Jinghong itself is small and easily walkable; the riverfront, Manting Lu, and the central markets are all within fifteen minutes of each other. For trips out into the prefecture, the easiest options are the local long-distance bus station (frequent services to Menglun, Menghai, Mengla, Ganlanba, and Damenglong) or a hired taxi for the day — drivers are easy to find at the main hotels and rates are negotiable.
Shared minibuses to the major villages run from informal stops scattered around the city. Renting a scooter is straightforward and gives the most freedom to explore the surrounding countryside, though traffic in town can be hectic.