Transport

High-Speed Trains in China

China’s high-speed railway connects many major cities and is an important option for intercity travel. Depending on the route, rail travel may provide a direct connection between city centres without the need for airport transfers.

Why consider high-speed trains?

• They connect many major cities and regional destinations.
• They can be useful for journeys where rail is convenient in terms of total travel time.
• Railway stations often have connections to local transport networks.
• They provide an alternative to domestic flights for suitable routes.

What to prepare

• Check routes, schedules, ticket availability and booking conditions.
• Review the current ticketing and identity verification requirements for foreign travelers.
• Keep your booking information and required identification accessible.
• Save the railway station name and address in Chinese where possible.
• Allow enough time for station entry, checks and finding your boarding area.
• Check the station and train details carefully, especially when a city has multiple stations.

Metro Systems in Chinese Cities

Metro systems are a useful way to move around many large Chinese cities. They can connect airports, railway stations, commercial areas, accommodation districts and tourist attractions, depending on the city’s network.

Why consider the metro?

• It can be convenient for traveling across urban areas.
• Routes and station information are often displayed on network maps.
• It can reduce the need to arrange individual road journeys.
• It may be useful during busy periods when roads are congested.

What to prepare

• Identify the nearest station to your hotel and planned destinations.
• Check the available route, transfers and operating hours for your journey.
• Find out which ticketing or payment methods are accepted by the local metro.
• Keep the station names and destination details accessible on your phone.
• Allow extra time to navigate large stations and interchange corridors.

Taxis & Ride-Hailing

Taxis and app-based ride-hailing can be practical for journeys where public transport is inconvenient, when traveling with luggage or when you need a direct connection between locations.

Options to explore

• Official taxis: A road transport option for direct journeys. Follow local guidance on identifying and using licensed taxis.
• DiDi: A ride-hailing service to investigate for app-based rides, subject to current account and payment requirements.

What to prepare

• Install and set up any ride-hailing app you intend to use before traveling, where possible.
• Check registration, identity and payment requirements for visitors.
• Save your destination’s address in Chinese characters to show a driver if needed.
• Verify the destination and pickup point before starting a ride.
• Keep the trip details available and share them with a trusted contact if appropriate.
• Check the fare or fare estimate and the payment arrangements before confirming.

Domestic Flights in China

Domestic flights can be useful for longer-distance journeys, particularly when destinations are far apart or rail connections are less convenient for your itinerary.

When flights may be useful

• For longer journeys between distant regions.
• When direct air connections better match your itinerary.
• When comparing total journey time with available rail routes.

What to prepare

• Compare flight schedules, airport locations, fares and baggage conditions.
• Check the identification requirements and booking details for your flight.
• Confirm the correct airport, terminal and departure time.
• Plan your transfer to and from the airport in advance.
• Keep your ticket confirmation and important flight information accessible offline.
• Allow sufficient time for check-in, security procedures and navigating the airport.

Local & Intercity Buses

Buses provide additional transport options in many Chinese cities and regions. Local buses may connect neighbourhoods and destinations, while intercity bus services may be available on routes where other transport options are limited.

Why consider buses?

• They may serve areas not directly connected by metro or rail.
• They can provide additional choices for local and regional travel.
• They may be useful for reaching some attractions and smaller destinations.

What to prepare

• Check the bus route, stop names, destination and timetable where available.
• Confirm how fares are paid and whether a suitable payment method is ready.
• Save the Chinese name of your destination and the intended stop.
• Check where to board and whether the service operates at your intended time.
• Allow for possible delays and changes to routes or schedules.

Walking & Local Travel

Walking can be a convenient way to explore areas around hotels, attractions, restaurants and transport stations. Short walks can also connect you to metro stops, bus stations and nearby services.

Plan your local journeys

• Check walking distances and route conditions before setting out.
• Use a suitable map or navigation tool to identify pedestrian routes.
• Keep your destination address saved in Chinese where possible.
• Consider weather, walking distance, luggage and accessibility needs.
• Follow pedestrian signals and local road safety rules.
• Identify nearby metro stations, bus stops or taxi pickup areas as alternatives.