Despite its vast distances and huge variety of landscapes, getting around in China is convenient and inexpensive. Sparkling bullet trains zip to all corners of the country, while buses connect smaller towns and villages. Air travel is also convenient and generally affordable from most major cities.
A combination of ridesharing and efficient metro systems will get you around Beijing, Shanghai, and other larger metropolitan areas; you can also use a more traditionally Chinese mode of transport: two wheels. Here’s everything you need to know about getting around in China.
Train
Train travel is far and away the best way to get around China due to its comfort, convenience, and sustainability. China boasts the world’s longest and most-used high-speed railway network, covering nearly 2,300 km (1,429 miles). Between these routes, slower express, local, and overnight trains connect many smaller towns.
Upgrades and expansions to the railway network continue apace, with thousands of kilometers of new track laid each year, making it possible to reach almost any destination by rail. High-speed trains are typically modern, efficient, and feature comfortable business and regular class sections.
However, it’s on the slower, more traditional trains that you’ll see the best aspects of China’s train culture. You’ll have opportunities to meet locals, exchange snacks, and learn something new as you journey through the Chinese countryside.
Chinese train numbers are generally prefixed by letters indicating the type of train: G, D, and C for luxurious high-speed trains; Z, T, and K for varying express and fast services; while unnumbered services are the slower trains that stop frequently.
Non-high-speed trains offer an array of seating and sleeping options, from hard seats (the cheapest and least comfortable) to soft sleepers (a four-bed compartment equivalent to first class). Train tickets are sold one way only and can be purchased up to 30 days in advance, usually requiring a passport for collection at the station on the day of travel.
Tip for holiday train travel: If you plan to travel during one of China’s national holidays, especially the Spring Festival, it’s advisable to secure your tickets as far in advance as possible, as availability can diminish rapidly.
Bus
For more remote parts of China and small villages, long-distance buses are often the only option. Bus travel tends to be much cheaper than train or air tickets, and it’s generally comfortable, with vehicles ranging from express coaches to smaller minibuses and overnight sleeper buses.
Intercity services are typically sleek and clean, equipped with toilets and snack options; however, in remote areas, you might experience older minibuses rattling from village to village.
China leads the world in electrifying its bus fleets, with around 99% of all electric buses operating in the country. Approximately 500,000 electric buses can be found across numerous cities.
Tip for buying tickets: Most bus tickets can be acquired at ticket windows on travel day, but securing them can be more challenging during national holidays.
Air
China’s airline industry has grown rapidly over the past decade, featuring over 240 airports—one in nearly every provincial capital and major city. Most airports are sleek, modern, and easy to navigate, thanks to the industry’s relatively new development.
Many airports are located some distance outside the city center and are well-connected by metro systems or dedicated bus services. Following the deregulation of airfares in 2018, a growing number of budget airlines have started to operate.
Major domestic airlines in China include China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, Hainan Airlines, Juneyao Airlines, Shanghai Airlines, and Shenzhen Airlines. Tickets can be procured online at Trip.com or eLong.net.
Car
In China, only individuals with a Chinese driver’s license can rent a car, making road trips unattainable for most international visitors. Nevertheless, in more remote areas, especially in the far west, hiring a private car with a driver to access hard-to-reach destinations is possible. This can typically be arranged through local hotels or travel services.
Public Transportation in Cities
The vast majority of China’s largest cities and provincial capitals feature outstanding public transportation networks, which often include subways, city buses, and bike-share systems. In some areas, tram, light rail, or maglev options are available as well. Metros in China are generally new, clean, and air-conditioned.
In prominent cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong, local top-up cards can be utilized for various modes of transportation, including buses. Tickets and transport cards are conveniently available at most subway stations, and bilingual signage in English and Chinese is widely present.
China has made significant investments to enhance the sustainability of its public transportation networks. For instance, in 2018, Shenzhen completed a comprehensive transition to electric transport, featuring 16,000 e-buses and 22,000 electric taxis.
Didi and Taxis
While Uber is not present in China, the local equivalent is the Didi Chuxing app. This app operates in English and accommodates international credit cards as well as WeChat app wallet payments. Didi vehicles generally offer a more comfortable ride than traditional taxis, eliminating language barrier stress, making it the preferred choice for many visitors.
However, in a pinch, you can still hail a taxi on the street; non-Chinese speakers are advised to carry their destination written down in Chinese (such as your hotel’s business card) to facilitate communication.
Bicycle
Bicycles remain a traditional transport method in China and are an excellent way to navigate within cities. The bike-sharing economy originated in China, and colorful rental bikes can often be found in abundance on street corners.
While these options are extremely affordable and convenient, they can occasionally pose challenges for international tourists due to the apps not always supporting English-language or international payment systems.
Long-distance cycling tours are also increasingly becoming popular among locals, with many cyclists opting for trips that combine bike rides and rail travel. Ensure you are well-equipped with necessary gear and permits for tent camping, as certain areas are off-limits to foreign visitors, particularly in the far northwest.
Boat
Traveling by boat is becoming less common in China due to the extensive network of road and rail bridges; however, certain outlying islands, such as those around Hong Kong or Putuoshan near Shanghai, can be accessed via fast ferries. Tickets for these services can generally be purchased at terminals on travel day.
Several picturesque boat trips are offered throughout the country, including rafting the Li River near Guilin and canal tours through Suzhou. Multi-day cruises on the Yangzi River, through the breathtaking Three Gorges, remain popular. Travelers should be aware of the environmental and cultural implications related to the Three Gorges Dam project before choosing to book a cruise.
Accessible Transportation in China
Overall, China presents challenges for accessible travel, with limited options available for wheelchair users. However, the largest cities have undergone significant improvements, especially Beijing, due to its hosting of the 2008 and 2022 Paralympic Games. Metro systems are predominantly modern and often include level-access platforms and elevators or stairlifts.
Access from street level can be more complicated, as not every entrance is equipped with a lift. Accessibility options are generally very limited for rural transport and in areas outside major urban centers.
