Taizhou

Taizhou is accessible via Taizhou Luqiao Airport (HYN) for domestic flights, high-speed trains to Taizhou Railway Station, or buses for regional travel. Most international travelers arrive via nearby Hangzhou or Ningbo airports, then transfer.

• By Air: Taizhou Luqiao Airport (HYN) is located about 12 km southeast of Jiaojiang district, the urban center. It primarily serves domestic routes with direct flights from major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu
• Some key attractions are outside the main urban area, so plan routes by district or county before departure.: -
• Airport Shuttle Bus: Shuttle services connect passengers to downtown Taizhou. The shuttle bus stop and ticket counter are just outside the arrivals hall. Note that luggage space is limited and shuttles can be crowded during peak times
• Main routes include: To Jiaojiang – terminates at Taizhou Central Bus Station or stops at key downtown locations like City Government and Xingxing Square. To Huangyan – terminates at Huangyan Bus Center or stops at key downtown locations. Fare is approximately ¥10-20. Shuttles align with flight schedules but do not operate 24/7. - Public Bus (cheapest but least convenient): Public buses stop near the airport exit, a short walk away. The best route is to take a bus to the Luqiao transit hub (e.g., Taizhou South Bus Station or Luqiao South Station), then transfer to buses heading to Jiaojiang (Bus 903 or 126) or Huangyan (Bus 902). With transfers and waiting, the journey can take over 1.5 hours and is challenging with large bags. Fare is ¥2 to ¥6 per segment. Best for travelers familiar with routes, with minimal luggage and ample time. - Taxi (most convenient & fastest): Designated taxi queue outside arrivals hall. Fare ¥30-70, 20-45 minutes depending on traffic and destination. Cash, WeChat Pay, and Alipay accepted. -
• Ride-Hailing Services: Designated parking/waiting zones (follow airport signs or app instructions). Do not use taxi queue. Fare shown in app; often slightly cheaper than taxis
• By Train: Some key attractions are outside the main urban area, so plan routes by district or county before departure. It serves high-speed rail (G-series and D-series) connecting to major cities: Shanghai (as low as 2.5 hours), Hangzhou (1.5-2 hours), and Shenzhen. A taxi from the station to downtown takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately 25 RMB. Taizhou West Railway Station, also in Huangyan District, is the largest station. It connects to many cities via high-speed rail, including direct services to Hangzhou.
• By Bus: Long-distance buses from nearby cities are affordable. Jiaojiang Bus Station serves regional routes from Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Shanghai. Buses are budget-friendly but less foreigner-friendly and may be difficult to navigate without knowing the language

Taizhou’s Jiaojiang district is walkable for markets and riverside areas, but attractions like Shenxianju Scenic Area or Tiantai Mountain require buses, taxis, or Didi.

The Taizhou Tong Card is a rechargeable smart card that offers discounted fares on all public buses across Taizhou’s districts. A ¥20 deposit (refundable if returned) plus an initial top-up of ¥50–100 is required.

• Taizhou Central Bus Station (Jiaojiang)
• Huangyan Bus Center
• Luqiao South Station
• Select convenience stores (e.g., Century Mart)

To use, tap the card on the electronic validator when boarding the bus; no need to tap when exiting. It does not work for taxis, ride-hailing, or trains.

The bus network is extensive, covering all districts including Jiaojiang, Huangyan, and Luqiao. However, navigating routes can be challenging as bus stops are not labeled in English. Apps like Amaps can help.

• Regular: fares ¥2–¥6
• Rapid (similar to BRT): slightly higher fares
• Night buses: limited routes

During peak hours, buses arrive every 10 to 20 minutes; off-peak intervals are 20 to 40 minutes. Service is less frequent in suburban areas.

Taxis have a metered fare system, with short rides costing between CNY 10 and CNY 30. A night surcharge of 20% applies from 10 PM to 5 AM. Hail a taxi or book via Didi, accommodating up to 4 passengers.

Book via the Didi Chuxing app, slightly cheaper than taxis, cashless or cash accepted. Surge pricing during peak times; English interface available.

Bike rentals are available through Meituan (yellow) and HelloBike (blue) apps (Meituan and Alipay). Scan the QR code to unlock, and park in a designated area to end the ride.

The official currency is the Chinese Yuan (CNY, ¥), also known as Renminbi (RMB). Notes come in denominations of ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20, ¥50, and ¥100; coins are available in denominations of ¥0.1, ¥0.5, and ¥1.

• Digital Payments: Taizhou is largely a cashless city, with mobile apps dominating transactions. WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted. Verify local geography and attraction availability before planning this stop.
• Cash: Cash is rarely needed but can be useful for small vendors (e.g., street food stalls), single-ride tickets on public transportation, or in rural areas. Carry small denominations (¥1–20) for convenience
• Credit/Debit Cards: Visa and Mastercard are accepted at major hotels, upscale restaurants, and some retailers in Taizhou, but are less common at smaller venues. American Express is rarely accepted. Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card blocks
• ATMs and Cash Withdrawals: Verify local geography and attraction availability before planning this stop. Most offer English interfaces. American Express is rarely accepted, except at select ATMs in airports or high-end hotels
• Fees: ¥10–15 per withdrawal (some banks waive for partners)
• Home bank fees: ~3% + $5 (check your issuer)
• Currency conversion fee: Verify local geography and attraction availability before planning this stop.
• Reliable Banks: Bank of China, ICBC, China Construction Bank, HSBC China