Lianjiang
Introduction
Lianjiang is a county-level city within the municipal region of Zhanjiang, in Guangdong Province, China. It covers a substantial stretch of land, so expect travel between its parts to take time.
Getting around
Lianjiang is a spread-out, mid-sized city rather than a dense tourist centre, so getting around usually means combining local buses, taxis or ride-hailing, and two wheels for the coast and countryside. The bus network is extensive: urban and suburban routes link the centre with surrounding towns and port zones, and buses are the most economical way to reach both the city centre and outlying areas. Service to remote areas is less frequent, so plan around the timetable rather than assuming frequent departures. Route maps are usually in Chinese only, so keep your destination written in Chinese characters or use a translation app. Regular buses also connect Lianjiang with neighbouring administrative centres for onward trips. There is no metro or tram network, so rail is mainly a way in and out rather than a way to move around town.
For quick trips within the city, especially with luggage, taxis and ride-hailing are the common choice, and fares are described as affordable. Didi is the widely used ride-hailing app and has an English interface, which makes it the easiest option if you don't read Chinese. Because English is not widely spoken, keep place names in Chinese characters on your phone to show drivers, and set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you rely on taxis or ride-hailing, since cashless payment is widespread. Bicycles and e-scooters are popular in coastal and rural areas and suit exploring the outskirts and the area around Hedi Reservoir at your own pace. Walking works well for short trips within a neighbourhood, but most visitors will combine it with buses or taxis rather than rely on foot alone.
Three days in Lianjiang
Day one: Start in Lianjiang itself, getting your bearings on foot through the streets and markets. Because English is not widely spoken, have Alipay or WeChat Pay set up on your phone before you arrive, and use Didi for longer hops across town. Regular buses and bicycles are useful for shorter trips, and walking remains the simplest way to see the city.
- Explore central Lianjiang on foot
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments
- Use Didi for longer journeys
Day two: Head out to Hedi Reservoir, a worthwhile day trip from the city. Arrange your transport in advance, since English is limited and you will rely on Didi or the regular service routes. Bring water and expect warm, humid conditions for much of the year.
- Day trip to Hedi Reservoir
- Arrange transport ahead of time
- Carry water and sun protection
Day three: Use your final day to slow down in Lianjiang, revisiting neighbourhoods you enjoyed and trying local Chinese dishes. If you want a bigger city, Zhanjiang in Guangdong Province is within reach, but keep the day relaxed and confirm your onward transport early.
- Revisit favourite parts of Lianjiang
- Sample local Chinese food
- Optional trip to Zhanjiang