🇨🇳 Getting Around in China – Trains, Subways, Ride-Hailing & What First-Time Travelers Should Know

🇨🇳 Getting Around in China – Trains, Subways, Ride-Hailing & What First-Time Travelers Should Know
China isn’t a place you simply visit. It’s a country you move through—by bullet train across rice fields, by subway under glowing cities, by foot through alleyways humming with everyday life. And once you start to understand how to get around, the chaos begins to feel almost poetic.

Whether you're heading from Shanghai to Suzhou or navigating Beijing’s subway lines, this guide will help you move with confidence through one of the world’s most vast and fascinating countries.

1. Domestic Travel in China – What to Expect
Getting from one city to another in China is often easier than it seems—especially if you plan ahead. Distances are long, but transportation is impressively efficient and modern.

High-Speed Rail (Gaotie): China’s pride. Fast, reliable, and covers almost every major destination.
Domestic Flights: Widely available but often subject to delays and stricter security checks.
Long-Distance Buses: Still used in rural areas but less popular among international travelers.
Private Drivers: Can be hired in tourist regions, especially for mountain villages or remote towns.
 
2. High-Speed Trains – The Best Way to See China
China’s high-speed rail network is the largest in the world—and riding it is a travel experience on its own.

Booking Tickets: Use platforms like Trip.com, 12306 China Railway (official), or go through a hotel/travel agency. Book early, especially on holidays.
Stations: Train stations are massive and resemble airports. Arrive at least 45–60 minutes early.
Types of Seats: Second Class (affordable), First Class (spacious), Business Class (luxury). Choose what fits your comfort and budget.
Luggage: You carry your own bags. There are overhead racks and limited space at the back of each carriage.
Train Etiquette: Quiet and respectful—no loud calls, no shoes on seats.
✨ Pro Tip: Download the “China Train Booking” app – it offers English support and e-tickets.

3. Subways – Navigating Big Cities Like a Local
If you're staying in urban hubs like Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu, the subway is your best friend.

Ticketing: You can buy single-use tokens or use transit cards (like Shanghai’s “Public Transportation Card”).
Payment: Alipay and WeChat Pay work at most gates. In some cities, international credit cards may not be accepted.
Signage: Mostly bilingual (Chinese + English), but don’t expect staff to speak English.
Peak Hours: Avoid 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM if possible. It gets very crowded.
 
4. Ride-Hailing Apps – Taxis, Didi, and Beyond
Traditional taxis still exist, but most locals and savvy travelers use Didi, China’s version of Uber.

Didi App: Available in English and works best with a local SIM card and Chinese bank card.
Foreign Cards: As of 2025, some Didi functions accept international cards via Apple Pay or through Alipay-linked services.
Language Barrier: Drivers may not speak English. Use the in-app chat translation feature or show your destination in Chinese characters.
🚕 Quick Tip: Always confirm your driver’s license plate. There are many look-alike cars in busy areas.

5. Buses, Bikes & Other Ways to Explore
City Buses: Extremely cheap but not tourist-friendly unless you know some Chinese.
Shared Bikes (Mobike, HelloBike): Great for short rides, available in most big cities.
Walking: Some neighborhoods are best explored on foot—especially old towns, food streets, and traditional hutongs.
 
6. Travel Apps You’ll Want to Download
Here’s your essential toolkit for getting around:

Baidu Maps – Google Maps doesn’t work well in China. Baidu is more accurate.
AutoNavi (Gaode) – Another great local navigation app.
MetroMan – Subway maps for all major Chinese cities.
Pleco – An excellent Chinese-English dictionary that works offline.
WeChat / Alipay – For scanning QR codes and paying for almost everything.
 
7. Final Thoughts – Moving Through China with Flow
At first, getting around in China might feel overwhelming. But then the rhythm takes over—the gentle glide of a train, the hum of a subway, the quiet nod of a driver who doesn’t speak your language but knows where you’re going.

Don’t rush to control it all. Let yourself be carried. Traveling in China isn’t just about where you go—it’s about how you move, how you observe, how you slowly start to belong to the moment.

 
With care and clarity,
Kim Ngân – storyteller & slow traveler