Orientation
Lianjiang is a county-level city on the northern Leizhou Peninsula in Guangdong Province. It is a mid-sized, spread-out place rather than a dense tourist centre, so getting around is mostly about combining local buses, taxis or ride-hailing, and two wheels for the coast and countryside. Note that several places in China share the name Lianjiang, including a county in Fujian and a town in Anhui; this guide covers the city in Guangdong, near Zhanjiang.
Buses and public transport
The city's public transport is built around an extensive bus network. Urban and suburban routes link the centre with the surrounding towns and port zones, making buses the most economical way to travel.
- Buses are the cheapest option and 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 it helps to have your destination written in Chinese characters or to use a translation app.
- Regular buses also connect Lianjiang with neighbouring administrative centres, which is useful for onward trips.
Rail and long-distance connections
Lianjiang Station has rail service, including trains from Guangzhou that take roughly four to five hours. There is no metro or tram network in the city, so rail is mainly a way in and out rather than a way to move around town.
- High-speed train tickets toward Zhanjiang should be booked in advance, especially around busy periods.
- Anpu Port remains a regional trade and transport hub, but passenger service there is limited, so don't count on it for routine travel.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing are the common choice for quick trips within the city, and are especially convenient when you have luggage. Fares are described as affordable.
- Didi is the widely used ride-hailing app and has an English interface, which makes it the easiest option for visitors without Chinese.
- Because English is not widely spoken, keep your destination written in Chinese characters to show drivers.
- Cashless payment through Alipay or WeChat Pay is widespread, so set up one of these before you rely on taxis or ride-hailing.
Bicycles and e-scooters
Bicycles and e-scooters are popular in coastal and rural areas. They suit exploring the outskirts and the area around Hedi Reservoir, Guangdong's largest man-made lake, at your own pace.
Walking
Walking works well for short trips within a neighbourhood, but Lianjiang is spread out and its bus routes stretch to distant towns and port zones, so most visitors will combine walking with buses or taxis rather than rely on foot alone.
Getting in from the airport
The nearest airport is Zhanjiang (ZHA), roughly 60–70 km away, or about an hour and a half by taxi or intercity bus.
- Taxi: the most direct option, particularly with luggage.
- Intercity bus: a cheaper alternative linking the airport area with the city.
- If you are continuing by high-speed train to Zhanjiang, book tickets in advance.
Practical tips
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before arrival; cashless payment is widespread across buses, taxis and shops.
- Keep place names in Chinese characters on your phone, since English is not widely spoken.
- Carry a Chinese-language bus route map or app if you plan to use local buses, especially outside the centre.