China’s transport infrastructure is genuinely world-class. The high-speed rail network covers almost every major city, metros are fast and cheap, and ride-hailing apps mean taxis are a tap away. This guide covers everything you need to move around confidently.
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High-Speed Trains (高铁, Gāotiě)
China’s CR400 bullet trains regularly hit 350 km/h, making journeys like Beijing–Shanghai (1,200 km) a 4-hour trip. For distances under ~1,200 km, trains are almost always faster door-to-door than flying, once you account for airport check-in and baggage claim.
The train classes
| Class | Chinese | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Business Class | 商务座 | Spacious reclining seats, complimentary meals on some routes |
| First Class | 一等座 | Comfortable 4-across seating, extra legroom |
| Second Class | 二等座 | Standard 5-across seating, very affordable |
For most travellers, Second Class is perfectly comfortable. On journeys under 3 hours, it is all you need.
How to book tickets
Method 1: Trip.com (recommended for first-timers)
- Go to trip.com or download the Trip.com app.
- Select “Trains” → enter origin, destination, and date.
- Choose your train (filter by “G” for high-speed or “D” for intercity).
- Select your seat class and confirm.
- Pay with Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal.
- Your ticket is emailed as a PDF with a confirmation code.
Trip.com charges a service fee of around ¥30–¥50 per booking, but it accepts foreign cards and has English support.
Method 2: 12306 (official, no booking fee)
The official 12306 app (or website at 12306.cn) sells tickets at face value with no service fee.
- Requires a Chinese phone number to register and verify.
- The interface is available in basic English on the website.
- Once registered, you can pay by linking a foreign Visa/Mastercard card or via Alipay.
Method 3: At the station
You can buy tickets at the station ticket hall with your passport. Queues can be long during Golden Week and Spring Festival — book in advance during peak periods.
At the station: what to expect
- Arrive early: allow 30–45 minutes before departure. Security screening (X-ray for bags) is mandatory at all stations.
- Find your waiting room: Chinese stations have large numbered waiting halls, one per train. Your ticket shows your waiting hall number.
- Board: gates open 10–15 minutes before departure and close 2 minutes before. Do not be late.
- Seat: your ticket shows your carriage (车厢, chēxiāng) and seat number (座位号, zuòwèi hào). Find your carriage number on the platform.
- On board: a steward will check tickets. Snacks, noodles, and drinks are available from a roaming trolley.
Collecting your ticket
If you booked online, you do not always need to collect a paper ticket. At many stations:
- Show your passport at the automatic gate — it reads your booking directly.
- Or use the self-service kiosks to print a ticket if required by your station.
City Metros (地铁, Dìtiě)
Every major Chinese city now has a metro system. They are:
- Clean, reliable, and cheap (typically ¥2–¥8 per journey)
- Signposted in English in tier-1 and tier-2 cities
- Safe — crime on metros is extremely rare
How to pay
- Alipay or WeChat Pay: open the app and scan the QR code at the turnstile.
- Transit cards: buy a stored-value card at any metro station service desk (requires passport in some cities).
- Cash: older stations have coin-operated machines; newer ones may not accept cash.
- Apple Pay / Google Pay: works at some stations via NFC, but less reliable.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
DiDi (滴滴)
As mentioned in our Apps Guide, DiDi is the dominant ride-hailing platform. It is:
- Generally cheaper than street taxis
- Metered, so no price negotiation needed
- Trackable by family or friends via shared trip links
- Available in English
Street taxis
- Always use the meter — if a driver refuses, get out.
- Keep the hotel’s business card (in Chinese) so you can show drivers your destination.
- Tipping is not customary.
Domestic Flights
For distances over 1,200 km (e.g., Beijing to Kunming, or Shanghai to Lhasa), flying may save time. China has:
- Excellent domestic airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern
- Many budget carriers: Xiamen Air, Shenzhen Airlines
Book via Trip.com, Ctrip, or your preferred international booking engine.
Important: Domestic flights in China require ID. Foreign passport holders must show their passport at check-in and at the security gate.
Long-Distance Buses
For routes not covered by rail — particularly in rural or mountainous areas — long-distance buses are an option. They are cheap but slow, and standards vary widely. The 12306 app also lists some bus routes.
Practical Tips
- Buy train tickets early: popular routes (Beijing–Shanghai, Shanghai–Hangzhou) sell out days in advance, especially during Chinese holidays.
- Golden Week (1–7 October) and Spring Festival (late January/early February) are the busiest travel periods. Book accommodation and transport weeks in advance.
- Language barrier: when in doubt at a station, show your ticket to a staff member — they will point you in the right direction. Most station staff have basic English phrases.
- Luggage: there is no weight limit on trains, but bags must fit in overhead racks or under seats. Very large bags may be better checked in at the station luggage office.
Last updated: May 2026 · Train schedules and booking platforms change. Verify timetables on 12306.cn or Trip.com before travel.