🚄 Transportation Guide
Bullet trains, metro, ride-hailing, flights — how to get around China efficiently as a foreigner.
High-Speed Rail (Bullet Trains)
China's bullet train network is the world's largest — 300+ km/h, incredible punctuality. Second class is affordable (~¥0.5/km), first class is roomier. Beijing-Shanghai in ~4.5h, Beijing-Xi'an in ~5.5h.
- ✦ Buy tickets 15 days ahead via 12306 or Trip.com
- ✦ Foreigners use passport number — enter through manual gate, show passport
- ✦ Second class is perfectly fine — roomier than European trains' second class
- ✦ Station security is strict: knives, lighters, aerosols will be confiscated
- ✦ Major stations (Beijing South, Shanghai Hongqiao) have clear English signage
Metro / Subway
All major Chinese cities have world-class subway systems. Cheap (¥2-10/ride), clean, extensive coverage. Most have English announcements and signage. Rush hours (7-9 AM, 5-7 PM) are extremely crowded.
- ✦ Use Alipay or WeChat to scan for direct entry (enable city metro QR first)
- ✦ You can also buy tickets from machines — most have English and accept cash/WeChat/Alipay
- ✦ Security check is mandatory — bags go through X-ray
- ✦ Check routes on Amap or city-specific metro apps
- ✦ Transfer distances can be long — allow extra time
Ride-Hailing (DiDi)
DiDi is China's largest ride-hailing platform. Cheaper than taxis, no language barrier — just input the destination. Drivers rarely speak English, but in-app messages auto-translate.
- ✦ DiDi supports English UI and foreign phone number registration
- ✦ Link Alipay or WeChat Pay for automatic payment
- ✦ Write your destination in Chinese or screenshot it to show the driver
- ✦ At airports/stations, carefully check the 'pickup point' guide in the app
- ✦ Don't hail taxis on the street — DiDi is safer, cheaper, and transparent
Bus & Long-Distance Coach
Buses have the widest coverage and are the cheapest option (¥1-2), but the language barrier is high and they're not tourist-friendly. Only recommended for specific scenarios (e.g., Yangshuo countryside, Lijiang to Shuhe). Most of the time, metro + DiDi is better.
- ✦ Big-city buses accept Alipay (enable e-bus card first)
- ✦ Long-distance bus stations in small cities are often far from city center
- ✦ Some scenic areas (Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou) have dedicated tourist shuttle buses
Domestic Flights
China's domestic aviation network is extensive and affordable (book early for ¥300-600 deals). Best for very long distances (e.g., Beijing→Lijiang, Guangzhou→Urumqi) or tight schedules.
- ✦ Search on Trip.com for easy comparison and foreign card payment
- ✦ Domestic flight delays are common (especially summer) — don't schedule tight connections
- ✦ Economy tickets increasingly exclude checked baggage — check baggage rules when booking
- ✦ Big 3 airlines: Air China (Beijing hub), China Eastern (Shanghai hub), China Southern (Guangzhou hub)
12306: Train Tickets for Foreigners
12306 is China's official railway ticketing platform. Foreigners have a specific registration process — here's the complete walkthrough.
- ✦ Download the 'Railway 12306' app (Chinese) or buy via Trip.com in English
- ✦ Foreigner registration requires passport info and a mobile number (foreign or Chinese)
- ✦ After registering, you must visit a station ticket window once for 'identity verification' before buying online
- ✦ Easier alternative: use Trip.com — English, foreign credit cards accepted, ~5% surcharge
- ✦ Bullet train tickets: Business class, First class, Second class. Second class is the value pick
- ✦ Changes and refunds can be done online; fees depend on time before departure