Hezhou Transportation

Located at the junction of Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hunan provinces, Hezhou (贺州) is an important transportation gateway connecting the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area with southwest China. The city includes Babu District (八步区), Pinggui District (平桂区), Zhaoping County (昭平县), Zhongshan County (钟山县), and Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County (富川瑶族自治县). With the development of high-speed railways, expressways, national highways, and tourism transport routes, Hezhou has formed a complete transportation network connecting cities, counties, villages, and major scenic areas.

The overall travel pattern of Hezhou is different from flatland destinations because many attractions are distributed among mountains, forests, ancient villages, and ethnic minority areas. For most travelers, self-driving tours, private transfers, and organized tour buses offer the greatest flexibility, especially for visiting popular attractions such as Huangyao Ancient Town (黄姚古镇), Gupo Mountain National Forest Park (姑婆山国家森林公园), Xixi Forest Hot Spring (西溪森林温泉), and Fuchuan Yao Villages (富川瑶族村寨).

For independent travelers, combining high-speed rail + local sightseeing buses or private transfers is the most convenient option. Public buses are available but mainly serve local residents, and many remote villages or mountain attractions require additional transportation connections.

How to Get to Hezhou

Traveling to Hezhou by High-Speed Railway

The most convenient way to reach Hezhou is by high-speed railway. Hezhou Railway Station (贺州站) is the main transportation hub, located along the Guiyang–Guangzhou High-Speed Railway (贵广高铁), providing direct connections with major cities including Guangzhou, Guilin, Nanning, and Hong Kong.

Travelers from Guangzhou South Railway Station (广州南站) can reach Hezhou in about 1.5 hours, making it a popular weekend destination for visitors from Guangdong. The journey from Guilin North Railway Station (桂林北站) takes around one hour, while travelers from Nanning East Railway Station (南宁东站) can arrive in approximately two hours. Hong Kong travelers can also take direct high-speed trains from Hong Kong West Kowloon Station (香港西九龙站) to Hezhou.

After arriving at Hezhou Railway Station, visitors can easily transfer to taxis, ride-hailing services, tourism buses, and private vehicles. Direct transportation options are available to major attractions including Huangyao Ancient Town, Gupo Mountain, and Xixi Forest Hot Spring.

Traveling to Hezhou by Air

Hezhou currently does not have a civil airport with regular passenger flights, so most visitors arrive through nearby airports and transfer by railway or road.

The closest major airport is Guilin Liangjiang International Airport (桂林两江国际机场). Travelers can take airport buses or taxis to Guilin city and then transfer to high-speed railway services to Hezhou. Another practical option is Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (广州白云国际机场), which is suitable for international visitors because of its extensive domestic and international flight network. From Guangzhou Airport, travelers can reach Guangzhou South Railway Station and continue to Hezhou by high-speed train.

Traveling to Hezhou by Long-Distance Bus

Long-distance buses connect Hezhou with surrounding cities including Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Guilin, Nanning, Liuzhou, and Wuzhou. Regional buses also operate between Hezhou city and counties such as Zhaoping, Zhongshan, and Fuchuan.

For visitors traveling to Huangyao Ancient Town without renting a car, tourist buses and county buses are available from Hezhou city. However, schedules are less frequent compared with railway services, so travelers should check return times in advance.

Driving to Hezhou by Expressway

Self-driving is one of the best ways to explore Hezhou because many attractions are located in mountainous areas.

Visitors from Guangzhou and Foshan can reach Hezhou through the Guanghe Expressway (广贺高速) in around 1.5–2 hours. Travelers from Guilin can take the Baomao Expressway (包茂高速) and arrive in about two hours. From Nanning, the journey usually takes around three hours via expressway connections.

Driving is especially recommended for multi-day routes combining Huangyao Ancient Town, Gupo Mountain, hot springs, Yao villages, and traditional villages.

Regional Transportation Guide of Hezhou

Transportation in Babu District

Babu District is the central urban area of Hezhou and the main arrival base for most visitors. The district has convenient city buses, taxis, ride-hailing services, and shared bicycles or electric scooters.

The urban bus network connects Hezhou Railway Station, downtown shopping areas, Lingfeng Square (灵峰广场), and nearby attractions. Visitors staying in the city center can easily explore local restaurants, markets, and cultural streets.

For Shibashui Scenic Area (十八水原生态景区), driving is the most convenient option. The journey from downtown takes about 40 minutes. Public transport connections are limited, so travelers without private vehicles usually choose taxis or private transfers.

Transportation in Pinggui District

Pinggui District is home to some of Hezhou’s most famous natural attractions, including Gupo Mountain National Forest Park (姑婆山国家森林公园), Jade Forest Scenic Area (玉石林景区), Ziyun Cave (紫云仙境), and mountain viewpoints such as Langsan Mountain (浪伞山).

Because these attractions are relatively close to each other, Pinggui District is suitable for a one-day sightseeing route. Visitors can combine forest hiking, karst landscapes, and mountain scenery without long transfers.

Gupo Mountain is about 40 minutes from downtown Hezhou by car. Public buses and tourism shuttle services are available, but private vehicles or organized tours provide more flexibility because the scenic area is large and internal sightseeing distances are long.

Jade Forest is only about 20 minutes from downtown and can easily be combined with Gupo Mountain on the same day. Langsan Mountain is more suitable for experienced drivers, motorcycle travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts because the mountain road includes many sharp bends and steep sections.

Transportation to Huangyao Ancient Town

Huangyao Ancient Town (黄姚古镇) in Zhaoping County is the most famous cultural attraction in Hezhou and a key destination for travelers.

From Hezhou Railway Station, visitors can take tourism buses or transfer vehicles to Huangyao Ancient Town. The journey usually takes about one hour. Private transfers are recommended for families, couples, and small groups because they provide more flexibility for sightseeing stops along the way.

For self-driving travelers, the Huangyao Expressway Exit provides direct access. After parking outside the ancient town area, visitors enter the historic streets on foot because vehicles are not allowed inside the old town.

The ancient town itself is best explored by walking. Stone streets, old houses, bridges, temples, and riverside landscapes are concentrated within a compact area.

Transportation to Zhongshan and Fuchuan

Zhongshan County and Fuchuan Yao Autonomous County are ideal destinations for travelers interested in traditional villages, ethnic culture, and countryside landscapes.

Zhongshan has railway connections through Zhongshan West Railway Station (钟山西站), while Fuchuan is better explored by private vehicle because many Yao villages and rural attractions are scattered across mountain areas.

Driving from Hezhou city to Fuchuan takes around one hour. The route follows national highways with beautiful countryside scenery, making it suitable for self-driving and motorcycle travel.

Transportation to Xixi Forest Hot Spring

Xixi Forest Hot Spring in Naxiang Town (南乡镇) is a popular wellness destination combining forest landscapes and hot spring experiences.

Travelers can take tourism transport services from Hezhou Railway Station or downtown areas. Driving is also convenient, with the journey taking approximately one hour.

Because the hot spring resort area provides accommodation and leisure facilities, many visitors choose overnight stays instead of day trips.

Hezhou Self-Driving Travel Guide

Road Conditions and Driving Advice

Hezhou has excellent expressway connections, but many scenic routes pass through mountains and countryside areas. Main expressways such as Baomao Expressway, Guanghe Expressway, and Lianhe Expressway are comfortable for driving, while rural mountain roads require more attention.

Mountain routes around Gupo Mountain, Langsan Mountain, and remote villages may include continuous curves, steep slopes, and narrow sections. Drivers should reduce speed before bends, avoid overtaking on mountain roads, and use engine braking on long downhill sections.

During the rainy season, mountain roads may become slippery and occasional landslides can occur. Night driving on remote mountain roads is not recommended.

Recommended Self-Driving Routes

Classic 2-Day Hezhou Nature and Culture Route

A short weekend route can combine the city area, Gupo Mountain, Jade Forest, and Shibashui Scenic Area. This route is suitable for first-time visitors who want to experience Hezhou’s forests, karst landscapes, and local food.

Classic 3-Day Hezhou Scenic Route

A popular route is:

Hezhou City → Huangyao Ancient Town → Xixi Forest Hot Spring → Gupo Mountain → Hezhou City

This itinerary combines ancient town culture, mountain scenery, and wellness experiences.

Deep 4-Day Cultural and Ethnic Route

For deeper exploration:

Hezhou City → Fuchuan Yao Villages → Zhongshan Traditional Villages → Huangyao Ancient Town → Gupo Mountain

This route is ideal for photography lovers, cultural travelers, and international visitors interested in rural Guangxi.

Cycling and Motorcycle Travel Guide

Cycling Routes in Hezhou

Hezhou is suitable for leisure cycling because of its countryside scenery, rivers, forests, and traditional villages.

Easy cycling routes include city parks, rural roads around Babu District, and routes connecting nearby attractions. These areas have gentle slopes and are suitable for casual riders.

Experienced cyclists can challenge mountain routes around Gupo Mountain and Langsan Mountain. However, these roads require good physical condition and proper equipment.

Cyclists should always wear helmets, carry repair tools, and avoid riding alone on remote mountain roads.

Motorcycle Touring in Hezhou

Hezhou is an attractive destination for motorcycle travelers because it connects Guangxi, Guangdong, and Hunan, offering diverse mountain and countryside routes.

Beginner-friendly motorcycle routes include Hezhou City–Gupo Mountain, Hezhou City–Xixi Hot Spring, and Fuchuan countryside roads.

Experienced riders can explore Langsan Mountain and mountain roads around Huangyao, but these routes require careful riding because of sharp bends, steep slopes, and changing weather conditions.

Motorcycle travelers should carry protective equipment, repair tools, rain gear, and ensure sufficient fuel before entering remote areas.

Seasonal Transportation Tips for Hezhou

Spring Travel

From March to May, rainfall is relatively frequent. Mountain roads may become slippery, and morning fog can reduce visibility. Travelers should drive carefully and avoid rushing through mountain routes.

Summer Travel

From June to August, Hezhou is green and beautiful, but afternoon thunderstorms are common. Hiking trails and mountain roads may become wet, so visitors should prepare rain gear and avoid driving during heavy storms.

Autumn Travel

September to November is the best season for transportation and outdoor activities in Hezhou. Roads are generally dry, mountain views are clear, and conditions are ideal for self-driving, cycling, and motorcycle tours.

Winter Travel

From December to February, mountain areas can be cooler and occasionally foggy. Drivers should slow down on high-altitude roads and avoid sudden braking on damp surfaces.

Travel Planning Tips for Hezhou

Hezhou’s transportation system makes the city easy to reach, but its attractions are widely distributed among mountains, ancient towns, forests, and rural villages. The best travel strategy is to choose transportation according to the itinerary.

Families, groups, and study tours should prioritize private vehicles or professional tour buses because they provide flexibility and safety. Independent travelers can combine high-speed rail with local transfers for major attractions.

Cycling and motorcycle travel offer deeper experiences of Hezhou’s countryside scenery but require careful route selection and preparation. With proper planning, visitors can enjoy a complete journey through Hezhou’s ancient towns, karst mountains, hot springs, forests, and Yao cultural landscapes with Yaso Trip.