How to Get Around in China

China, with its vast territory and diverse landscapes, has developed an extensive transportation network to connect its cities, towns, and rural areas. When traveling in China, transportation becomes a vital consideration. The country harbors one of the world's most advanced public transportation systems, encompassing extensive railways, highways, urban metros, and bus routes.

Interprovincial (Intercity) Travel Strategies

High-speed Rail/Bullet Trains: China's high-speed rail network is exceptionally developed, with a total length exceeding 35,000 kilometers, linking numerous major cities and even county seats. Featuring seamless steel tracks and ballast-free tracks, these trains ensure smooth operation and provide a comfortable travel experience. With speeds ranging from 250 to 350 kilometers per hour, high-speed trains have become a primary mode of short-distance travel in China, ideal for journeys within approximately 1000 kilometers or around 5 hours.

Air Travel: For traversing longer distances between provinces, such as from Beijing to Shenzhen, airplanes offer the best option. Additionally, air travel is optimal for urgent business meetings or when time constraints necessitate swift arrival at the destination. When flight prices are comparable to or even cheaper than high-speed train tickets, air travel becomes a preferable choice.

Apart from these mainstream transportation options, if you're on a limited budget, long-distance buses and coaches are an economical choice. However, they tend to be more time-consuming and draining. Buses and station shuttles typically connect different regions within cities and nearby cities, suitable for short-distance travel and small towns without high-speed train access, such as from Guilin to the ancient town of Fenghuang in Hunan.

Urban Transportation Strategies

Subway/Metro: Most major Chinese cities boast subway systems, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, and Chengdu, among others. Subways are the most convenient, safe, comfortable, and expedient means of urban transportation. Equipped with bilingual announcements and signage, they facilitate navigation for foreign tourists. With strict security systems, comfortable air conditioning, and reliability, subways ensure safety and comfort, alleviating concerns about traffic congestion.

Bus: Buses are also common modes of urban transportation. However, they may be crowded compared to subways and are generally less comfortable. Additionally, most buses have only one staff member – the driver, making it essential for foreign tourists unfamiliar with Chinese and navigating the country for the first time to do their homework to avoid boarding the wrong bus or missing stops.

Taxi/Ridesharing: If you're unfamiliar with the city, especially its public transportation system, or traveling at night, taxis or ridesharing services are excellent choices. While most taxi drivers may not speak English, it's advisable to have the destination's address in Chinese. Alternatively, with ridesharing, you simply input the correct pickup and drop-off locations, then wait for the driver to transport you to your destination.

Boat/Ferry: When visiting coastal cities or islands, consider taking boats or ferries. For instance, when touring Xiamen, you'll need to take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, a must-see attraction. Similarly, when exploring Shanghai, a cruise along the Huangpu River is an unmissable activity. At night, tourists can enjoy the essence of Shanghai sightseeing along the Huangpu River, indulging in leisure after a day of intensive touring.

Intercounty (Suburban) Travel Strategies

Bus/Shuttle: Some beautiful natural landscapes and attractions are often located in suburban or county areas, requiring specialized buses or shuttles for access. However, drivers typically do not speak Chinese.

Private Transfer (Chartered Vehicle): If you seek more convenience and customized experiences during your journey, are heading to remote or less accessible areas, or are traveling with family and friends, private transfers are recommended. With chartered vehicles, you can freely arrange your itinerary, duration of stays, and routes. Chartered vehicles often provide more comfortable transportation, allowing you to enjoy a private travel experience without sharing space with strangers.