Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Google Maps in China?
No — Google is blocked. Use Baidu Maps (best, Chinese), Apple Maps (works okay), or Gaode Maps (高德地图).
Do I need cash for transportation?
Mostly no: metro takes transit cards or mobile payment, Didi is paid in-app, trains book online, and taxis accept WeChat/Alipay. Cash is still useful for small taxis that don't accept mobile, emergencies, and rural areas.
How do I navigate if I don't read Chinese?
Tools: a translation app (screenshot signs), bilingual metro maps (in app or station), a dropped pin in a maps app to show the driver, and hotel business cards with the address in Chinese.
Is transportation safe for foreigners?
Yes, very safe: low crime rate, trains and metros have security, and Didi/taxis are regulated. Scams exist but are rare with mobile apps. Stay alert for pickpockets in crowded metros, overcharging by unlicensed taxis, and traffic when biking.
Can I travel between cities without Chinese?
Yes: book trains on English apps (Trip.com), train stations have English signs, download an offline translator, and hotels can help with bookings.
What's the best taxi app in China for foreigners?
Didi (滴滴出行) — it's China's equivalent of Uber and has an English interface, in-app translation, and international card payment. Note that the Uber app does not work in China (Uber sold its China operations to Didi in 2016), so Didi (or local rival Caocao) is what you'll actually use. See our Didi guide for foreigners for setup steps.
How do tourists pay for the metro in China?
Easiest options: generate a transit QR code inside WeChat Pay or Alipay (no deposit needed), or buy a single-journey ticket with cash (¥5/¥10/¥20 notes) at station machines. For stays of 3+ days, a refundable ¥20 transit card is fastest. Details in our China metro guide.
Quick Summary: China has world-class public transportation. Metro is cheapest and fastest in cities. Didi (like Uber) works everywhere with English interface. High-speed trains connect major cities in hours. Payment: WeChat Pay or Alipay required for most services. Download apps before arrival.
Overview of Transportation in China
China’s transportation infrastructure is among the world’s best. Here’s what’s available:
Urban Transportation
| Type | Best For | Cost Range | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metro/Subway | City travel, avoiding traffic | ¥2-10 ($0.30-1.50) | Transit card, WeChat/Alipay |
| Didi (Ride-hailing) | Door-to-door, heavy luggage | ¥15-100 ($2-15) | In-app (WeChat/Alipay/card) |
| Taxi | When Didi unavailable | ¥15-80 ($2-12) | Cash, WeChat/Alipay |
| Bus | Budget travel, local experience | ¥1-3 ($0.15-0.45) | Transit card, WeChat/Alipay |
| Shared Bike | Short distances, flexibility | ¥1-3/hour ($0.15-0.45) | In-app (deposit required) |
Inter-City Transportation
| Type | Best For | Speed | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| High-Speed Train (动车/高铁) | 100-1,500 km trips | 250-350 km/h | 12306.cn or Trip.com |
| Regular Train | Overnight journeys, budget | 80-160 km/h | 12306.cn or Trip.com |
| Domestic Flight | 1,500+ km trips | Fast | Ctrip, Trip.com |
| Long-Distance Bus | Budget, no train service | 80-100 km/h | Station or apps |
Metro/Subway Systems
Major Cities with Metro
| City | Lines | Stations | Daily Ridership |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 27 | 459 | 10M+ |
| Shanghai | 20 | 508 | 11M+ |
| Guangzhou | 16 | 315 | 9M+ |
| Shenzhen | 16 | 343 | 6M+ |
| Chengdu | 13 | 373 | 4M+ |
| Hangzhou | 11 | 271 | 3M+ |
| Nanjing | 11 | 206 | 3M+ |
| Wuhan | 12 | 288 | 3M+ |
Other cities: Xi’an, Tianjin, Suzhou, Chongqing, Zhengzhou (40+ cities total)
How to Use Metro
Step 1: Download Metro App (Optional but Helpful)
| City | Recommended App |
|---|---|
| Beijing | Beijing Subway |
| Shanghai | Metro Metropolis |
| Guangzhou | 广州地铁 (Guangzhou Metro) |
| All cities | Explore Metro (multilingual) |
Features: Route planning, real-time arrivals, station maps, exit information
Step 2: Payment Options
Option A: Physical Transit Card (推荐 for 3+ day stays)
| City | Card Name | Where to Buy | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 一卡通 (Yikatong) | Metro stations, convenience stores | ¥20 refundable |
| Shanghai | 交通卡 (Public Transportation Card) | Metro stations, convenience stores | ¥20 refundable |
| Guangzhou | 羊城通 (Yangchengtong) | Metro stations | ¥20 refundable |
| Shenzhen | 深圳通 (Shenzhentong) | Metro stations | ¥20 refundable |
Advantages:
- Faster than mobile payment
- Works on buses too
- Small discount (5-10% off)
- Can be refunded when leaving
Option B: WeChat Pay / Alipay QR Code
- Open WeChat or Alipay
- Find “Metro/Transport” feature
- Generate QR code
- Scan at turnstile
- Auto-deduct fare
Advantages:
- No card needed
- No deposit
- Track spending
Option C: Single-Journey Ticket (现金)
- Buy from ticket machines
- Select destination
- Pay cash (machines accept ¥5, ¥10, ¥20 notes)
- Insert ticket at turnstile
- Keep until exit
Step 3: Navigation Tips
- Find right line: Check metro map or app
- Check direction: Read station names at both ends (e.g., “Line 1 towards [End Station]”)
- Follow signs: Bilingual (Chinese/English) in major cities
- Exit numbers: Know which exit is closest to destination (check maps app)
- Peak hours: Avoid 7:30-9:00 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM if possible
Metro Etiquette
Do:
- Stand on right side of escalators (left for walking)
- Let passengers exit before boarding
- Give seats to elderly, pregnant women, children
- Keep belongings close
Don’t:
- Eat or drink (fines apply)
- Play loud music
- Block doors
- Take up multiple seats
Didi (Ride-Hailing)
Didi is China’s dominant ride-hailing app (similar to Uber). Essential for travelers.
Setting Up Didi
Step 1: Download App
- iOS: App Store (search “Didi”)
- Android: Google Play (download before China) or APK
Step 2: Registration
- Open app
- Select language (English available)
- Enter phone number (Chinese or international)
- Verify via SMS
- Add payment method:
- WeChat Pay (easiest)
- Alipay
- International credit card (Visa, Mastercard)
Step 3: First Ride
- Enter destination (English addresses work in major cities)
- Choose service type
- Confirm pickup location
- Request ride
- Track driver in real-time
- Auto-pay after arrival
Service Types and Prices
| Service | Description | Price Range (10km) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Express (快车) | Standard car, economy | ¥20-35 ($3-5) | Most trips |
| Premier (专车) | Better car, professional driver | ¥40-70 ($6-10) | Business, comfort |
| Luxe (豪华车) | Luxury vehicle | ¥80-150 ($12-22) | Special occasions |
| Hitch (顺风车) | Ride-sharing with locals | ¥10-20 ($1.50-3) | Budget (less reliable) |
| Bike (单车) | E-bikes for short trips | ¥5-15 ($0.70-2) | <5 km trips |
Surge pricing: 1.2x-2x during rush hour, rain, or high demand
Didi Tips for Foreigners
Communication:
- App has built-in translation
- Driver can call (use translate app if needed)
- Screenshot destination in Chinese characters
Address Input:
- Use map to drop pin if address search fails
- Landmarks work well (e.g., “Starbucks on Nanjing Road”)
- Hotels usually have Chinese address cards
Safety:
- Check license plate matches app
- Share trip details with friend (in-app feature)
- Rate driver after trip
Saving Money:
- Compare prices across service types
- Avoid rush hour if flexible
- Use coupons (often given to new users)
Taxis
Traditional taxis still widely available, though Didi is more convenient.
How to Hail a Taxi
Method 1: Street Hailing
- Look for lit “空车” (available) sign on roof
- Wave at approaching taxi
- Driver may refuse if destination is inconvenient (technically not allowed, but happens)
Method 2: Taxi Stands
- Found at airports, train stations, tourist spots
- Queue and wait your turn
- Usually more reliable than street hailing
Taxi Fares
| City | Starting Fare (3 km) | Per KM After |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | ¥13 ($1.90) | ¥2.3 |
| Shanghai | ¥14 ($2.00) | ¥2.5 |
| Guangzhou | ¥12 ($1.70) | ¥2.6 |
| Shenzhen | ¥10 ($1.45) | ¥2.4 |
| Chengdu | ¥9 ($1.30) | ¥1.9 |
Night surcharge: +20% after 11 PM
Tolls: You pay highway tolls (added to fare)
Taxi Tips
Payment:
- WeChat Pay / Alipay (show QR code)
- Cash (always carry small bills)
- Credit cards rarely accepted
Communication:
- Have destination written in Chinese
- Use translation app
- Show map location
Avoid scams:
- Insist on meter (“请打表” = qǐng dǎ biǎo)
- Official taxis have company name, license number
- Avoid “black cabs” at airport/station (unlicensed)
- Take receipt (has taxi ID for lost items/complaints)
High-Speed Trains (高铁)
China’s high-speed rail network is the world’s largest and most advanced.
Popular Routes and Times
| Route | Distance | Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing - Shanghai | 1,318 km | 4.5-6 hours | 100+ trains/day |
| Shanghai - Hangzhou | 159 km | 1 hour | 200+ trains/day |
| Guangzhou - Shenzhen | 102 km | 30 mins | 300+ trains/day |
| Beijing - Xi’an | 1,088 km | 4.5-6 hours | 50+ trains/day |
| Shanghai - Suzhou | 84 km | 25-30 mins | 200+ trains/day |
Train types:
- G trains (高铁): Fastest (300-350 km/h)
- D trains (动车): Fast (200-250 km/h)
- C trains (城际): Intercity express
Booking Train Tickets
Option 1: Official Website (12306.cn)
Pros: Best prices, most availability Cons: Chinese interface, requires Chinese phone number for registration, payment difficult for foreigners
Option 2: Third-Party Apps (Recommended)
| App | Commission | English Support | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trip.com | ¥10-30 ($1.50-4.50) | Excellent | International cards |
| Ctrip (携程) | ¥10-30 | Good | International cards |
| Klook | ¥15-40 | Excellent | International cards |
Booking process:
- Select route and date
- Choose train and class
- Enter passenger info (passport name, number)
- Pay online
- Receive booking confirmation
When to book:
- High season (holidays): 30 days in advance
- Peak days (Friday, Sunday): 7-14 days ahead
- Regular days: 1-7 days is fine
Ticket Classes and Prices
Example: Shanghai to Beijing (1,318 km, ~5 hours)
| Class | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Second Class (二等座) | ¥550 ($80) | Standard seats, 5 seats per row, most popular |
| First Class (一等座) | ¥930 ($135) | Wider seats, 4 per row, more space |
| Business Class (商务座) | ¥1,750 ($255) | Reclining seats, lounge access, meals |
Budget option: D trains are 20-30% cheaper than G trains, take 1-2 hours longer
At the Train Station
Arrival time: 30-60 minutes before departure
Process:
- Security check: All bags scanned, ID/passport checked
- Ticket collection: Show booking code at machines or counter (if booked online)
- Find waiting area: Check departure board, go to designated area
- Board train: Gates open 10-15 minutes before departure
- Find seat: Car number outside, seat number inside
Station tips:
- Stations are massive (size of airports)
- Follow signs for “High-Speed Rail” (高铁)
- English announcements in major stations
- Food courts and shops inside
- Free WiFi available
On the Train
Amenities:
- Power outlets at every seat
- WiFi (usually available, sometimes slow)
- Dining car (snacks, instant noodles, meal boxes)
- Clean restrooms
- Luggage racks overhead and at car ends
Food:
- Bring your own (cheaper)
- Buy from cart service (¥15-40)
- Dining car (¥40-80)
- Pre-order meal when booking (some apps offer)
Buses
City Buses
Pros: Very cheap (¥1-2), extensive coverage Cons: Crowded, Chinese-only announcements, complex routes
How to use:
- Install bus app (e.g., “Real-time Bus” / 实时公交)
- Check route and stops
- Board at front or rear door (varies by city)
- Pay via transit card or mobile payment
- Press button for stop (or automatic)
Best for: Daytime travel, when metro doesn’t go where you need
Long-Distance Buses
When to use: No train service, remote areas, budget travel
Booking:
- Station ticket counter
- Trip.com, Ctrip (limited routes)
- Bus station apps
Comfort levels:
- Regular seats
- Sleeper buses (卧铺) for overnight
- Luxury buses (more expensive, like flights)
Tip: High-speed trains are usually better value for time and comfort
Shared Bikes and E-Scooters
Major Providers
| Brand | Color | Deposit (可退) | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meituan | Yellow | ¥99 or credit score | ¥1.5/15 min |
| Hellobike | Blue | Credit score | ¥1.5/15 min |
| Didi Bike | Orange | In-app wallet | ¥1.5/15 min |
Note: “Credit score” refers to Alipay Sesame Credit (芝麻信用) score >650
How to Use
- Download app (Meituan, Hellobike, or use WeChat mini-program)
- Register and pay deposit (or link Alipay credit)
- Find nearby bike on map
- Scan QR code on bike
- Unlock and ride
- Park in designated area (white parking boxes)
- Lock bike in app
- Auto-charge to WeChat/Alipay
Rules and Tips
Do:
- Park in designated white boxes
- Lock properly after use
- Follow traffic rules (bike lanes)
Don’t:
- Park randomly (fines apply)
- Ride on sidewalks (where prohibited)
- Take bike upstairs or inside buildings
Safety:
- Traffic can be chaotic
- Wear helmet if provided
- Be extremely cautious at intersections
- Avoid busy roads during rush hour
Airports and Airport Transportation
Major International Airports
| Airport | Code | City | Transport to City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing Capital | PEK | Beijing | Airport Express (25 min, ¥25) |
| Beijing Daxing | PKX | Beijing | Daxing Express (20 min, ¥35) |
| Shanghai Pudong | PVG | Shanghai | Maglev (8 min, ¥50) + Metro |
| Shanghai Hongqiao | SHA | Shanghai | Metro Line 2 (direct, 40 min) |
| Guangzhou Baiyun | CAN | Guangzhou | Metro Line 3 (35 min, ¥7) |
| Shenzhen Bao’an | SZX | Shenzhen | Metro Line 11 (35 min, ¥8) |
| Chengdu Shuangliu | CTU | Chengdu | Metro Line 10 (25 min, ¥10) |
Airport to City Options
Metro (Best Value):
- ¥7-35
- 25-60 minutes
- Avoid if lots of luggage
- Runs until ~11 PM
Airport Express Train:
- ¥25-50
- 20-30 minutes
- Luggage-friendly
- Limited stops
Taxi:
- ¥80-200 depending on distance
- 30-90 minutes (traffic dependent)
- Fixed-price counters at some airports
- Avoid touts, use official stands
Didi:
- Similar price to taxi
- Book before exiting arrivals hall
- Easier payment (no cash needed)
- Track driver location
Private Transfer:
- ¥150-400
- Pre-booked via hotel or Klook/Trip.com
- Driver meets you with name sign
- Best for late arrivals or heavy luggage
Money-Saving Tips
Transportation Budget
Budget traveler (per day):
- Metro: ¥10-20
- Occasional Didi: ¥20-30
- Total: ¥30-50 ($4-7)
Moderate traveler (per day):
- Metro: ¥10
- Didi 2-3 times: ¥50-80
- Total: ¥60-90 ($8-13)
Comfort traveler (per day):
- Didi most trips: ¥100-150
- Occasional premier: ¥50
- Total: ¥150-200 ($22-30)
Saving Strategies
- Buy transit card — 5-10% discount on metro/bus
- Walk short distances — <1 km is walkable
- Use metro over Didi when possible (10x cheaper)
- Book trains early — Cheaper fares, more choices
- Travel off-peak — Avoid surge pricing
- Stay near metro — Hotels near stations save transport costs
- Use day passes — Some cities offer 1-day unlimited metro (¥18-25)
- Shared rides — Didi Hitch for budget option
Essential Apps
| App | Purpose | Must-Have? |
|---|---|---|
| Didi (滴滴出行) | Ride-hailing | Yes |
| WeChat (微信) | Payment, everything | Yes |
| Alipay (支付宝) | Payment, transit | Yes |
| Trip.com | Train/flight booking | Yes |
| Baidu Maps (百度地图) | Navigation (better than Google) | Yes |
| Metro apps | City-specific metro | Helpful |
| 12306 | Official train booking | Optional (use Trip.com instead) |
| Meituan (美团) | Bike sharing, food delivery | Helpful |
| Explore Metro | Multi-city metro maps | Helpful |
Download before arrival: Google Play is blocked in China
Related Guides
Within this transport series:
- China Metro Guide for Foreigners — City-by-city metro navigation
- China Train Tickets Guide — Booking high-speed rail step by step
- Didi for Foreigners Guide — Ride-hailing setup and tips
Essentials that make transport work:
- How to Pay in China — Set up WeChat Pay for transportation
- VPN for China — Access Google Maps and foreign apps
- eSIM for China — Stay connected on the go
Quick Reference Card
Most useful transportation:
- Metro (cities)
- Didi (taxis)
- High-speed trains (inter-city)
Payment setup:
- WeChat Pay + Alipay
Apps to download:
- Didi, Trip.com, Baidu Maps, Metro app
Typical costs:
- Metro ride: ¥2-10
- Didi (10 km): ¥20-35
- Train (Beijing-Shanghai): ¥550
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