Understanding Longshan
"Longshan" is a name shared by many places in China, including Longshan District in Liaoyuan, Jilin, and Longshan County in Xiangxi, Hunan. This guide focuses on getting around Longshan District in Liaoyuan, where public buses form the backbone of urban transit. Note that Liaoyuan has no metro or tram system, so visitors should plan around buses, taxis, ride-hailing, and walking.
Buses: The Backbone of Local Transit
Public buses are the main way to get around Liaoyuan, connecting residential areas, commercial centers, and attractions. The fleet is generally well-maintained, and route maps and stop information are displayed at stops and on buses, mostly in Chinese characters.
- Key hubs: Liaoyuan Railway Station and the central commercial areas, where multiple bus lines converge.
- Fares: A flat fare of roughly 1–3 CNY per trip.
- Payment: WeChat Pay or Alipay by QR scan, or exact cash — carry small bills and coins.
- Frequency: Buses run roughly every 10–15 minutes at peak times, less often off-peak.
- Hours: Generally about 6:00 AM to 9:00–10:00 PM.
- Transit cards: Local cards exist but are aimed at residents and are not practical for short-term visitors.
- Accessibility: Limited — ramps are uncommon.
Rail, Metro and Trams
Liaoyuan City has no metro or tram network. Rail travel is relevant mainly for arriving in the city: Liaoyuan Railway Station serves as a key transit hub where several bus lines converge, making it a convenient starting point for onward local journeys.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Licensed taxis are typically green or yellow with roof signs, and can be hailed on the street or picked up at designated stands such as stations and hotels.
- Fares: Flag-down fare is about 7–9 CNY for the first 2–3 km, then roughly 1.5–2.5 CNY per km.
- Surcharges: Night and waiting-time surcharges may apply — make sure the driver starts the meter.
- Safety: The taxi number is displayed inside the car.
- Ride-hailing: Didi Chuxing is the dominant app, offering Express, Premier, and Taxi options.
- Payment and safety: Pay via WeChat Pay or Alipay; the app provides GPS tracking, driver info, and an in-app emergency button. Always verify the license plate matches the app before boarding.
Walking and Cycling
Walking works well in parks such as Longshan Park and on less crowded streets. Sidewalks exist in most urban areas but can be uneven or crowded, and street signage is predominantly in Chinese. There are generally no formal guided walking tours.
- Caution: Take care at busy intersections and in crowded places such as markets and bus stations, and avoid night cycling on unlit roads.
- Bike sharing: Apps such as Meituan Bike and Hellobike operate in Liaoyuan City and require WeChat Pay or Alipay.
- Cycling conditions: Dedicated bicycle lanes are limited, so cyclists often share the road with vehicles.
Driving and Rental Cars
Car rental is available in Liaoyuan through domestic and local partners, but it requires a valid Chinese driving license. International Driving Permits are not recognized, and temporary licenses are complex to obtain for short stays. Motorcycle and scooter rental is less common and requires a Chinese motorcycle license.
- Rules: Drive on the right; traffic laws are strictly enforced.
- Parking: Paid parking lots are available, while street parking is limited.
- Conditions: Urban congestion is common at peak hours, and local driving habits differ notably from international norms.
Getting Around with Apps
Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps are the go-to tools for real-time bus routes, schedules, and walking or cycling navigation. Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay before you travel, since mobile payment is widely adopted for buses, taxis, and bike sharing.
Other Transport Notes
There are no sightseeing or hop-on hop-off tour buses, no water transport (the area is inland), and no cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local modes. Tuk-tuks and jeepneys are not found here. Accessibility services are limited, so taxis or Didi offer more flexibility for travellers with mobility needs.
From the Airport into the City
For air arrivals, plan a shuttle, train, or taxi transfer from CGQ (Changchun Longjia International Airport) to reach the city.