站).
  • From Shanghai to Ruian: approximately 3.5-4 hours by high-speed rail.
  • From Hangzhou to Ruian: approximately 2.5-3 hours by high-speed rail.

Airline Services for WNZ

Major Chinese Airlines

China Eastern, China Southern, Air China, Hainan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Spring Airlines serve WNZ.

Domestic Connections

These airlines link WNZ to most major Chinese cities, supporting widespread domestic travel.

International Routes

WNZ has limited international routes, mainly to Southeast Asia or East Asia destinations.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Ruian Railway Station (瑞安站) sits on China's high-speed rail network. It connects to major cities efficiently.

Train Information

  • High-speed rail links Ruian to Hangzhou, Shanghai, Ningbo, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Shenzhen.
  • Reserve tickets online via 12306.cn (requires Chinese ID or foreign passport registration), authorized agents, or at station counters.
  • Advance booking comes highly recommended, especially during peak travel times and public holidays.

Long-Distance Buses

Ruian Long-Distance Bus Station (瑞安长途汽车站) offers connections to various cities within Zhejiang and surrounding provinces.

Bus Travel Benefits

  • Buses offer a more economical option than trains for some routes.
  • Access to destinations not covered by the rail network.
  • Connections within Zhejiang province and to adjacent provinces.

Self-Driving & Rentals

Foreigners cannot legally drive in mainland China with an International Driving Permit. A Chinese driver's license applies for legal driving.

Driving Information

  • Car rental for self-driving finds no general recommendation for tourists.
  • Complex traffic rules, unfamiliar road signs, and dense traffic present challenges.
  • Motorcycle and scooter rentals are generally not common for tourists.

Road Conditions & Safety

Road conditions in and around Ruian are generally good, with well-maintained highways and city roads. Traffic can be dense, specifically during rush hours.

Safety Measures

  • Drivers remain aware of different driving habits and numerous scooters and motorcycles.
  • Highways and city roads maintain good condition.
  • Parking is available in designated lots or on streets, but finding spaces can be challenging in busy areas.

Sea/River Travel Limitations

  • Ruian is situated on the East China Sea.
  • No major international passenger ferry services or cruise ports serve Ruian for tourist arrivals.
  • Limited local ferry services may operate to nearby islands for domestic travel.
  • The Feiyun River flows through Ruian.
  • Limited passenger river transportation might exist for local sightseeing, but not for long-distance travel.
  • Immigration procedures at seaports are not applicable for international arrivals.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures

Effective arranging your departure ensures a smooth exit from Ruian and China. Adhere to recommended arrival times for airports and stations.

Timing Recommendations

  • Airport Departures: Arrive at Wenzhou Longwan International Airport (WNZ) at least 2-3 hours before a domestic flight.
  • International Flights: Allow 3-4 hours before an international flight, especially with checked luggage.
  • Train/Bus Departures: Arrive at the station at least 30-60 minutes before departure. High-speed rail stations are often large.

Fees & Facilities

Understand any applicable fees and available facilities at departure points. This aids final arrangements before leaving Ruian.

Departure Essentials

  • Exit Fees: No specific exit fees or taxes apply for departing China by air or land for foreign tourists.
  • Airport Facilities: WNZ offers waiting lounges, duty-free shops (for international flights), restaurants, and currency exchange services.
  • Station Facilities: Train and bus stations offer waiting areas, small shops, and food vendors.

No Exit Taxes

Travelers departing China face there are no exit fees.

Allow Extra Time

Large stations and security checks require ample time for navigation.

Last-Minute Shopping

Duty-free options and shops at WNZ cater to departing international travelers.

Navigating Ruian

Public Transportation Overview

Ruian provides a public transportation network mainly centered on buses, with a metro link to Wenzhou.

Systems & Ticketing

  • Buses: Extensive city network, covering the majority of areas. Fares ¥1-3. Pay with cash (exact change), Wenzhou Transit Card, or mobile apps.
  • Metro: Wenzhou Metro S1 Line connects Ruian (via Ruian Station) to Wenzhou city center and WNZ. Fares ¥2-10.
  • Mobile Apps: Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps offer real-time routes, schedules, and navigation. Use mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) for convenience.

Public Transport Details

Accessibility varies across systems.

Hours & Accessibility

  • Buses: Generally operate from 6:A.M. TO 9:00 PM-10:00 PM. Frequency 10-20 minutes during peak hours.
  • Wenzhou Metro S1: Operates from 6:30 AM to 10:00 PM, with trains every 7-15 minutes.
  • Accessibility: Newer buses and the S1 line generally offer more accessibility (lower-level floors, ramps). Older buses find limitations.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Licensed Taxis

Licensed taxis are typically green or blue/yellow, with a meter and taxi sign. Hail on the street or find at designated stands (train/bus station).

Fares & Payment

Starting fare is ¥8-12 for 2-3km, then ¥2-3/km. Insist on meter use. Cash or mobile payment (WeChat Pay, Alipay) for transactions.

Ride-Sharing Didi

Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) dominates in China. Link an international credit card. Confirm car model/license plate with app details. DiscoverCars.com offers competitive rates for vehicle rentals.

Driving & Safety Notes

Driving Laws & Rentals
  • Foreigners cannot drive with an International Driving Permit.
  • A Chinese driving license is a prerequisite for legal driving.
  • Car rental for self-driving is not generally recommended for tourists.
Road Safety
  • Motorcycle and scooter rentals are not common for tourists.
  • Traffic can be dense; awareness of assorted driving habits aids safety.
  • Avoid unlit or deserted areas at night.

Final Transportation Tips

While some rental options exist, tourists face specific restrictions, specifically regarding driving licenses. Relying on public transport, taxis, and ride-sharing simplifies local travel.

Accessibility for travelers with mobility needs improves but remains limited compared to Western standards. Pre-arranging support for mobility requirements is a recommendation.

How to Get to Ruian. Flights, Transportation, Airlines