TL;DR
China has one of the world's most extensive public transit networks. Metro systems in major cities are fast, clean, and affordable. High-speed rail connects cities at 300+ km/h. For short distances, shared bikes and DiDi (ride-hailing) fill the gaps.
Metro / Subway
Every major city has a metro system. Shanghai's is the world's longest, Beijing's is one of the busiest.
How to Ride
1
Get a Transit QR Code
In WeChat or Alipay, search for the city's transit mini-program (e.g., "上海地铁乘车码" for Shanghai). Generate a QR code and scan it at the turnstile.
2
Alternative: Buy a Card
Buy a rechargeable transit card (交通卡) at any metro station. Works on metro, buses, and even some taxis. ¥20 deposit + top-up amount.
3
Navigate the Station
Stations have English signs. Follow the line color and direction. Exits are numbered — know which exit you need before leaving the station.
Pro Tip
Metro rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM) is extremely crowded. Avoid traveling with large luggage during these times. Wait for the next train if the first is packed.
Metro Fares
Metro fares are distance-based and vary by city. Most rides cost ¥2-7 depending on distance traveled.
High-Speed Rail (高铁)
China's high-speed rail (G-trains) is the best way to travel between cities. It is fast, punctual, and often faster than flying when you include airport time.
Booking Tickets
- 12306 app: Official app, Chinese interface only
- Trip.com: English interface, small service fee
- Station counter: Show your passport, pay with WeChat/Alipay/cash
- Tickets open: Check 12306 or Trip.com for the current booking window
Important
You must book with your passport. Foreign passport holders cannot use the self-service kiosks — go to the manned counter to collect tickets. Arrive at the station 45-60 minutes before departure.
Train Types
| Type | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| G (高铁) | 300-350 km/h | Long distances, speed priority |
| D (动车) | 200-250 km/h | Mid-distance, good balance |
| C (城际) | 200 km/h | Short intercity routes |
| K/T (普速) | 120-160 km/h | Budget travel, overnight |
Fares
High-speed rail fares average around ¥0.40–0.55 per kilometer for second class. For example:
- Shanghai ↔ Beijing (1,318 km): ~¥500–670 (second class)
- Beijing ↔ Xi'an (1,216 km): ~¥450–620 (second class)
First class is roughly 1.5–2x the price; business class is 2.5–3x.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
DiDi (滴滴出行)
China's Uber. Download the English version ("DiDi - Greater China") before arrival.
- Payment: Linked to WeChat Pay or Alipay
- Types: Express (快车), Premier (专车), Taxi (出租车)
- Tip: Pin your location precisely on the map — addresses can be ambiguous
- Communication: Drivers rarely speak English. Use the in-app message translation
Street Taxis
- Hail by raising your hand. Available taxis have a green light on the roof.
- Ensure the driver uses the meter (打表). If they refuse, get another taxi.
- Have your destination written in Chinese characters.
- Tipping is not expected. Pay the metered fare rounded to the nearest yuan.
Important
Some taxi drivers may claim their meter is "broken" and quote a flat fare. This is usually 2-3x the metered price. Insist on the meter or find another taxi.
Buses
Buses are the cheapest way to get around (¥1-3 per ride) but can be confusing for non-Chinese speakers.
- Pay with transit QR code (WeChat/Alipay) or exact cash
- Use Amap or Baidu Maps for real-time bus locations and arrival times
- Rush hour buses are extremely crowded — avoid if possible
- Some cities have tourist bus lines with English announcements
Shared Bikes
Meituan (yellow), Hello (blue), and DiDi Bike (green) bikes are everywhere. Scan with WeChat or Alipay to unlock.
- Cost: ¥1.5-2 per 30 minutes
- Deposit: Usually not required for short-term use
- Tips: Check the bike condition before unlocking; park in designated areas only
- Safety: Bike lanes exist but are shared with scooters and e-bikes. Wear a helmet if you bring one.
Domestic Flights
For long distances (e.g., Beijing to Guangzhou), flying can be competitive with high-speed rail.
- Book via Trip.com, Ctrip, or airline apps
- Major carriers: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines
- Domestic flights are often delayed — build buffer time into your itinerary
- Airports are far from city centers; metro/airport express is usually fastest
Pro Tip
For city-to-city trips under 4 hours, high-speed rail is usually better than flying. City-center to city-center, fewer procedures than airports, and you can use your phone the whole time.
Quick Reference
| Scenario | Best Option | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Within a city, short trip | Metro or shared bike | ¥2-4 |
| Within a city, comfort | DiDi Express | ¥15-40 |
| City to city (<500km) | High-speed rail (G-train) | ~¥0.45/km |
| City to city (>1000km) | Domestic flight | Check booking sites |
| Late night, no metro | DiDi or taxi | ¥20-60 + night surcharge |