type
status
date
slug
summary
tags
category
icon
password
As a Chinese person, in my nearly 10 years of traveling, I have rarely seen foreigners on Chinese high-speed trains or regular trains. I know that foreigners who are new to China and do not understand Chinese face significant challenges. Therefore, in this article, I want to provide a simple guide on how to travel alone in China with minimal cost, in the most convenient way, and with very little Chinese communication, to any place you want to go.
1.Flights
Unlike the internationally popular OTA platforms such as Booking and Expedia, China has its own leading travel service providers, including Ctrip, Fliggy, and Tongcheng Travel. Additionally, flights purchased on Booking and Expedia are often more expensive, while many Chinese OTA platforms offer cheaper discounted tickets.
For example, if I search for a flight from Yantai, Shandong to Chongqing on August 7, 2024, on Booking, the lowest fare is 1160 RMB (Shandong Airlines, departure at 19:50 and arrival at 00:35). The same flight on Fliggy is priced at 1058 RMB.
Another example is searching for a flight from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie, Hunan on the same day. On Booking, the lowest fare is 766 RMB (Shanghai Airlines, departure at 20:20 and arrival at 22:35), while the same flight on Fliggy is 640 RMB.
Therefore, if you lack the necessary information and do not have knowledgeable Chinese friends, you can spend some time comparing prices from different channels to plan the most budget-friendly travel options. Of course, if you find my content helpful, feel free to reach out to me for further consultation. I will continue to serve you wholeheartedly on Fiverr.
2.China High-speed/train
Be sure to use 12306 platform
Firstly, all train tickets in China are sold by the official railway agency, including some ferry tickets in the eastern regions, which are also sold by them. Their official website is 12306.cn, where you can find the download link for the official mobile app. Therefore, it is recommended to always use this platform (including the website, mobile app, or their phone service) for purchasing, refunding, or changing train tickets, especially for intercity travel. This method is time-saving, labor-saving, and authoritative, and is superior to all other OTA travel booking platforms.
Moreover, when purchasing train tickets through other OTA platforms, these platforms are actually using your identity information to book tickets on 12306. Thus, mainstream domestic OTA platforms like Ctrip, Fliggy, Qunar, Meituan, and Tongcheng may charge higher fees and offer slower ticketing services. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to install the 12306 mobile app when choosing train or high-speed rail travel.
On the 12306 app or website, you can easily check all train information across China. Based on your departure location, destination, and departure time, it can provide direct or transfer options so you can find a travel arrangement and fare that suits you.
Train types
Almost all train number in China are composed of letters and numbers. The letter part represents the first letter of the train type in Pinyin. For example, “T” comes from the Pinyin of 特快 (Tè kuài), which means Express. Below are some of the most common train types in China. For example, K standes for “kuaisu”（fast-speed），but trains on K series are actually run at lowest speed now.G-series trains are the fastest train services of China Railway，so we also call them unofficially 高铁（gao tie）。 The trains usually run on dedicated high-speed railways with a designed top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).
First letter | Designation（Chinese——Pinyin） | Designation | Maximum speed（Km/h） | Feature |
G | 动车组（高速）——DongCheZu(GaoSu) | China High-speed Railway（CHSR） | 380 | High-speed trains run on dedicated tracks, being the most expensive and fastest. |
C | 动车组（城际）——DongCheZu(ChengJi) | Inter-City Rail Service | 380 | High-speed trains travel back and forth between two cities. |
D | 动车组——DongCheZu | China Railway High-speed（CRH） | 300 | High-speed trains run on standard tracks and are relatively fast |
Z | 特快列车（直达）——Te Kuai LieChe(Zhi Da) | direct express | 160 | Stops are very few |
T | 特快列车——Te Kuai LieChe | express | 140～160 | Only stops at major stations |
K | 快速列车——Kuai Su Lie Che | ordinary train | 120±20 | trains are slightly older, slower, and cheaper. |
Click on 12306.cn, enter the starting point and destination, and you'll be able to see different train options. Then, choose the train that matches your itinerary.
Quick transfer passage
Most train stations and high-speed rail stations have dedicated transfer channels that make it easier to switch trains. If you have a connecting ticket (where you need to transfer to another train at a station within a short time), you can use these dedicated transfer channels instead of exiting the station and then re-entering the waiting hall. After disembarking, simply look for the transfer channel near the platform to quickly reach the waiting hall. You will still need to pass through a security gate and present your passport. Once in the waiting hall, you can check the platform information for your next train and wait comfortably with your passport ready.
Yes, some signage may not have English, so keep an eye out for blue signs with the word "换乘" (transfer). These will guide you to the dedicated transfer channels.
Real-name verification of 12306
As a foreigner, if your account has not undergone real identity verification, you are limited to purchasing only four high-speed train tickets. To facilitate the purchase of more tickets, you can go to the ticket counter at the station to verify your identity. This process will allow you to buy additional train or high-speed rail tickets more conveniently.
OTA platform Zhixing Train Tickets
China's vast territory and varied terrain, with cities spread across different regions, make intercity travel complex. Travel distances can reach thousands of kilometers, and some cities may not have direct trains due to geographic and efficiency factors, necessitating transfers to other trains. While 12306 generally provides some transfer options, it may offer limited or no direct purchase options for long-distance transfers.
In such cases, using the Zhixing Train Ticket app can be very useful, as it provides a broader range of transfer options and allows for more convenient viewing and purchasing of train tickets. Although other OTA platforms offer similar services, the solutions provided by this app are often more comprehensive and refined, making Zhixing Train Ticket app an essential tool for planning and managing travel arrangements.
Diverse city transportation
When you arrive at an airport or train station in a city in China, you'll likely need to head to a hotel, restaurant, or tourist attraction in the city center. Generally, airports are located some distance from the city center or attractions. A simple and convenient option is to take a taxi or ride-sharing service directly from the airport, although this usually means a higher cost.
To save money or if you have enough time and cannot use other transportation methods, you can also take an airport shuttle bus or the subway. In major cities like Shanghai, Chongqing, and Chengdu, there are often direct connections to the subway from the airport, which is quite convenient. If a city (like Jinan) does not have a subway connection at its airport, you can usually find an airport shuttle bus that will take you to core areas of the city at a more affordable price.
Note that some airports do not have dedicated shuttles between the airport and the city center. Instead, they may have city bus routes that pass by the airport or special railway lines that replace the airport shuttle buses.
3.Bus & Metro/Subway/Rail transit
As of April 2024, China has the world's longest urban rail transit system with 10,273.7 km (6,383.8 mi) of urban rail nationwide in 310 metro lines in 54 cities, accounting for 9 of the 10 longest metro systems, with the exceptions of the Moscow Metro.[2]
If you are traveling within a certain city on this map, using the rail transit system can be convenient and often faster. This method is also more cost-effective.
Many subways now support virtual transit cards through Chinese apps like Alipay and WeChat. You can pay for subway fares by scanning a QR code at the subway gate using these apps. Some subways even accept payments directly with bank cards and credit cards via NFC. For iPhone users, you can apply for a virtual transit card in the Wallet app and use NFC to open the subway gates. If these options are not available, you can use cash to buy a single-ride ticket at ticket counters or self-service machines, or purchase a prepaid transit card.
Transit cards that use NFC (such as Apple Pay, various Android NFC payments, or physical prepaid transit cards) often have the "全国交通联合" (Transportation Union,T-Union) logo. This logo indicates that the card can be used on public transportation across China, including city rail transit and buses. For example, a card purchased in Shanghai can be used for quick payment in cities like Chongqing, Shenzhen, Jinan, and Yantai.
City bus routes can be complex, so if needed, use navigation apps like Amap to get directions. Always ensure you have a transit card with the National Transportation Union logo (or an NFC virtual card like Apple Pay) or carry some small cash for emergencies.
4.Online ride-hailing
In China, Online ride-hailing services and even autonomous ride-hailing are significantly impacting the traditional taxi industry. Didi Chuxing, a major domestic ride-hailing brand, acquired Uber's China subsidiary and holds a prominent position and high recognition in the domestic market. Gaode Maps (Amap) collaborates with various ride-hailing brands, making it convenient to book a ride while checking maps, and has accumulated a loyal customer base in recent years.
In most cities in China, you can use these two platforms to book a ride-hailing service. If you have a sufficient budget or need to travel quickly within a city, ride-hailing services are a good option, as their pricing is generally fair and transparent compared to traditional taxis, which may have issues with detours and extra charges.
5.Shared bike
If you have Alipay and WeChat on your phone, you can use the widely available shared bikes and shared electric scooters in China. They are very affordable and convenient for short trips within 5 to 10 kilometers. However, make sure to check whether parking is allowed at your destination before starting your ride.
6.Carpool/Charter/Coach/Unlicensed Taxi
Online car-hailing and private car services are quite convenient, but if you're on a tight budget, you might consider carpooling to save on personal expenses. Major online platforms like Gaode and Didi offer carpooling services.
If you have a knowledgeable local guide (besides friends and family who can pick you up), they might find a local private car for a lower cost to take you to your destination. If your host isn't very familiar with the area, you can also look for options yourself or ask them to inquire. For example, around long-distance bus stations, train stations, and high-speed rail stations, you might find private cars waiting, with owners approaching pedestrians to offer rides or inquire if you need to go to a famous attraction. You might be offered carpooling prices, chartered car prices, or even cheaper long-distance bus tickets for fixed routes.
However, this method can have higher risks of overcharging and increased communication challenges, especially if the service providers speak only local dialects that may be difficult for even native Chinese speakers to understand. To be cautious, it's generally advised to avoid or minimize using such services.
7.motorcycle taxis
In addition to the public transportation options and semi-private transfers mentioned earlier, there is also a more cost-effective short-distance travel method widely available in many places in China: motorcycle taxis, often known as "modes" or "moped taxis."
For example, in Shenzhen, residents in neighborhoods a bit farther from subway stations may opt for motorcycle taxis due to the convenience of avoiding traffic jams and saving on costs. These typically cover distances of around 2-5 kilometers, providing a quick and relatively inexpensive way to reach the nearest subway station. In Shenzhen, you might even find small electric bikes used for passenger transport.
In cities like Wuhan, Chongqing, and Changsha, two-wheeled and three-wheeled motorcycle taxis are quite common. If the distance is short and other options like public transport, taxis, or shared bikes are inconvenient, motorcycle taxis can serve as a useful alternative. Their small size and maneuverability can sometimes offer an advantage on crowded roads.
Although not the recommended option, motorcycle taxis generally have slightly lower fares compared to traditional taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi. If you do encounter this mode of transport, it can provide a unique experience.
Conclusion
In summary, different transportation methods each have their own characteristics. Using these methods flexibly and wisely can help us reach our destination at the lowest possible cost and with minimal need for Chinese communication.
As is well known, payment methods in China are increasingly concentrated around Alipay and WeChat Pay. Therefore, here is a summary of some transportation options, their typical costs, and common payment methods (note that these are rough estimates, and actual expenses will vary depending on specific circumstances). You can see that cash and credit card payment channels like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are used less frequently in China. From a convenience perspective, it is best to register for Alipay and WeChat Pay to navigate China smoothly (I understand that registering for WeChat can be somewhat challenging; feel free to reach out to me if you need assistance).
Transportation | Approximate cost（CNY） | Major purchasing channel
| Payment（Ranked by Frequency） |
Flight | 600-2000 | Airline company/OTA | All types supported |
CRH/CSHR | 300-1500 | 12306/OTA/Ticket office | Alipay/WeChat, Credit card,Cash(only at Ticket office) |
Subway/Bus | 5-20 | Ticket office/Alipay/WeChat | Prepaid transit card,QRcode,NFC（mobile phone with union pay）,Cash(only at Ticket office or on the bus) |
Taxi | starting price is 10±5 | Pay to the driver（offline） | Cash,Alipay/WeChat |
Ride-hailing/carpool | Depending on the platform rules | Hailing Platform（online） | Alipay/WeChat,Credit card |
Shared bike | 2-5 | Online payment | QRcode（Alipay/WeChat） |
Charter/Coach | Depending on market demand | Offline payment | Cash |
Motorcycle taxis | 5-10(subject to market demand) | Offline payment | Cash |
Various transportation channels are implemented flexibly. If you don't have the time to explore them in detail yourself, just contact me for consultation and discussion，and I'll help clarify everything to assist you in choosing the best transportation for your trip.