Taiyuan Transportation – A Complete Guide to Getting Around the City
Navigating a new city can be challenging, especially in a foreign country. But don’t worry—Taiyuan’s transportation system is efficient, affordable, and easy to use, whether you prefer public transit, taxis, or private rides. This guide covers all the best ways to travel around Taiyuan, helping you explore the city with confidence.
1. Arriving in Taiyuan
By Air: Taiyuan Wusu International Airport (TYN)
Location: ~15 km (9 miles) southeast of downtown.
Transport Options:
Taxi: 30–40 minutes to the city center (¥50–¥70 / ~7–10).
Airport Shuttle Bus: Several routes to major areas (¥15–¥25).
Metro (Subway): Line 1 connects the airport to downtown (¥5–¥7).
By Train: Taiyuan Railway Stations
Taiyuan Railway Station (Main Station): Best for conventional trains, located downtown.
Taiyuan South Railway Station (High-Speed Rail): Connects to Beijing (2.5 hrs), Xi’an (3 hrs), and other major cities.
Getting to City Center: Taxis (¥20–¥40) or metro (Line 1).
2. Public Transportation in Taiyuan
Metro (Subway)
Lines: Currently 3 lines (Line 1, Line 2, Line 3), expanding.
Fares: ¥2–¥5 per trip (distance-based).
Best For: Fast, cheap travel between major attractions (e.g., Shanxi Museum, Liu Xiang Lane).
Tips:
Use Alipay or WeChat Pay (set up a "Taiyuan Metro" QR code).
Avoid rush hours (7:30–9:00 AM & 5:00–7:00 PM).
Public Buses
Extensive Network: Over 200 routes cover the entire city.
Fares: ¥1–¥2 (cash or QR code via Alipay/WeChat).
Best For: Budget travelers and reaching areas not served by the metro.
Tips:
Use Baidu Maps or AMAP for real-time bus tracking.
Some buses have English announcements, but routes are mostly in Chinese.
3. Taxis & Ride-Hailing
Taxis
Fares: ¥8 starting fee + ¥1.6/km (¥2/km at night).
How to Hail: Wave one down or find a taxi stand.
Tips:
Show the driver your destination in Chinese characters (most don’t speak English).
Insist on using the meter to avoid overcharging.
Didi (China’s Uber)
App Required: Download Didi Chuxing (English version available).
Fares: Often cheaper than taxis (¥5–¥30 for short trips).
Best For: Convenience, especially with limited Chinese.
4. Biking & Walking
Bike Rentals (Shared Bikes)
Options: Meituan Bike, Hello Bike (via Alipay).
Cost: ¥1.5–¥3 per 30 minutes.
Best For: Short trips along Fenhe Park or exploring hutongs.
Walking
Downtown Areas: Liu Xiang Lane, Yingze Street, and Fenhe Park are pedestrian-friendly.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes—Taiyuan’s sidewalks are well-maintained.
5. Day Trips & Long-Distance Travel
To Pingyao Ancient Town: High-speed train (1 hr, ¥30) or bus (2 hrs, ¥50).
To Datong (Yungang Grottoes): High-speed train (2 hrs, ¥100).
To Mount Wutai: Bus (3 hrs, ¥80) or private car hire.
6. Essential Tips for Foreign Travelers
✔ Payment: Cash is rarely used—set up Alipay/WeChat Pay for metro/buses.
✔ Language Barrier: Have your hotel write destinations in Chinese or use Google Translate (offline mode).
✔ Avoid Rush Hour: Metro and roads get crowded (7:30–9:00 AM & 5:00–7:00 PM).
✔ Safety: Taiyuan is very safe, but watch for pickpockets in busy areas.
Final Thoughts
Taiyuan’s transportation system is modern, affordable, and foreigner-friendly once you know the basics. For hassle-free travel:
Use the metro for speed, Didi for convenience, and buses for budget trips.
Always have your destination written in Chinese for taxi drivers.