China has one of the best transportation networks in the world. High-speed trains connect most major cities. Metro systems are modern and cheap. Ride-hailing apps are everywhere.
The challenge for tourists isn't the infrastructure. It's figuring out which apps to use and how to navigate without reading Chinese.
Metro / Subway
Every major Chinese city has a metro system. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi'an, and many others. They're clean, fast, and very affordable (3-8 Yuan per ride, about $0.50-1.00 USD).
How to ride the metro
Open Alipay and search for the city's metro mini-program
Scan the QR code at the turnstile to enter
Ride to your stop and scan again to exit. The fare is deducted automatically.
You can also buy single-ride tokens at ticket machines (English available in big cities) or get a physical transit card if staying multiple days.
💡 Tip: Download the metro map for your city before you go underground. Cell signal can be weak in some stations. Amap or Apple Maps both show metro routes with English station names.
High-Speed Trains
China's high-speed rail network is the largest in the world. Beijing to Shanghai takes about 4.5 hours. Chengdu to Xi'an is about 3 hours. It's often faster than flying when you factor in airport wait times.
How to book and ride
Book on Trip.com (English, accepts international cards) at least a few days ahead
Arrive at the station 30+ minutes early. Security checks take time.
Use the passport lane at the gate. Regular Chinese ID gates won't work.
⚠️ Heads up: Train stations in China are huge. Your gate might be a 10-minute walk from the entrance. Give yourself plenty of time, especially for your first trip.
Ride-Hailing (Didi)
Didi is China's Uber equivalent. It's the most common way to get a car in Chinese cities.
How to use Didi
Download the Didi app (it has an English version)
Enter your destination in English or Chinese. The app shows the driver your destination in Chinese.
Pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or a foreign card. Prices are shown upfront (15-40 Yuan, $2-6 USD).
💡 Tip: If you can't find your Didi driver, share your location on the map. Most drivers don't speak English, but the app handles communication through text templates.
Regular Taxis
Taxis are available in all cities, but ride-hailing is usually cheaper and easier. If you do take a taxi:
- Make sure the meter is running
- Have your destination written in Chinese characters on your phone to show the driver
- Most taxis accept mobile payment. Some still take cash.
- Airport taxi queues are well-organized and safe
Between Cities: Train vs. Flight
Take the train. Faster door-to-door than flying.
Either works. Train is more scenic. Flight is faster but more waiting.
Flying is probably better. Domestic flights are affordable.
Quick Summary
- ✅ Metro: Use Alipay QR to scan and ride. Cheap and efficient.
- ✅ High-speed trains: Book on Trip.com with your passport. Arrive early.
- ✅ Didi: Download the app. Enter destination in English. Pay with Alipay.
- ✅ Maps: Amap or Apple Maps work best. Google Maps doesn't.
- ❌ Don't use Google Maps for navigation in China. It's inaccurate and often blocked.
Need help getting around?
Our local team can help you plan routes, book train tickets, and troubleshoot apps in real time on WhatsApp.
Chat With Us Free →