Getting Around
in China
Metro, buses, taxis, high-speed rail, and domestic flights — what first-time visitors should know before moving around China.
Last reviewed: June 2026
Quick answer
Quick answer
For most first-time visitors, use the metro in major cities, high-speed rail between major cities, and ride-hailing or taxis when traveling with luggage or late at night.
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.
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.
Choose transport by situation
Use this quick decision guide to choose the most practical transport option for common travel situations in China.
Metro
Moving around big cities
Use the metro for most city trips in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an, and other major cities. It is predictable, affordable, and avoids traffic.
High-speed rail
Traveling between major cities
Use high-speed rail for routes such as Beijing–Shanghai, Shanghai–Hangzhou, Xi’an–Chengdu, or Guangzhou–Shenzhen. Stations are usually central and trains are frequent.
Ride-hailing or taxi
With luggage or late at night
Use DiDi, Alipay ride-hailing, or a regular taxi when carrying luggage, arriving late, or traveling from airports and train stations to your hotel.
Bus
Short local trips or routes without metro
Use buses for known local routes, smaller cities, or places not covered by the metro. For first-time visitors, buses are usually easier when a map app gives you a clear route.