Getting around China: trains, taxis & city transit
China's transportation can feel overwhelming — bullet trains that hit 350 km/h, subway systems in 40+ cities, and a taxi app that doesn't look like Uber. But once you know the 3-4 tools that matter, getting around becomes surprisingly smooth.
Choose rail or air by the whole journey
High-speed rail is often the most practical choice between major cities, but compare the full door-to-door journey: airport transfers, check-in time, station location, baggage rules, departure times and the ticket terms you can actually use. The table below is a planning guide, not a live timetable.
| Route | Time |
|---|---|
| Beijing → Shanghai | ~4.5 hours |
| Beijing → Xi'an | ~4.5 hours |
| Xi'an → Chengdu | ~3.5 hours |
| Chengdu → Shanghai | ~10 hours — fly this one |
Check the official sale window, then choose a channel
12306 is China Railway's official service for timetable, ticket and change/refund information. The standard advance-sale window has commonly been 15 days, but China Railway can make route- or holiday-specific changes, so check the live sale date and time for your train rather than treating this as a guarantee.
Some travellers prefer an English-language intermediary for a different checkout or support flow. Trip.com is one such option and this link is an affiliate link. Compare its service fee, refund terms and passport-name requirements with the official channel before paying. Use the exact passport that appears on the reservation when you travel.
Stations run like airports
Allow more time than you would for a local metro trip, especially at a first-time station, on a holiday or with luggage. A typical flow is:
- Enter with your passport and booking details — stations normally have a security check; follow staff and posted signs.
- Find the departure board and waiting area — verify train number, station and departure time rather than relying only on an app notification.
- Use the passport associated with the booking at the gate — if a gate cannot read it, ask railway staff for help instead of trying another passenger's lane.
- Board only when your train is called — keep valuables and the original passport with you; luggage space and boarding procedures differ by train type.
Use the metro first; treat payment methods as city-specific
Most large-city metros have useful English signage, but payment rules, line counts, fares and accessibility arrangements change. Check the official city transit operator or station notice for the current fare and last-train information.
| City | Save this in your map | First thing to check |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 北京地铁 / Beijing Subway | Station exit, last train and payment options at your starting station |
| Shanghai | 上海地铁 / Shanghai Metro | Correct interchange and the exit closest to your destination |
| Xi'an | 西安地铁 / Xi'an Metro | Whether the destination is near the correct entrance, not just in the same district |
| Chengdu | 成都地铁 / Chengdu Metro | Live route after a cross-city journey and the final-service time |
How to pay: A local transport QR, bank card, mobile wallet or physical transit card may be accepted depending on the city and gate. Set up and test your chosen method before relying on it for a late return; keep enough battery and ask station staff where to buy a physical ticket if needed.
Buses can be useful, but a first-time visitor may find a metro route easier to verify. Use the map and the destination name in Chinese, not only a translated stop name.
DiDi is your Uber
Install DiDi before you need it, then check whether registration and payment work on your own phone. The available interface, payment options and pickup rules can differ by city and airport.
- Accept the fare and vehicle only inside the app, then match the plate number before entering.
- Save the hotel address in Chinese and use the app's in-app message or translation feature if the driver contacts you.
- At airports and major stations, follow the signed ride-hailing or taxi procedure for that terminal; do not assume every terminal uses the same pickup point.
Compare airport-transfer options on Trip.com (affiliate link) → As a non-affiliate alternative, compare the signed airport taxi/ride-hailing procedure at your actual terminal and the fare shown in the official transport app before accepting a ride.
Save your hotel's Chinese address as a screenshot. When the DiDi driver calls to confirm your pickup, you can show them the address. Most drivers don't speak English, but they understand a saved address card instantly.
Fly the long hops; navigate with Apple Maps
For long hops, compare rail duration with the entire flight journey, including the two airport transfers and baggage policy. You can book through an airline, an official route search or an intermediary; before payment, check the fare family, baggage allowance, change rules and the airport actually serving your city.
| App | Best for | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Apple Maps | Walking and general orientation | Check the live route against station signs and save the Chinese address |
| Amap | Local driving and transit details | Its interface and features may be primarily Chinese; test it before relying on it |
| DiDi | Ride-hailing where available | Confirm registration, payment and the terminal-specific pickup point on your own device |
Quick checklist
- Install the official 12306 app/site and any intermediary you may compare before your flight.
- Check the live sale date for each intercity train; do not assume every route or holiday follows the same pattern.
- Save your hotel addresses as screenshots.
- Save your route and the Chinese destination name in at least one map app that works on your device.
- Test a transport payment method early, or plan to buy a ticket/card from station staff.
When transport goes sideways (the small problems)
| Problem | Why | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| "12306 will not complete my purchase" | Payment, identity verification or the sale window may be the issue | Read the official error and current ticket rules first. If you use another channel, compare its fee and terms; never enter a different passport name to force a booking. |
| The gate cannot read the passport | The document or reservation needs staff review | Ask railway staff at the gate for the correct process. Keep your train number, departure time and booking details ready. |
| You miss a train | Station access, security or a connection took longer than expected | Go to the official service desk and ask what change or refund options apply to your exact ticket. Terms vary, so do not assume a free same-day change. |
| A driver cannot find you | Terminal pickup areas and map pins can be precise | Follow the terminal signs, use the in-app pin and share a clear landmark or Chinese address. Cancel only after checking the app's cancellation terms. |
| Transit payment fails | The wallet, card, QR code or battery is not ready | Ask the station for the accepted alternatives. Carry a backup payment method and do not discover a city's payment setup on your last train home. |
China's transport network is world-class. The only thing standing between you and a smooth trip is knowing which 3 apps to have on your phone, and what to do when a gate or a driver doesn't cooperate. Once they're set up, you're ready to go anywhere.