Introduction
China offers a wide variety of convenient and efficient transportation options for getting around. Whether you are traveling within a city or across the country, there are choices to suit every need and budget. This article will introduce you to the main travel methods in China, with a focus on ride – hailing services, along with necessary precautions, and the requirements and steps for foreigners.
Public Transportation
Subway
Subways are the backbone of urban transportation in many major Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. They are fast, punctual, and can take you to most popular destinations within the city.
Usage: You can purchase a single – trip ticket at the subway station’s vending machines. Most stations also support contactless payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay. For frequent travelers, a transportation card can be a more convenient option. In some cities, you can even use your mobile phone’s NFC function as a virtual transportation card.
Coverage: Subway lines in major cities cover extensive areas, connecting business districts, residential areas, and tourist attractions. For example, the Beijing Subway network has numerous lines that reach every corner of the city, making it easy to access places like the Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, and Beijing Capital International Airport (through the Airport Express Line).
Bus
Buses are another common and affordable way to get around. They have a wider coverage area compared to subways, reaching even some suburban and rural areas.
Usage: You can pay the fare in cash when boarding the bus. However, in many cities, using mobile payment methods (Alipay or WeChat Pay) is more convenient. There are usually QR codes on the bus for quick payment. Some cities also offer bus passes for long – term users.
Routes: Bus routes are well – planned, and bus stops are clearly marked. Although the journey may be slower than the subway due to traffic, it provides a great opportunity to enjoy the city scenery along the way.
High – Speed Rail
China’s high – speed rail network is one of the most extensive and advanced in the world. It is an ideal choice for long – distance travel between cities.
Usage: You can book high – speed rail tickets online through the official website or mobile app of 12306 (the official railway ticket – booking platform in China). Foreigners need to use their valid passports for registration and ticket purchase. Tickets can also be bought at train stations’ ticket windows or self – service ticket machines.
Speed and Comfort: High – speed trains can reach speeds of up to 350 km/h, significantly reducing travel time. The trains are equipped with comfortable seats, air – conditioning, and power sockets, ensuring a pleasant journey. For example, traveling from Beijing to Shanghai by high – speed rail only takes about 4.5 hours, while the same journey by car would take much longer.
Ride – Hailing Services (Internet – based Taxis)
Ride – hailing apps like Didi Chuxing are extremely popular in China. They offer a convenient and personalized transportation option.
Requirements for Foreigners
App Download: Foreigners need to download the ride – hailing app from the official app store (either iOS or Android). The app is available in multiple languages, including English, to facilitate use.
Account Registration: You can register an account using your mobile phone number. A Chinese mobile number is preferred, but some apps also support international mobile numbers. You will need to set a password and verify your identity through a one – time password (OTP) sent to your phone.
Payment Method Linking: Link a valid payment method to your account. This can be a Chinese bank card (debit or credit), or popular mobile payment platforms such as Alipay or WeChat Pay. If you are using a foreign – issued bank card, make sure it is supported by the app and be aware of possible currency conversion fees.
Steps to Use
Open the App: Launch the ride – hailing app on your mobile phone.
Set Your Destination: Enter your destination address in the app. You can either type it in or select from the suggested locations.
Choose a Ride Type: There are usually different ride – type options, such as economy cars, luxury cars, or rides that can accommodate more passengers. Select the one that suits your needs.
Request a Ride: Click the “Request a Ride” button. The app will then search for available drivers in your area. You can see the estimated arrival time of the driver on the app.
Ride and Payment: Once the driver arrives, get in the car. After reaching your destination, the fare will be automatically calculated based on the distance traveled and the time taken. The payment will be deducted from the payment method you linked to your account.
Precautions
General Precautions
Traffic Rules: Familiarize yourself with Chinese traffic rules. For example, in China, people drive on the right – hand side of the road. Pedestrians should use crosswalks and follow traffic signals.
Language Barrier: Although many transportation service providers in big cities can understand basic English, it is helpful to learn some simple Chinese phrases related to transportation, such as “Where is the subway entrance?” or “I want to go to [destination name].” You can use translation apps to assist with communication if needed.
Precautions for Ride – Hailing
Driver Verification: Before getting into the car, verify the driver’s identity and the vehicle information shown on the app. Make sure the license plate number and the driver’s photo match what is displayed in the app to ensure your safety.
Keep Personal Belongings Secure: When using any form of transportation, especially in crowded places or during rides, keep your personal belongings, such as wallets, mobile phones, and luggage, in a secure place to prevent theft.
In conclusion, getting around in China is relatively easy and convenient with the diverse transportation options available. By following the steps and precautions mentioned above, foreigners can enjoy a smooth and hassle – free travel experience in this vast and vibrant country.