Trains, Bikes, Roads & Transit
Getting Around China
6 articles in this series
About this series
China's transport network is the best on earth — and completely bewildering the first time you use it. High-speed trains run at 350 km/h and are easier to board than a flight. City metro systems are clean, cheap, and signed in English. Long-distance cycling routes cross entire provinces. And the highway network now reaches every corner of the country.
These guides cover the practical details: how to book tickets, what the signs mean, when to choose train over plane, and how not to end up on the wrong platform.
Articles in this series (6)
🚇 Transportation
China Subway Survival Guide: Tickets, Apps & Tips for 6 Cities
Pay for every subway in China with Alipay's QR code. No ticket machine, no transit card. Tips for Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and more.
China Road Trip Guide: Routes, Rentals & the G318 on Two Wheels
How to self-drive in China — provisional license guide, 5 best road trip routes, EV rental tips, and motorcycle touring the G318. For overseas travelers.
18 min read
Missed Your Train in China? Here Is Exactly What to Do
You missed your train in China. Now what? Step-by-step: rebook at the station, get a refund, board the next train, and recover lost items from rail staff.
China High-Speed Rail Guide: How to Book, Board & Ride (2026)
Everything first-timers need to know about China's bullet trains: booking with Trip.com, getting through stations, seat classes, and mistakes to avoid.
Ready to explore China?
Browse destination guides, plan your route, or pick up practical tips before you go.