The fastest and most comfortable way to travel between cities
China's high-speed rail (HSR) network is the largest in the world — over 45,000 km of track connecting virtually every major city. Trains travel at up to 350 km/h, making routes like Beijing–Shanghai (1,318 km) in just 4.5 hours. It's often faster than flying once you factor in airport time.
There are three ways to book — pick whichever suits you best.
a. Trip.com or China Train Booking appEnglish interface, accepts foreign credit cards. Tickets available up to 30 days before departure. Best option for most foreign visitors.
b. 12306 (official railway app)Chinese-only interface — harder to navigate but works. Tickets go on sale 15 days before departure.
c. At the station ticket window (售票处)Buy in person using your passport. Self-service machines also have an English option. Good for same-day or next-day travel.
1
Your passport is your ticket Your booking is linked to your passport number — no need to print anything.
Show it at the gate or at a self-service kiosk to collect your boarding pass.
2
Arrive at least 30 minutes early Stations are large and have airport-style security screening.
Gates close 5 minutes before departure — don't cut it close.
3
Find your car and seat Your ticket shows 车次 (train number), 车厢 (car number), and 座位 (seat number).
Platform signs indicate which section each car stops at.
Seat Classes
Class
Chinese
Description
Price (BJ→SH)
Second Class
二等座
Standard seats, 3+2 layout, comfortable
~¥553
First Class
一等座
Wider seats, 2+2 layout, more legroom
~¥933
Business Class
商务座
Lie-flat seats, meals included
~¥1,748
Second class is perfectly comfortable for most journeys. The seats are clean, spacious, and have power outlets. Upgrade to first class for trips over 4 hours if you want extra room.
Luggage rules: there are no weight limits enforced, but bags must fit in the overhead rack or under the seat. There's no checked baggage service on HSR trains.
Useful Tips
Trains are very punctual — delays are rare
There's a dining car on most long-distance trains; food is cheap and decent
Hot water dispensers are available in every car (bring instant noodles like a local)
Station names are shown in both Chinese and pinyin on signs
Download your e-ticket to your phone before travelling — screenshots work fine
Some cities have multiple train stations (e.g. Beijing has 4) — double-check which one
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Metro (地铁)
Fast, cheap, and the best way to get around within a city
Major Chinese cities have world-class metro systems — clean, air-conditioned, and incredibly affordable (most fares are ¥2–8). Shanghai has 20 lines, Beijing has 27, Guangzhou has 16. Stations are signed in both Chinese and English.
How to Pay
📱
Alipay / WeChat Pay
Scan QR code at the turnstile. The easiest and most universal option — works in 40+ cities. Set up the Transport tab in Alipay once per city. Recommended for most travellers.
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Foreign Bank Card (Contactless)
Tap your Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, or JCB card directly at the gate — no app needed. Beijing supports all 5 major international card brands across its entire network. Shanghai accepts Visa/MC contactless on the Maglev and Line 11 (from June 2025, expanding). Other cities are rolling out support — look for the contactless symbol (⊕) at gates.
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Apple Pay / Google Pay
Works where contactless bank cards are accepted (Beijing full network; Shanghai pilot lines). You can also add a Chinese transit card to Apple Wallet for cities that support it. Check for the contactless symbol at the gate.
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Transit Card (公交卡)
City-specific rechargeable card. Tap on and off. Buy and top up at any station service desk or machine. Often gives a small discount. Good if you'll use the metro heavily over several days.
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Cash (Single-Trip Token)
Buy a token at the vending machine with cash. Machines have an English option. Always works as a backup — no app or card needed.
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National Transit Card (交通联合)
Accepted in many cities across China. Worth it if you're visiting multiple cities and want one card for everything.
Travelling as a group? In Shanghai, Alipay has a companion ticket feature in its Transport section — one person can generate QR codes for multiple passengers from a single account. Availability varies by city; in Beijing and most other cities, each person needs their own phone to scan in. When in doubt, use the ticket machine to buy multiple paper tokens for the group.
Security screening (bags through X-ray) is mandatory at every metro station entrance. Keep a small bag or backpack ready to put on the belt. It's quick — usually under 30 seconds.
Recommended Metro Apps
Apple MapsSurprisingly accurate in China, works without VPN. Best free option for foreigners.
Google Maps ⚠️ Requires VPNBlocked in China without a VPN. Even with a VPN, its China map data is often outdated — not recommended as your primary navigation app.
Amap / AutoNavi (高德地图)The gold standard for navigation in China. Has an English mode. Highly recommended for foreigners.
Baidu Maps (百度地图)Most accurate for real-time traffic info, but primarily Chinese-language interface.
City-specific appse.g. Metro Daduhui (Shanghai) — useful for detailed line maps and offline use.
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DiDi (滴滴)
China's Uber — essential for door-to-door travel
DiDi is China's dominant ride-hailing app with hundreds of millions of users. It works just like Uber: open the app, set your pickup and destination, confirm the price, and a driver comes to you. Most drivers do not speak English — but that's fine, because the app handles everything.
Getting Started
1
Download DiDi (international version)
Search "DiDi" on the App Store or Google Play. The international version has an English interface. Sign up with your phone number.
2
Add a payment method
Foreign Visa/Mastercard credit cards now work in DiDi. You can also link Alipay or WeChat Pay if you've set those up.
3
Enter your destination in English or by pasting an address
DiDi supports English place names. For more accuracy, copy-paste a Chinese address from a map app or from your hotel's info card.
4
Show the driver your destination on the map
If needed, just point to the map on your screen. Drivers are used to foreign passengers.
DiDi Service Types
Service
Chinese
Vehicle
Perks
Best For
Express
快车
Standard cars
None beyond the ride
Everyday travel, short trips
Premier
优享
Newer, higher-end cars; drivers with 5-star ratings
Complimentary bottled water, phone charging cables in the armrest console, sometimes snacks; 24/7 dedicated customer service
Airport runs, longer trips, business travel
Luxe
豪华
Luxury vehicles (Audi A6L, BMW 5 Series, Mercedes E-Class)
All Premier perks + premium vehicle selection; schedule-ahead available
Special occasions, impressing clients
DiDi Taxi
出租车
Registered metered taxis
Metered fare, official taxi receipt
When you prefer a traditional taxi
DiDi 6-Seater
六座
MPV / minivan
More luggage space, fits groups of 5–6
Groups or lots of luggage
Save your hotel's address in Chinese characters in your phone's notes. Show it to drivers, restaurant staff, and anyone who needs to know where you're going. Your hotel's front desk can write this for you.
Surge pricing applies during rain, rush hours, and holidays — the same as Uber. If prices seem high, try waiting 5–10 minutes or walking a block away from a busy area.
✈️
Domestic Flights (国内航班)
Best for very long distances or when rail isn't available
China has a dense network of domestic flights. For distances over 1,500 km (e.g. Beijing to Chengdu, or Shanghai to Kunming) or when there's no convenient rail connection, flying can be the best option. However, for anything under 4–5 hours by rail, the train is usually more convenient once you factor in airport check-in time.
Where to Book
✈️
Trip.com
Best for foreigners. English interface, accepts foreign cards, shows all airlines. Also great for hotels and train tickets.
🌐
Skyscanner / Google Flights ⚠️
Good for price comparison before your trip. Note: Google Flights requires a VPN when accessed from inside China — use it for research before you arrive, then book via Trip.com or airline sites once in China.
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Direct with Airlines
Air China, China Eastern, China Southern all have English websites. Foreign card acceptance varies.
At the Airport
Arrive at least 2 hours before departureSecurity and check-in lines at Chinese airports can be slow — don't leave it too late.
Check in online if you canMost major airlines offer online check-in. Counters open 2–3 hours before departure.
Your passport is your boarding documentYou'll need to show it at check-in, security, and again at the gate.
Domestic and international terminals are separateCheck which terminal your flight departs from before you head to the airport.
Signs and staff are bilingualAirport signage is in Chinese and English; most staff speak enough English to help.
Liquids: 100ml per container in a clear bagStandard international rules apply for carry-on luggage.
China's airports frequently run on time, but delays do happen — especially in summer storm season (June–September) and during Chinese national holidays. Build buffer time into your connections.
Rail vs. Flight: When to Choose What
Journey
Best Option
Reason
Beijing → Shanghai
Rail
4.5 hrs, city-centre to city-centre
Beijing → Xi'an
Rail
5.5 hrs, very comfortable
Shanghai → Chengdu
Either
Rail ~11 hrs (overnight), flight ~2.5 hrs
Beijing → Kunming
Flight
Rail is very long; flight ~3 hrs
Any city → Tibet
Flight
Requires special permit; flight easiest option
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Long-Distance Bus (长途客车)
Useful for shorter regional routes not served by rail
Long-distance buses connect cities and towns that aren't on the rail network — especially in rural areas, mountainous regions, and smaller provincial cities. They depart from a dedicated long-distance bus station (长途汽车站), usually near the city's train station.
When buses are useful: Getting to scenic areas like Zhangjiajie, Yellow Mountain (黄山), or smaller towns in Yunnan and Guizhou provinces that don't have train stations. Also good for short hops of 1–3 hours between nearby cities.
Tickets are bought in person at the bus station; some routes are on Trip.com
Bring your passport — it's required for long-distance bus tickets
Luggage goes in the compartment under the bus; keep valuables with you
Buses often have fixed departure times — arrive 20 minutes early
Overnight sleeper buses exist for very long routes (12+ hours), with bunk-style seats
Comfort varies widely — newer routes use comfortable coaches; older routes may be basic
For scenic mountain areas, consider hiring a private car or joining a day tour — it's often more convenient than navigating local bus schedules, especially if signage isn't in English.
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Taxis (出租车)
Always metered, generally honest — but have your destination ready
Regular taxis are still widely available in Chinese cities, especially outside metro stations and at airports. They're metered, licensed, and generally reliable. The main challenge for foreigners is communication — very few taxi drivers speak English.
How to Ride a Taxi
1
Hail from the street or queue at a taxi stand
Green light on = available. Wave your hand. In busy areas (airports, stations), use the designated taxi queue — don't accept offers from unlicensed drivers.
2
Show your destination in Chinese
Have the address or destination name written in Chinese on your phone. Hotel business cards in Chinese are perfect for this.
3
Make sure the meter is running
The driver should start the meter (计价器) at the beginning of the trip. If they don't, politely point to the meter or say "打表" (dǎ biǎo).
4
Pay the metered fare
Pay by cash or — in most modern taxis — scan a QR code for Alipay/WeChat Pay. Tipping is not customary in China.
At airports and tourist attractions, avoid unofficial "black car" (黑车) operators who approach you before you reach the official taxi queue. Always use metered taxis or DiDi for safety and fair pricing.
Starting fares by city (approx.): Beijing ¥13 | Shanghai ¥18 | Guangzhou ¥12 | Chengdu ¥10. After the initial distance, most cities charge ¥1.5–3 per km.
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Bike-Share & E-Scooters (共享单车)
Perfect for short trips and exploring neighbourhoods
Bike-share is everywhere in Chinese cities. Meituan (美团) and Hello Bike (哈啰) are the dominant providers. Bikes are unlocked via QR code, charged by the minute (~¥1.5–2.5/30 min), and dropped anywhere on the street within the designated zone. E-bikes and e-scooters are also available in many cities.
How to use: Open Meituan or Alipay (which has Hello Bike built in) → find a nearby bike → scan the QR code on the lock → ride → end the ride and lock the bike anywhere on the street.
Requires a Chinese phone number and Alipay/WeChat Pay to deposit and pay
A refundable deposit (usually ¥99–299) is required; you can unlock it when leaving China
Ride in bike lanes where available — they're well-marked in most cities
Helmets are rarely provided and not legally required for regular bikes
Some scenic areas (e.g. West Lake in Hangzhou) have their own local bike-share systems — very cheap
Bike-share is one of the most enjoyable ways to explore a city — especially for areas between metro stations. Hangzhou, Chengdu, and Xiamen are particularly bike-friendly cities.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common transport questions from foreign visitors
For popular routes (especially Beijing–Shanghai and any travel around national holidays like Golden Week in early October and Chinese New Year), book at least 1–2 weeks in advance — tickets sell out fast. For off-peak travel on less busy routes, a few days ahead is usually fine. Tickets go on sale 15 days before departure on 12306, and up to 30 days ahead on Trip.com.
Uber does not operate in China. DiDi is the equivalent — it works almost identically. Download DiDi before you arrive. The international version has an English interface and accepts foreign credit cards.
Yes — licensed, metered taxis are safe and reliable. The main risk is overcharging at airports or tourist spots, usually from unofficial drivers who approach you before you reach the taxi queue. Always use the official taxi stand, make sure the meter is on, or use DiDi which shows you the price upfront.
Yes, in all major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, Hangzhou, etc.), metro stations have signs in both Chinese and English (pinyin). Announcements are also made in English. Ticket machines have an English option. Smaller cities may have less English signage — use Amap or Google Maps (with VPN) for directions.
No — international driving permits are not recognised in China. You need a Chinese driving licence to drive legally. For most tourists, this means self-driving is not an option. DiDi, taxis, and hired drivers with vehicles are the practical alternatives.
Most major Chinese cities have an airport express rail link (e.g. Beijing Capital Airport Express, Shanghai Maglev to Pudong, Guangzhou APM). These are fast, cheap, and clearly signed. DiDi and taxis are also available from the arrivals hall — follow signs to "taxi" or use DiDi to arrange pickup. Airport buses are another affordable option and stop at key city locations.
Second class on the high-speed rail is typically the best value — it's faster than buses, cheaper than flights, and very comfortable. Budget domestic flights can sometimes be cheaper, but factor in airport transfer time and costs. Long-distance buses are the cheapest option but also the slowest and least comfortable.