Transportation in China
Navigate China efficiently with these transportation options
🚄 High-Speed Rail (CRH)
China's extensive high-speed rail network is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between cities.
Key Routes:
- • Beijing ↔ Shanghai (4.5-6 hours)
- • Beijing ↔ Guangzhou (8 hours)
- • Shanghai ↔ Shenzhen (8 hours)
- • Beijing ↔ Xi'an (4.5 hours)
Booking Tips:
- • Book via 12306.cn or Trip.com
- • Bring passport for ticket collection
- • Arrive 30 minutes early
- • Choose business class for comfort
🚇 Metro Systems
Most major Chinese cities have excellent metro systems. Clean, efficient, and affordable.
Payment
- • City-specific metro cards
- • Mobile payments (WeChat/Alipay)
- • Some accept UnionPay
Navigation
- • English signs in major cities
- • Download offline metro maps
- • Rush hours: 7-9am, 5-7pm
Etiquette
- • Let passengers exit first
- • Priority seats for elderly
- • Keep conversations quiet
💡 Travel Tips
Essential Apps:
- • Maps.me: Offline maps
- • Citymapper: Public transport
- • Google Translate: For directions
- • 12306: Train bookings
General Tips:
- • Always carry your passport
- • Have destinations written in Chinese
- • Download offline transportation apps
- • Keep small bills for local transport