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🚄Getting around
World-class high-speed rail between cities, cheap clean metros within them, and ride-hailing that works in English — moving around China is one of its great pleasures.
- Between cities
- High-speed rail (CR)
- In cities
- Metro + DiDi
- Book trains
- Railway 12306 / Trip.com
- Maps
- Amap / Apple Maps
High-speed rail (the headline act)
Trains are fast, punctual and reach almost everywhere. Book on the official Railway 12306 app (English supported) or Trip.com. Your passport is your ticket — scan it at the gate.
- Arrive 30–40 min early; big stations have airport-style security.
- Second class is comfortable for most trips; business/first for long hauls.
- Seat classes and station names show in English on 12306 and Trip.com.
City metros
Metros are cheap, fast and signed in English. Pay by scanning a transit QR in Alipay/WeChat, or buy a single-journey token from machines (which take cash and sometimes cards).
Taxis & ride-hailing
- DiDi (China's Uber) has an English in-app experience and links to your foreign card via Alipay/WeChat.
- Street taxis use the meter — insist on it; have your destination written in Chinese.
- Avoid unmarked 'black cabs' outside stations and airports.
Airports & intercity buses
Major cities have metro or fast airport rail links. For places without rail, long-distance buses fill the gaps — ask your hotel to help book regional routes.
Planning the trip itself?