Getting Around
in China
Metro, buses, taxis, high-speed rail, and domestic flights — what first-time visitors should know before moving around China.
Quick advice
Choose the right transport
Open a detailed guide based on how you plan to travel.
Metro
Best for city travel in major Chinese cities.
Bus
Useful for short local routes, but less beginner-friendly.
Taxi & Ride-hailing
Good with luggage, late nights, or when the metro is inconvenient.
High-speed Rail
Best for city-to-city travel between major destinations.
Domestic Flights
Useful for very long distances or remote regions.
What first-time visitors should know
These points help you avoid the most common transport problems in China.
Metro is usually the easiest in major cities
Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Xi’an have extensive metro systems.
High-speed rail is often better than flying
For many city-to-city routes, high-speed rail is convenient, punctual, and avoids airport transfer time.
Ride-hailing is useful, but apps matter
DiDi is widely used. Taxis are available, but language and payment can be harder for first-time visitors.
Mobile payment is important
Transport apps, metro QR codes, taxis, and ticket purchases often work best with Alipay or WeChat Pay.
Simple transport plan
A practical way to choose transport for different travel situations.
Within a city
Start with metro. It is usually the simplest and most predictable option.
Short local trips
Use taxi or ride-hailing when the metro is inconvenient, especially with luggage.
Between nearby cities
Choose high-speed rail when available. It is often faster door to door than flying.
Long-distance trips
Compare high-speed rail and flights based on total travel time, luggage, and station or airport location.