How to travel conveniently and economically in China, what is the main transportation in china? how to get around china, how to use public transport in china? Pocket the china public transportation guide and tips to travel around China in this article below!
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A large and developed country like China will definitely make you worried and overwhelmed if you have never set foot here. However, don’t worry because the public transport system in China is very developed, from fast subways, widely covered buses, to modern high-speed trains.
Of course, if you are not familiar with it, buying tickets or using payment cards can be a bit confusing. In this article, we will guide you on how to use public transport in China and share some tips to make your trip easier and more economical. Follow now!
China public transportation guide: Overview of Public Transport System in China
Shanghai Private Transfer to PVG/SHA Airport
China has a modern and extremely diverse public transport system, providing convenience for traveling not only within cities but also between provinces. You will easily choose from buses, subways, trains to taxis, all designed to serve the travel needs of millions of people every day.
| Means of transport | Advantage | Disadvantage | Price (estimated) | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | Cheap price, wide network, suitable for short distances | Slow speed, easy traffic jam, little English information | 1–3 CNY/trip (Equivalent to 3,510 VND - 10,500 VND) | Get around the city at low cost |
| Metro | Fast, on time, easy to use, with English signage | Rush hour is crowded, not covering all areas | 2–10 CNY depending on distance (Equivalent to 7,200 VND - 21,000 VND) | Fast travel in major cities |
| Train | Suitable for long distances, with a variety of seats and high speed trains | Advance booking required, can be difficult to navigate at major train stations | 50–1000 CNY depending on train type and distance (Equivalent to 175,500 VND - 210,000 VND) | Travel between provinces, explore many different cities |
| Taxi | Convenient, can go anywhere | Higher prices, sometimes drivers don't turn on the meter | 10–20 CNY for the first 3 km, 2–3 CNY/km thereafter (Equivalent to 35,510 VND - 70,200 VND) | Fast, flexible travel within the city |
How to use public transport in China: Public Transport Cards in China
Public transport cards are a convenient means of payment when using buses, subways, trains and taxis in many major cities in China. Some popular cards include Beijing Yikatong (Beijing), Shanghai Jiaotong Yikatong (Shanghai), Shenzhen Tong (Shenzhen) and Lingnan Tong (Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhuhai, etc.). In addition, the China T-Union card can be used on many transportation systems in more than 300 cities nationwide.
How to Buy and Top Up a China Public Transport Card
Mainland China Bus & Metro Card
Transportation cards are sold directly at service counters in subway stations, bus stations or convenience stores. When purchasing a card, passengers need to deposit about 20 CNY and top up a minimum of 20 CNY on the card. To top up, you need to do it at the automatic machine in the station, the service counter or through electronic payment applications.
In addition to the physical card, you can also use an e-card, a more convenient option, by registering on applications such as Beijing Yikatong or Shanghai Jiaotong Yikatong. This type of card does not require a deposit and allows easy topping up via WeChat Pay, Alipay or Apple Pay.
How to Use a China Transport Card
After successfully purchasing and topping up a public transport card, you can easily make payments when traveling in China. Passengers just need to swipe the card at the card reader when getting on and off the vehicle for the system to automatically calculate the fare. Specifically as follows:
- Bus: Swipe the card when getting on the bus. If there is a card reader at the exit, you need to swipe the card again when leaving the bus.
- Subway: Swipe the card when entering and exiting the station.
- S2 train to the Great Wall: Swipe the card at the entrance and exit of the train station.
- Taxi: Swipe the card on the device near the fare meter.
After your journey to explore China, return the public transport card to get the remaining balance. If you use a physical card, you just need to return it at the service counter (provided the balance is not more than 200 CNY). With an e-card, the process is simpler, you can refund directly through the app and receive it back within 5 working days.
Must-Have Apps When Using Public Transport in China
To travel conveniently in China, you should install some important apps such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, Baidu Maps, Gaode Maps (Amap), MetroMan and Didi Chuxing. These are tools that support payment, route lookup and quick ride-hailing, making it easy for you to use public transport.
Alipay and WeChat Pay: These two applications support payment for bus, subway and taxi tickets with just one QR code scan. Most public transport accepts Alipay or WeChat Pay, so you don’t need to carry cash.
Gaode Maps and Baidu Maps: These are the most popular map applications in China, providing detailed information on public transport, real-time subway and bus schedules. However, the application only has a Chinese interface.
Apple Maps: A map application for iPhone users, with an English interface and detailed public route display. The data of this application is provided by Gaode Maps, so it is quite accurate.
MetroMan: Provides maps and subway routes for all cities with metro systems in China. The app has an English interface, helping you look up routes quickly and easily.
Didi Chuxing: This is a ride-hailing app similar to Uber, supporting taxi or private car booking at reasonable prices. The app supports English, very convenient for international travelers.
Guide to Using the Subway in China
Major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen have extensive subway lines, making it convenient to travel. China’s subway is famous for its advanced infrastructure, high frequency of operation, and many flexible payment methods such as IC cards, QR codes and bank cards.
How Does the Subway System Work?
Shanghai to Suzhou,Jiangsu train
The subway system in China is designed for each city, each with its own map with clearly numbered or colored routes. Train stations have signs in Chinese and English, making it easy for passengers to find their way. Before boarding the train, remember to check the direction of travel to avoid going the wrong way. In addition, you should also pay attention to some symbols to get on and off the train:
- 入口 (Entrance): Entrance to the train station.
- 出口 (Exit): Exit, usually has many gates leading to different locations.
- 自动售票 (Tickets): Buy train tickets.
How Much Are Subway Tickets in China?
China’s subway fares are calculated based on travel distance, ranging from 2-3 RMB (about 7,000 – 10,500 VND) for short distances, and gradually increase according to the number of kilometers. For example:
- Beijing subway fare: 3 CNY for the first 6 km, increasing according to distance.
- Shanghai subway fare: 3 CNY for the first 6 km, then increasing by 1 RMB every 4-8 km.
- Guangzhou, Shenzhen subway fare: 2 CNY for the first 4 km, increasing according to distance.
How to Travel by Subway
Using the subway to travel between locations in China is quite simple and convenient. You just need to find the train station, buy a ticket, and follow the instructions to get on the train. The specific steps are as follows:
- Step 1: Find the subway station by observing the sign with the train symbol and station name.
- Step 2: Determine the destination and buy a ticket at the counter or automatic ticket machine. If you are traveling for a long time or need to move to many places, you should buy a smart payment card to save money.
- Step 3: Swipe the card or insert the ticket into the machine to pass the ticket gate.
- Step 4: Go down to the waiting area, stand in the correct position according to the instructions on the floor.
- Step 5: Get on the train and move to the location, listen to the announcement or follow the screen to know when to get off at the station.
- Step 6: Get off the train, use a paper ticket or token to insert into the machine to exit, if using a card, swipe to complete the trip. Finally, follow the sign “出口 (Exit)” to exit the station.
Traveling by Bus in China
Hong Kong to Guangzhou direct bus [provided by CTS Bus]
Traveling by bus in China is a popular choice thanks to its low cost, diverse routes and extensive network across cities. There are two main types of buses: seater buses and sleeper buses. Seater buses are suitable for short journeys, while sleeper buses are suitable for trips across provinces. To use the bus, passengers need to know how to find the station, buy tickets and pay.
How to Find Bus Stations in Major Cities in China
Hong Kong – Huadu Sunac Shuttle Bus by Chinalink Bridge
In major cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou, traveling by bus is easier thanks to applications like Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps, which help to quickly look up bus stations and routes. In addition, signs at stations often display route numbers, destinations and schedules, while some major bus stations also have electronic boards that update in real time, making it easier to track your trip.
How to Buy Bus Tickets in China
Chengdu – Siguniang Mountain/Jiuzhaigou Valley/Wawu Mountain/Bipenggou Bus Ticket
The fare for inner-city buses is about 2 RMB/trip, with a surcharge for distances over 10 km. For long-distance buses, fares vary depending on the route and type of bus. Passengers can pay by cash, transportation card, or QR code scanning via apps like WeChat and Alipay. However, many bus routes no longer accept cash, so using a transportation card or e-wallet is the optimal option. The specific way to buy bus tickets is as follows:
- Inner-city buses: Get on the bus from the front door, scan the card or scan the payment code, then move into the bus. Some routes require scanning the card when getting off the bus.
- Long-distance buses: Passengers need to go to the bus station, present their passport to buy tickets at the counter or automatic ticket machine. For sleeper buses, the upper bunk is usually more expensive than the lower bunk.
Experience of Traveling on High-Speed Trains in China
With speeds of up to 350 km/h, high-speed trains are a means of transport that helps shorten travel time between major cities, especially on the Beijing-Shanghai and Beijing-Guangzhou routes. Modern train stations, convenient on-board services and flexible ticket booking methods help passengers have a convenient experience. Below is a detailed guide on how to buy tickets, check-in at the station and high-speed train ticket prices in China.
How to Buy Tickets and Check-In at the Train Station
Passengers buy high-speed train tickets in China in three ways: directly at the counter, through automatic ticket machines or online. At major stations such as Beijing and Shanghai, buying tickets is quite convenient, but during rush hours or holidays, you may have to wait in long lines. Staff here can usually communicate in basic English, however, to avoid confusion, you should prepare destination information in Chinese or write clear English notes.
The most convenient way is to buy tickets online on the official website of China Railway. You need to register an account, enter personal information such as name, passport/ID number, phone number, email, then find the train, choose the ticket and pay by international card (Visa, Mastercard, JCB) or e-wallet such as Alipay, WeChat Pay. After payment, the system will send a confirmation email with the booking code and reservation code.
Shenzhen Bay Port to Hong Kong Airport Bus Ticket
High-speed train stations in China are very large, with a large number of passengers, especially during rush hour. To avoid missing the train, you should be at the station at least 30 minutes before departure time, and follow the steps to check-in for the train as follows:
- Entering the station: You need to scan your ticket at the automatic ticket gate or present your passport to the staff if using a paper ticket.
- Security check: All luggage must go through the security scanner. You need to make sure you do not carry prohibited items including knives, lighters, flammable liquids and other dangerous objects.
- Moving to the boarding gate: After completing the check-in, you look at the guide board to determine the boarding gate that matches the number on the ticket, then move to the waiting area and be ready to board the train when the announcement is made.
How much is the price of a high-speed train ticket in China?
The price of a high-speed train ticket in China depends on the route and ticket class. There are three main types of tickets for you to choose from: economy, first class and business class. High-speed train ticket prices range from 550 CNY to more than 2,500 CNY (1,932,000 – 8,780,000 VND) depending on the route and amenities on the train. Train fares on some popular routes for your reference are as follows:
- Beijing – Shanghai (1,318 km): Economy class ticket is about 550 CNY, first class 900 CNY, business class 1,700 CNY (about 1,932,000 – 3,161,000 – 5,970,000 VND).
- Beijing – Guangzhou (2,298 km): Economy class ticket is about 800 CNY, first class 1,300 CNY, business class over 2,500 CNY (about 2,810,000 – 4,566,000 – 8,780,000 VND).
Using Taxis and Ride-hailing Apps in China
Taxi and ride-hailing apps are convenient options when exploring China. The taxi system is widespread, while ride-hailing apps help optimize the travel experience, especially useful if you do not know Chinese.
How to Use Taxis in China?
Taxis in China are brightly colored like yellow, green or red, easily recognizable by the indicator lights on the windshield, which turn on when the car is empty and off when there are passengers. To call a taxi, you need to wave it down on the street or find an official pick-up point. Most drivers do not speak English, so you should prepare an address in Chinese or bring your hotel business card. In addition, you also need to check if the driver has turned on the meter to avoid being charged a higher fee.
How Much Does a Taxi Cost in China?
Taxi prices in China vary depending on the city. Large cities like Beijing and Shanghai have an opening price of 13 RMB (46,000 VND), while smaller cities can start from only 5 RMB (18,000 VND). The total cost depends on the distance and travel time. If you are traveling long distances or renting a taxi for the whole day, the price is usually negotiated in advance instead of being calculated by the meter.
Popular Ride-hailing Apps in China
DiDi Chuxing is the most popular ride-hailing app, replacing Uber in China. The app supports English and allows international card payments, making it easy for tourists to use. However, you should still enter the address in Chinese to book a car more accurately. Install the app before coming to China to ensure a smooth travel experience.
Guide to Traveling by Bicycle in China
China’s public bicycle system is everywhere, especially near train stations, bus stations and famous tourist spots such as the Forbidden City or Beihai Park. Most bikes do not have fixed parking lots but operate through a mobile app, making renting a bike quick and convenient. You just need to open the app, find the nearest bike, scan the QR code to unlock it and start your journey. Some popular platforms include Meituan Bike (yellow), Didi Bike (green) and Hello Bike (blue).
How to Rent a Bike in China?
Old Beijing Hutong Rickshaw Tour
To rent a bike in China, you just need to download the appropriate bike rental app to your phone. After registering, users can find the bike on the map, scan the QR code to unlock and start the journey. Specifically, the steps to use the bike include:
- Step 1: Download the app and register an account on Meituan, Didi or Alipay (for Hello Bike).
- Step 2: Use the app to scan the QR code on the bike, unlock and start moving.
- Step 3: When finished, lock the bike in the designated area, avoid leaving it outside the parking area to avoid being charged a fine.
- Step 4: Pay online via WeChat Pay, Alipay or Apple Pay.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Bike in China?
Beijing Private Day Tour to Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace
Bicycle rental costs in China are quite low, suitable for short trips within the city. The fare is calculated based on the time of use, with a basic fee starting from only 1.5 CNY (5,300 CNY), which helps save a lot of money compared to other means of transport.
- Didi Bike & Meituan Bike: 1.5 CNY for the first 15 minutes, then 1.5 CNY every 30 minutes.
- Hello Bike: 1.5 CNY for every 15 minutes.
Note: If the bike is not returned to the correct parking lot, there may be a fine of 3–20 CNY depending on the brand
Tips for Safe Travel When Using Public Transport in China
Using public transport in China is a convenient way to get around, but there are some things to keep in mind to ensure safety and avoid trouble. Here are some important tips to help you have a smoother experience.
- Always keep your bag or backpack in front of you and do not put your phone or wallet in your back pocket, especially when taking the subway or bus during rush hour.
- Limit the amount of cash you carry and prioritize payment via WeChat Pay, Alipay or transportation cards to avoid the risk of theft.
- Do not lean against train doors, avoid jostling when getting on and off the bus to ensure safety.
- Give up your seat to the elderly, pregnant women and children.
- Do not talk too loudly or play music without headphones.
Exploring China’s public transport system is the key to helping you easily move around and enjoy every corner of the vibrant cities. Just grasp how to use the means from buying tickets, paying to following the rules, you will save time, costs and have great experiences.
Save the way to use public transport in China to travel comfortably!
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