Transport
Transport Guides
Learn how to book high-speed train tickets, use Didi ride-hailing, and navigate public transport in China as a foreign visitor.
China has one of the most advanced and extensive transport networks in the world, making it remarkably easy to travel between and within cities. The crown jewel is the high-speed rail network — the largest on Earth — connecting most major cities with trains reaching 350 km/h. A journey from Beijing to Shanghai takes just 4.5 hours, while Beijing to Xian is about 4 hours. Trains are categorized G (high-speed), D (fast), and K/T (regular), with G-trains being the most comfortable and popular for long-distance travel. Tickets can be booked through the official 12306 app or via Trip.com for English-language booking.
Within cities, subway systems are efficient, affordable, and tourist-friendly with English signage in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. DiDi (China's Uber) works seamlessly for foreigners — just download the app and link Alipay or WeChat Pay. Taxis are widely available but English communication can be challenging, so having destinations written in Chinese is helpful. Domestic flights are another good option for long distances, with major airlines like China Southern, Air China, and China Eastern offering competitive prices. For the full experience, combine high-speed rail between regions with subway and DiDi for local transport.
Featured transport guides
High-Speed Rail GuideBook tickets, choose classes, navigate stations
12306 Train BookingStep-by-step guide with foreign passport
DiDi Ride-HailingHow to use China ride-hailing as a foreign tourist
Airport TransfersBeijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou guides
Transport planning paths
Long-distance trains
Use this for city-to-city planning, seat classes, passport entry, and station timing.
Airport arrival
Compare metro, taxi, ride-hailing, and airport rail for the first ride into town.
Ride-hailing
Set up DiDi, use translated pickup pins, and reduce driver-call friction.
Metro systems
Learn QR tickets, transfers, and rush-hour habits through the Shanghai example.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners book China high-speed rail tickets online?
Yes. The official 12306 app supports foreign passport registration, and Trip.com is the easier backup for most visitors.
Is high-speed rail better than flying inside China?
For many routes under about 1,000 km, trains are often easier once airport time and security checks are included.
How do foreigners use DiDi in China?
Download the app, register with your passport and foreign number, then link Alipay or WeChat Pay for payment.
Can I use metro and bus systems without Chinese payment apps?
In many cities you can use single tickets, but Alipay or WeChat QR codes are faster and more practical once your payment setup works.
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