China has one of the world’s most advanced transportation networks. Here is how to navigate it.
High-Speed Rail
42,000+ km of track — the world’s largest. Trains reach 350 km/h. Beijing-Shanghai: 4.5 hours. Book via 12306 app. Fares: Beijing-Shanghai ~550 RMB second class.
Metro Systems
40+ cities have metros. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu: extensive and easy to use. Get a transit card (一卡通) at any station — deposit 20 RMB, top up as needed.
Also worth reading:
Didi (滴滴)
China’s Uber — works in all major cities. Available in English in large cities. Pay by cash, Alipay, or WeChat Pay.
Domestic Flights
Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, Hainan Airlines. Rail is often faster door-to-door than flying on routes under 1,000 km.
More in our China Travel Tips Complete Guide.
