About Xingtai
Located in the Habes Province of People's Republic of China, Xingtai is a large city with a history of 3,500 years. Founded on the largest coal deposits in the country, 20 million metric tons of coal is produced here each year. Xingtai is also home to the largest power plant in South China. Although coal mines, cement factories, petrochemical production, energy sector etc. have brought Xingtai city to a major economy and industrial center, the city is considered one of the worst and unhealthy cities in the world due to the pollution of land and water, especially because of the air pollution. Many people in Xingtai are constantly walking around with mask, and tuberculosis is a very common disease, especially among children.
Xingtai, where temperate climatic conditions are visible, is generally dry and springtime is windy. In the summer months there is more rainfall than in winter months. In July, the hottest month of the year, the temperature rises up to 30 degrees Celsius and falls in minus values in January. Autumn season is considered as the most suitable period for visiting the city. This season is also a good time to eat the city's famous chestnuts.
The Kongshan White Cloud Cave, the result of a long, natural accumulation, is worth seeing. Fontain Park is almost like an oasis built around a massive bay between greens in this gray city. Cool Breeze Tower is one of the iconic buildings of the city with its traditional architecture. It also hosts a nice cafe. One of the best activities that can be done at Xingtai is to enjoy the open-air pools filled with natural spring water, especially in the winter months.
Transportation to Xingtai City Center from Airport
Xingtai Dalian Airport
Xingtai Dalian Airport, which is the closest airport to the Xingtai city in China's Hebei province, is 15 kilometers away from the city center and it is close to domestic and international flights as of 2016; thus you should choose another airport. If you land at Handan Airport, which is the nearest airport to Xingtai city center, you can use public transportation including trains and buses to reach Xingtai city. If you want a more comfortable transport, you can also consider taxi or car rental alternatives. It takes a maximum of 1.5 hours to reach Xingtai city center from Handan Airport.
Train
Although it is not the fastest way to reach Xingtai city center from Handan Airport, the most effortless and practical way is undoubtedly to use intercity trains. You can arrive at Xingtai city center within an hour from the railway station by getting the K2286 intercity train from the terminal at the exit of the airport. Ticket prices vary from 40 to 80 Chinese Yuan as of 2016, depending on your seat choise and where you buy the ticket. If there is a maintenance work at the railway station during your visit, you will first have to go to Handan city center and then take the Xingtai city train from the train station there.
Bus
When you get out of Handan Airport terminal, you will find bus stops. From these stops, direct buses depart to Xingtai city center. You can buy your tickets from the pay-desks as well as from ticket vending machines or drivers. You are likely to reach the Xingtai city center by bus in an hour and fifteen minutes.
Taxi
Taxis are not very preferred, because of the distance between the city center and the airport, but if you land late at night, it will be beneficial to use a taxi. There are taxi stands at the airport exit and you can reach Xingtai city center in 50-55 minutes by paying around 210-260 Chinese Yuan if you take a taxi which charges a negotiated price.
Car Rental
Because it is an international airport, Global car rental companies have offices at Handan Airport. If you choose a local company, you can rent your car at a much more affordable price. You can pick up your car with your international driver's license and pre-reservation within minutes. Once you get your car, you can reach Xingtai city center in 50 minutes.
