Getting Around Jinzhou: An Overview
Jinzhou is a coastal prefecture-level city in central-west Liaoning province, sitting in the Liaoxi Corridor that links North China with Northeast China. For visitors, the practical takeaway is that the city is compact enough to explore on foot or by bicycle, while a well-developed bus network, plentiful taxis, and two railway stations handle longer journeys. Jinzhou Bay International Airport lies outside the city and is reached by taxi or airport bus.
On Foot and by Bicycle
Walking is one of the most popular ways to get around Jinzhou, and much of the day-to-day sightseeing happens this way. The city's central sights, such as Guta Park and the Guangji Pagoda, are set in the heart of the city and are easy to reach on foot, and the Night Market on Nanning Street is a natural place to wander in the evening.
- Walking: The most popular way to get around, and the simplest option for central districts and markets.
- Bicycle: Also a popular way to move around the city, with bike-sharing services available for short trips.
- Know the limits: Areas outside the city may be too distant to casually bicycle, so plan a different mode for outlying attractions.
Rail: Two Stations, Long and Short Routes
Jinzhou Railway Station is an important railway transportation hub. Through high-speed rail or ordinary rail, passengers can travel directly from Beijing, Shenyang, Dalian and other cities to Jinzhou, and the station offers a wealth of train options for long-distance travellers.
Within the city there are two railway stations: one designated for long trips and one for shorter routes. If you are arriving by train, check which station your service uses before arranging onward transport.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Jinzhou has a well-developed public bus system covering most parts of the city. Bus routes blanket the city and provide the most economical means of transportation, though they are not always reliable — so allow extra time if you are on a schedule.
- City buses: The cheapest way to get around, with coverage across most of the city.
- Long-distance buses: Several bus stations offer long-distance services to nearby cities such as Shenyang, Dalian, and Beijing.
- Main bus terminal: Jinzhou Bus Terminal Station (锦州汽车客运站), No. 7 Lingnan West Lane, Jinzhou City (锦州市凌南西里7号), ☏ +86 (0416)2181114, provides a number of long-distance lines connecting the surrounding major cities and attractions.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis crowd the streets and start at 6 RMB per trip. Taxis or didi dache (Chinese Uber) are probably your best bet for getting around, particularly for trips that are too far to walk or cycle comfortably. Ride-hailing is a useful complement to street taxis, especially when you want a fixed destination entered in advance.
Driving and Car Rental
If you are driving in northeastern China, Jinzhou can be reached by major highways such as the Shenyang-Jinzhou Expressway and the Dalian-Jinzhou Expressway. The city's well-developed road network is suitable for exploring the surrounding attractions by car, and renting a car gives you more flexibility for traveling to nearby attractions or neighboring cities.
Getting from the Airport into the City
Jinzhou Bay International Airport (锦州湾国际机场) is located in Binhai New District, about 30 km southeast of the city. The airport mainly provides domestic flights, connecting cities such as Beijing, Shenyang, Shanghai and so on. Upon arrival, you can take a taxi or the airport bus to the city — those are the two straightforward options for the onward trip.
- By taxi: Available on arrival for the run into the city.
- By airport bus: Also available on arrival, and generally the cheaper of the two options.
Practical Tips
- Build your day around walking or cycling in the centre, and switch to buses or taxis for outlying areas.
- Keep small change handy for bus fares and the taxi starting fare.
- Note that Visa and MasterCard are not accepted in Jinzhou, aside from a few large bank branches with access to these networks — plan your payment method accordingly.
- If you are heading to nearby cities such as Shenyang, Dalian, or Beijing, compare the long-distance bus terminal with the railway station before deciding.