Chinatodo
This guide provides essential information on navigating within China's cities and traveling between them. For urban travel, metro systems offer fast, affordable, and efficient transportation, while taxis provide added convenience for longer trips at a higher cost. For intercity journeys, China's extensive air and high-speed train networks deliver comfortable and efficient travel options, ensuring a seamless experience across the country.
Table of Contents
Getting Around the City
When traveling in China, utilizing a reliable navigation app is crucial for efficiently moving around cities. With your routes planned, exploring becomes straightforward. Major cities boast well-developed metro systems with bilingual signage, making them an efficient and cost-effective choice. For added convenience, taxis are readily available, albeit at a higher price compared to public transportation. Below is a detailed breakdown of various city transportation options.
Using Navigation Map Apps
Amap (Gaode)
Amap (Gaode) is one of the most popular navigation apps in China, offering a wide range of features for seamless navigation. However, it is only available in Chinese. If you can read or understand some Chinese, Amap is an excellent choice available on both Android and iOS platforms.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps is the preferred navigation app for iPhone users traveling in China. It integrates local traffic and geographical data, providing navigation options for driving, walking, cycling, and public transportation. Users benefit from real-time traffic updates and comprehensive route planning.
Petal Maps
Since many Google services, including Google Maps, are restricted in China for Android users, Petal Maps serves as a recommended alternative. Despite a slightly more complex installation process, Petal Maps offers reliable navigation with features like real-time traffic updates and detailed maps, making it a practical tool for navigating Chinese cities.
Taking the Bus & Metro
Major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Chongqing have extensive metro systems that provide a quick, convenient, and affordable means of transportation, with fares starting as low as ¥2. All metro stations feature bilingual signs, displaying station names and directions in both Chinese and English, facilitating easy navigation for non-Chinese speakers.
Local buses are the most economical transportation option in Chinese cities. However, they can be less user-friendly for those who do not speak or read Chinese, as bus stops often lack English translations, making it difficult to determine when to disembark.
There are multiple payment methods for metro tickets. Below is a detailed guide on how to purchase tickets using different platforms.
Taking the Bus & Metro via Alipay
Open Alipay and Tap "Transport"
If you have already set up your bus/metro card, you will automatically skip to Step 3. If not, you will be directed to Step 2.
Set Up Your Bus/Metro Card
Tap "Get now" and follow the instructions to register and activate your Bus/Metro Card.
Use Your Bus/Metro Card
After setting up, simply present the QR code at the bus door or metro gate scanner to board.
Taking the Bus & Metro via Wechat
Scan the QR Code
If you have already set up your bus/metro card, simply access it via the "乘车码" mini app, and you'll be taken directly to Step 3. If not, the app will guide you to Step 2 for setup.
Set Up Your Bus/Metro Card
Tap "Go to activate" and follow the on-screen instructions to activate the Bus & Metro QR Card.
Use Your Bus/Metro Card
After activating your card, enter the "乘车码" mini app through WeChat's search function or by navigating through WeChat Pay. Once inside, simply scan the QR code at the bus or metro gate scanner to board.
Taking the Bus & Metro
You can purchase single-use metro tickets at station ATMs using Alipay, WeChat Pay, or cash. These machines typically offer an English option, and you'll receive a single-use card that you return at the ticket barrier when exiting.
Taking a Taxi
The most convenient and safest way to navigate cities in China is by using ride-hailing services like DiDi, which is similar to Uber and accessible through Alipay and WeChat. Ride-hailing is typically 20-30% cheaper than regular taxis. Licensed taxis are also a reliable option, though slightly more expensive. It's advisable to avoid unlicensed private cars, as they can be unreliable and unsafe.
You can access DiDi through a mini-app within Alipay or WeChat, and the mini-app interface is fully available in English. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use DiDi through these platforms.
Hail a taxi/car via Alipay
Open Alipay and Tap "DiDi Travel"
Launch the Alipay app, then select “DiDi Travel” from the service menu or search for it within the app.
Enter Pickup and Dropoff Locations
Input your current location and desired destination in the appropriate fields.
Select Car Type and Confirm
Choose the type of vehicle that fits your needs (e.g., economy, premium) and tap “Confirm” to finalize your booking.
Hail a taxi/car via Wechat
Open WeChat and Access DiDi Mini Program
Go to the "Me" section, then tap "Pay & Services", and under transportation options, select "DiDi" to access the mini program. Alternatively, you can search for "DiDi" directly using the search bar at the top of the WeChat homepage.
Enter Pickup and Dropoff Locations
Input your current location and desired destination in the appropriate fields.
Select Car Type and Confirm
Choose the type of vehicle that fits your needs (e.g., economy, premium) and tap “Confirm” to finalize your booking.
Traveling between cities by plane
In China, the most efficient method for foreigners to purchase airline tickets is directly through the airline's official website. These websites offer multilingual support and help avoid common booking hassles. Below are the official websites and customer service contact numbers for China's three major airlines.
| Airline | Official Website | Customer Service Hotline |
|---|---|---|
| Air China | https://www.airchina.com.cn/ | (+86-10) 95583 |
| China Eastern Airlines | https://www.ceair.com/ | 95530 |
| China Southern Airlines | https://www.csair.com/cn/ | 95539 |
Traveling between cities by train
China's vast territory and highly developed high-speed rail network make train travel one of the most efficient ways to explore the country. Foreign travelers can book tickets through apps like Trip.com or the official Railway 12306 app. Below is a detailed guide on how to book train tickets using these platforms, designed to help you navigate China's extensive rail system with ease.
Book train tickets via the Trip.com app
The Trip.com app allows travelers to reserve train tickets in China before they are officially released, offering convenience for those planning in advance. Although there is a slightly higher cost due to booking fees, the app's user-friendly interface and various payment options make it an excellent choice for foreigners.
Open Trip.com App and Select "Trains"
Launch the Trip.com app on your mobile device. From the home screen, tap on the "Trains" tab to begin searching for available train routes in China.
Enter Departure and Arrival Locations
Use the search bar to input your departure city and destination. You can also select the travel date and, if needed, a specific time window. Tap "Search" to view available trains.
Select Train and Ticket Type
Review the list of available trains and choose the one that fits your schedule. After selecting a train, choose your preferred seat class (e.g., second-class seat, soft sleeper) from the provided options.
Enter Passenger Information
Input the traveler's details exactly as they appear on the passport, including full name and passport number. For multiple travelers, you can add each passenger's details here.
Review Booking and Make Payment
Double-check all the information, including the selected train, departure time, seat type, and passenger details, to ensure everything is correct. Once reviewed, choose your payment method. Trip.com supports various options, including international credit/debit cards and PayPal. After confirming, proceed with the payment to secure your tickets.
Receive Your E-Ticket Confirmation
After payment, you will receive an e-ticket confirmation in the app. You can access this under the "Bookings" tab and use the provided QR code to collect your physical ticket at the train station or directly scan it at the gate if e-tickets are supported.
Book train tickets via the Railway 12306 app
Railway 12306 is the official app for booking train tickets in China, offering the advantage of no booking fees. However, the registration and verification process can be slightly more complex. This app is ideal for travelers booking closer to their departure date who want to avoid extra costs.
Register a New Account
Open the Railway 12306 app, go to "Me" in the bottom menu, then tap "Register". Fill in your information, including your passport number, full name (as shown on your passport), and an email address. Follow the on-screen prompts to verify your email and complete the account setup.
Complete Identity Verification
After registering, navigate to "Me" and select "Identity Verification". Submit your passport details and follow any further instructions, such as uploading a photo of your passport. Once verified, you'll be able to book tickets.
Search for Trains
Once your account is set up, use the search bar to enter your departure city, destination, and travel date. Tap "Search" to view all available trains for that route.
Select Train and Ticket Type
Browse the available trains, and select your preferred time and train type (e.g., high-speed or regular). Then, choose the type of seat or sleeper class (second-class, soft sleeper, etc.).
Enter Passenger Information
Input the necessary traveler information, including full name and passport details. If you're purchasing tickets for multiple people, repeat this process for each traveler.
Make Payment
Similar to the Trip.com process, double-check your selected train, seat class, and passenger details before proceeding to payment. Choose a payment method such as an international credit/debit card or PayPal, and then finalize your purchase.
Ticket Collection
After the purchase, you'll receive a confirmation with an e-ticket. Use the e-ticket to collect a physical ticket at the station or directly scan the QR code at the gate if e-tickets are accepted for your route.
