Getting Around

Trains, roads, taxis and how to move around China.

National Trains [铁路]

• Book via 12306 or apps — Use the official China Railways 12306 website or authorized apps like Trip.com and Fliggy to book tickets. English language support is available, though the official 12306 app works best with a Chinese phone number and real-name registration.
• High-speed trains (G/D trains) — G-trains (高铁) are fastest and most comfortable, while D-trains (动车) are slightly slower but cheaper. Both require reserved seats and are ideal for routes between major cities like Beijing-Shanghai or Guangzhou-Shenzhen.
• Ordinary trains (K/T/Z) are slowest and most crowded, especially during Chinese New Year and Golden Week holidays when tickets sell out weeks in advance. Avoid traveling during these peak periods if possible.
• Real-name tickets required — All tickets require matching your ID passport number. Arrive 20-30 minutes early for high-speed trains and 60 minutes for ordinary trains.
• Luggage and amenities — High-speed trains have luggage racks overhead and between cars. Bring your own food for long journeys, as dining car options are limited and overpriced.

City Metro & Buses [地铁公交]

• Metro systems in major cities — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and Wuhan have extensive metro networks that are clean, safe, and the fastest way to navigate cities. Download the local metro app (e.g., Beijing Metro app) or use Alipay/WeChat for QR code scanning at gates.
• Unified payment systems — Most cities accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, and local transit cards. In smaller cities, purchase a rechargeable IC card (公交卡) at convenience stores or station booths for around 20 RMB.
• Crowding during rush hours — Avoid metro travel during 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM on weekdays when trains are extremely crowded. Pickpocketing is rare but possible on packed trains.
• Bus networks — Buses are cheap (1-3 RMB per ride) and cover areas metros don't reach, but routes are confusing without local knowledge. Use Amap or Baidu Maps apps to plan bus routes with real-time tracking.
• Bus drivers may not speak English and stops aren't always announced clearly. Ask the driver to alert you when your stop arrives or use the maps app location feature.

Taxis & Ride Apps [出租车网约车]

• Ride-hailing apps preferred — Didi Chuxing dominates China's ride-sharing market with options like Didi Express (similar to Uber X) and Didi Premium. Download the app, add a Chinese phone number and WeChat/Alipay payment, then book rides with your destination address.
• Traditional taxis — Street taxis are metered, reliable, and cheap (starting at 10-13 RMB), but hailing can be difficult in rush hours. Ensure the meter is running and drivers cannot refuse short trips legally.
• Scams and overcharging — Some taxis in tourist areas or late at night may take longer routes or turn off meters. Ride-hailing apps are safer as pricing is fixed before booking and recorded for disputes.
• Payment methods — Almost all taxis now accept mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat), though having small cash (50 RMB or less) is wise for older drivers. Didi automatically charges your registered payment method.
• Airport and hotel bookings — Use Didi's premium 'airport express' option for guaranteed vehicles, or pre-book through your hotel concierge for peace of mind at major airports.

Driving [驾车]

• International driving permit limitations — Foreigners can legally drive in China with an International Driving Permit (IDP) and their home country license for up to 1 year, but enforcement varies and some rental companies refuse to rent to non-Chinese nationals. Check with your rental agency in advance.
• Traffic and driving culture — Chinese traffic is chaotic with frequent red-light running, lane-changing without signals, and aggressive driving. Motorcycles and e-bikes weave unpredictably, and rules are enforced selectively by traffic police.
• License plate restrictions — Major cities like Beijing and Shanghai use lottery systems or quotas to restrict new license plates; renting a car is much easier. Some cities ban out-of-province plates during rush hours (usually 7-10 AM and 4-7 PM).
• Fuel and road conditions — Gas stations are common along highways but scarce in rural areas; plan accordingly. Expressways charge tolls (often 10-50 RMB per segment) via automatic payment or cash booths.
• Use navigation apps — Baidu Maps and Amap show real-time traffic, speed cameras, and toll costs. Both apps work offline in limited capacity and are essential for navigation outside major cities.
• Drunk driving fines start at 1,000 RMB and license suspension; drug driving results in criminal charges. Speeding fines range from 200-2,000 RMB depending on excess speed.

Airports [机场]

• Major airports and airlines — Beijing Capital, Shanghai Pudong, and Guangzhou are China's largest hubs. China Eastern, China Southern, and Air China are the 'big three' carriers, while budget airlines like Spring Airlines and Southwest Air offer cheaper fares.
• Check-in and security — Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights and 1.5 hours before domestic flights. Airport staff speak limited English outside major terminals; have your destination written in Chinese characters.
• Book through platforms — Use Trip.com, Fliggy (Alibaba), or Ctrip for domestic flights; international flights are also available. Fares are often cheaper 2-4 weeks in advance, especially for domestic routes.
• Delays and cancellations — Weather-related delays are common, especially in winter and during monsoon season. Airlines rarely offer compensation beyond rebooking, so travel insurance is recommended.
• Airport transfers — Airport buses (机场大巴) are cheap and reliable, departing every 15-30 minutes. Alternatively, use Didi's airport express booking or pre-arrange hotel shuttle services.

Ferries & Water Transport [轮渡]

• River and coastal ferries — Ferries operate on major rivers like the Yangtze and Pearl River, and between islands (e.g., Hong Kong-Macau routes). Book through travel agents or official port websites; services are infrequent but scenic.
• Tourist river cruises — Multi-day cruises along the Yangtze River between Chongqing and Wuhan are popular; book through operators like Yangtze River Cruises or travel agencies. Prices range from budget to luxury, typically 800-3,000 RMB per person.
• Ferries are unreliable during typhoon season (June-September) and subject to sudden cancellations. Always check weather forecasts and have backup travel plans.
• Documentation and safety — Passport and visa checks are standard on international ferries. Life jackets are provided but comfort and safety standards are lower than Western ferries.

Tickets & Travel Passes [票证]

• Tourist passes and discounts — Some cities offer 1-3 day tourist metro passes (e.g., Shanghai, Chengdu), valid for unlimited travel. Student discounts (with valid student ID) are available on trains; age-based discounts vary by operator.
• Group and advance booking — Booking 5+ train tickets together grants 5-10% discounts. Travel agencies often bundle transport with accommodation for better rates.
• Ticket refunds and changes — Train refunds within 48 hours incur 5% penalties; after 48 hours, refunds are unavailable. Changes are allowed with minimal fees, but availability decreases near departure dates.
• Age and ID requirements — Children under 1.2m travel free on trains and metro; 1.2-1.5m pay half-fare. Students require valid ID (国际学生证) for discounts; this card must be purchased in advance at your institution.
• Digital ticketing — E-tickets via 12306, Trip.com, and airline apps eliminate paper tickets. Show QR codes on your phone at gates; ensure your phone is charged and connected to internet before travel.

Mobile Connectivity & SIM [通讯]

• Buy a local SIM card — Purchase a prepaid SIM at airports, convenience stores, or carrier shops (China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom) for 20-50 RMB with data packages. Activation requires your passport number; same-day activation is standard.
• Tourist data packages — Carriers offer short-term packages: 5GB for 30 RMB (7-30 days) or 10GB for 50 RMB. Top-up data at convenience stores or via carrier apps (e.g., 中国移动 app for China Mobile).
• Great Firewall restrictions — Google, Facebook, YouTube, and VPNs are blocked. Use Chinese apps instead: Baidu for search, WeChat for messaging, Alipay for payments. Download these before arriving if possible.
• WiFi availability — Free WiFi is common at hotels, malls, and restaurants (usually requires phone number registration). Airport WiFi is reliable and requires passport verification.
• Network coverage gaps — Remote rural areas and mountains may have no signal; download offline maps (Amap, Baidu Maps) before traveling. 4G coverage is excellent in cities but inconsistent on slow trains.
• WeChat and Alipay are essential — These payment apps are required for taxis, shopping, and restaurants; most places no longer accept cash. Link your foreign bank card or credit card immediately upon arrival (via card or top-up services).