Getting Around in China

Gangxia North Metro Station in Shenzhen

China has one of the best and most modern transportation systems in the world. Traveling between cities and within them is generally efficient, modern, and affordable. Here's everything you need to know as a foreign traveler.

High-Speed Rail

High-speed trains are highly recommended for trips between major cities. They are clean, punctual, comfortable, and often faster than flying when you include airport time.

How Foreigners Can Book Trains in China:

Best booking platform for foreigners: Trip.com app
Booking process is quite straitghtforward
You will need your passport details for booking
At the station, go to your gate and use the "Special Assistance", "Foreigners" or "English" line. The automatic scanning gates which Chinese use with their identity cards may or may not work with your foreign passport.

Important Tip: It is not uncommon for cities to have multiple Railway Stations, make sure you go to the right one! Chinese railway stations are massive, often with multiple floors, long corridors, and many platforms. Security checks and ticket gates can take time. Give yourself at least 45–60 minutes before departure to navigate without stress.

Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station

Domestic Flights

Best for long distances, for example Beijing to Guilin, Shanghai to Chengdu, or Xi'an to Chongqing.

Major Airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines, and Juneyao.

How Foreigners Book:

Use Trip.com (easiest interface)
Or the airline's official app/website
You will need your passport details

Tips:

Domestic flights are cheap if booked in advance
Arrive 2 hours early for international-style security
Baggage allowance is usually 20kg checked + 5kg carry-on (Economy)
Important Security Tip - Power Banks on Domestic Flights: Chinese airports are very strict about power banks (portable chargers). They must have CCC certification (China Compulsory Certification). Power banks without the CCC mark are often confiscated at security.
- Look for the CCC logo (a small circular mark) on your power bank before traveling.
- Maximum capacity allowed is usually 100Wh (about 27,000mAh).

Metro & Public Buses

All major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, etc.) have excellent metro systems. Metro is fast, convenient, clean, and air-conditioned. It is extremely cheap (US $0.30 - $1 per ride)

How foreigneres can buy tickets and use public transport:

The easiest and most popular way for foreigners to buy tickets to use public transport in Chinese cities is with your smartphone through WeChat or Alipay mini-programs. No physical ticket needed.
Single-journey tickets or day passes are also available at machines.
Best app for navigating the Metro, the routes, maps, stations, costs, times, etc. is MetroMan which covers over 48 cities

How to Buy Metro & Bus Tickets Using WeChat (Recommended for most foreigners)

We find WeChat is generally easier than Alipay for metro/bus because the interface is simpler for international users.

1. Open WeChat on your smartphone

2. Tap Discover (bottom menu) → Mini Programs

3. In the search bar, type: "Metro" + city name

4. Open the official metro mini-program for that city

5. The mini-program will send you a verification code to your foreign phone number

6. Select your payment method: You can use your linked foreign bank card or the WeChat balance in your account

7. A QR code will appear which you scan at the metro gate upon entering and when exiting, the fare amount is calculated and deducted from your balance or charged to your card

For Buses: Same procedure, the metro mini-program also covers buses and other public transport. You scan the QR code on the bus directly.

Tip: If you are traveling to several cities, you can use this WeChat MiniProgram that covers multiple cities, so there is no need to download multiple MiniPrograms for each city you are visiting:

Navigating The Lines

Metro lines are numbered and color-coded.
Because trains run in both directions, you need to know the end station of your line to ensure you get on the right train. Follow signs labeled with the name of the last station on the line heading your way.
Maps are posted on platforms to help you trace your route

Metro stations in China have security checks at all entry points. Considering the amount of traffic that goes through the stations, we have never had to stand in a long line, it goes fairly quick.

Didi (China's Uber) – The Most Practical Way to Get Around Cities

Didi is extremely popular and often more convenient than taxis for foreigners.

How to Use Didi as a Foreigner:

Download the Didi app (or use it directly inside WeChat - easier for most people as your payment details are already set up and you can use the built-in chat function to communicate with the driver)
Open WeChat → Go to Discover → Mini Programs → Search for Didi
Register with your foreign phone number
Link your international credit card or use WeChat Pay / Alipay

Key Features:

The app and mini-program both work in English after you select language
You can enter destinations in English - Didi usually translates automatically
Shows driver's photo, license plate, and car details before arrival
Much cheaper and more reliable than traditional taxis

Pro Tip: Many foreigners find it easier to use Didi inside WeChat Mini Program rather than the separate app.

E-bikes & Shared Bikes

Many cities have shared bike systems (HelloBike, Meituan Bike, etc.)

How to Use:

Usually through Alipay or WeChat Pay
Scan QR code on the bike
Very cheap (often $0.15–$0.50 per 30 minutes)

Fun Option: Driverless Taxis (Robotaxis)

Getting around in China: Driverless Taxis

One of the most exciting ways to get around in China is riding in a fully driverless robotaxi!

Cities Where Available as of this writing (June 2026): Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chongqing, and more (Limited areas in the cities but expanding rapidly).

Main Companies:

Apollo Go (by Baidu) - The largest operator
Pony.ai — Very popular and advanced
WeRide — Also expanding quickly

How It Works:

Download the company's app
Register and set up payment. Important: At this time, most robotaxi services require a local Chinese phone number to register and book. Foreign phone numbers often don't work, and there are usually no English mini-programs available. Many travelers (including us) were unable to use them with international numbers.
Enter your destination, a confirmation code is generated
The car arrives with no driver
Enter the code on the digital pad. Get in, sit back, and enjoy the ride (there's usually a screen with information)

Fun Factor: It feels like science fiction! Great for photos and a memorable experience, especially in cities like Shanghai or Shenzhen.

General Tips for Foreigners for Getting Around in China

Payments: WeChat Pay and Alipay are essential.
Translation: Use AliPay / WeChat's built-in Translate function when needed
Safety: All major transport options in China are generally very safe.

Our Top Recommendation for First-Timers:

Use high-speed trains between cities and Didi + Metro inside cities. This combination is efficient, affordable, and manageable. Use domestic flights for longer distances.