Getting Around Daqing: An Overview
Daqing is a sprawling oil city spread across several urban districts, and its layout reflects that history: settlements grew up in clusters around refineries and oil wells rather than as one tight, walkable core. For a visitor, that means getting around usually involves a mix of buses, taxis or ride-hailing, and the rail stations that tie the city to the wider region. The good news is that public transport is cheap, taxis are plentiful, and mobile payment apps make almost everything easy once you have them set up.
Rail: Arriving and Moving Between Cities
Daqing has two main railway stations, Daqing East and Daqing West. Daqing West Railway Station is the hub for high-speed (bullet) trains, connecting the city with Harbin, Qiqihar and other major cities in the region. Trains from Harbin are frequent and the trip takes roughly one to two hours, with tickets in the ¥21–37 range. If you are basing yourself in Daqing and exploring Heilongjiang, the rail network is the most comfortable way to make those trips.
Note that Daqing does not have a metro or tram system. Rail here means intercity and regional trains, not urban rapid transit.
Buses
Public buses are the main form of public transport in Daqing, with an extensive network covering all major districts and attractions. Fares run about ¥1–¥3 per ride. You can pay in cash (exact change is advised) or through mobile apps such as WeChat Pay and Alipay.
- Operating hours: roughly 5:30–6:00 AM to 8:00–9:00 PM, with a few core routes running later.
- Frequency: varies by route, so check before relying on a specific line.
- Route information: use Baidu Maps or Amap, which include real-time data. Bus stop signage is usually in Mandarin only.
- Key hubs: Daqing Railway Station, Daqing West Railway Station, and commercial centers in districts such as Sartu.
- Practical notes: buses can be crowded at peak hours, and most are not wheelchair accessible.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are a convenient option and frequent the whole city. Licensed taxis are green or blue, with a roof sign and a fare meter. You can hail them on the street, pick them up at designated stands (train stations, major hotels, shopping centers), or call one by phone. Fares start at a flagfall of about ¥7–10 for the first few kilometers, then roughly ¥2–3 per kilometer; a typical intra-city trip runs ¥15–40. Cash, WeChat Pay and Alipay are all accepted.
Unlicensed taxis are as common as licensed ones, offer virtually the same service, and are described as just as reliable. Taxi stands are available at Daqing Sartu Airport and at both major train stations.
For ride-hailing, Didi Chuxing is the dominant app. It offers Express, Premier and taxi-hailing services, with in-app tracking, driver information, transparent pricing and trip-sharing. Setting up Didi before you arrive saves a lot of hassle.
Rickshaws, Bikes and Walking
Many red rickshaws offer their service around the city. They are limited in where they can go: they usually stay out of the city centre and are confined to their respective districts. Costs run ¥1–5 depending on distance, making them a cheap option for short hops within a district.
Bike-sharing is widely available through Meituan Bikes and Hellobike. It requires a local Chinese phone number plus WeChat Pay or Alipay, and fares are very low. Dedicated bike lanes exist on some major roads, and cycling is common among locals.
Walking is pleasant in specific spots rather than as a way to cross the city. Pedestrian-friendly parks and lakefronts, such as Longfeng Wetland Park and Children's Park, are good for strolling, and downtown sidewalks are wide. There are no formal guided walking tours advertised for international tourists, though self-guided routes are easy to plan with map apps. There are no specific no-go areas, but it is sensible to avoid busy highways and unlit areas at night.
Driving and Rental
Car rental is not practical for foreign tourists: a Chinese driving license is required, and international driving permits are not accepted. Motorcycle and scooter rental is uncommon for tourists and requires a Chinese motorcycle license. If you do drive, traffic is right-hand, and seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, front and rear, with strict enforcement. Parking is limited and in high demand in central business districts, and illegal parking is fined.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Daqing Saertu Airport offers domestic routes to Beijing, Shanghai Pudong, Guangzhou and Chengdu, with stops at Dalian, Qingdao, Hangzhou and Xian. The airport is conveniently located about 20 km from the city center. Airport shuttle buses connect the airport to the city center, though this is not a popular choice among travelers. Taxis are available at the airport taxi stand, and ride-hailing through Didi is another option for the trip into town.
If you are arriving via Harbin instead, buses from Harbin International Airport to the central bus terminal are very frequent, taking one to two hours, with tickets around ¥80 per person.
Practical Tips
- Set up WeChat Pay and Alipay before arrival; they cover buses, taxis, ride-hailing and bike-sharing.
- Download offline maps (Baidu Maps or Amap) and the Didi app in advance. A VPN is needed for international services.
- Carry a power bank, since you will rely on your phone for payments and navigation.
- Have your destinations written in Chinese characters for drivers; translation apps such as Pleco or offline Google Translate are useful.
- Accessibility services are generally limited, so taxis or Didi are the practical option for travelers with mobility needs.
- Check attraction opening hours, especially around holidays.