Few countries are as easy to travel as China once you learn the basics. The high-speed rail network is the largest and fastest on the planet, city metros are spotless and signed in English, and ride-hailing works in English too. The only real learning curve is the booking and ID system.
Here's how to move around the country smoothly — between cities and within them.
High-speed trains: the best way between cities
China's bullet trains (G- and D-class) hit up to 350 km/h and connect almost every major city — Beijing to Shanghai in about 4.5 hours. To use them:
- Book in English via Trip.com, or the official Railway 12306 app which now supports foreign passports and international cards.
- Your ticket is linked to your passport — there's no paper ticket. At the station, go through security, then scan your passport at the gate to reach the platform.
- Arrive 45–60 minutes early for big stations; they are airport-sized.
- Choose second class for value, first/business for space on long rides.
City metros: clean, cheap, English-signed
Every major Chinese city has a modern metro with bilingual signage and announcements. Pay by opening the metro QR code inside Alipay or WeChat (search the city's metro mini-program once, then scan in at the gate), or buy a single-journey token from a machine. Fares are typically under US$1. It's the fastest way to beat city traffic.
Taxis and Didi (China's Uber)
Didi is the dominant ride-hailing app and has an English interface — set your pickup and destination on the map so there's no language barrier with the driver, and pay automatically through your linked card. Street taxis are fine too, but have your destination written in Chinese (a screenshot from your hotel or a translation app) since most drivers speak little English.
Airports, transfers and longer trips
Major airports connect to the city by metro or airport express, but after a long-haul flight — with luggage, jet lag and no local SIM yet — a pre-arranged private transfer with an English-speaking driver is the stress-free choice. For multi-city or rural itineraries, a private car and driver beats piecing together buses. See our airport transfer and car charter options, or post your trip and let local drivers bid.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do foreigners buy high-speed train tickets in China?
Book in English on Trip.com or the official Railway 12306 app, which supports foreign passports and international cards. Tickets are e-tickets linked to your passport — there's no paper ticket.
Do I use my passport to board the train?
Yes. Your ticket is tied to your passport. At the station you clear security, then scan your passport at the automated gate to reach the platform. Bring the same passport you booked with.
Is the metro easy to use as a tourist?
Very. Signs and announcements are bilingual, fares are under US$1, and you pay with a metro QR code in Alipay/WeChat or a token from a machine. It's usually the fastest way across a city.
Does Didi work in English?
Yes, Didi has an English interface. Set your pickup and destination on the map to avoid any language barrier, and payment is automatic through your linked card.
What's the best way from the airport to the city?
Metro and airport express trains are cheap and fast. After a long flight, many travelers prefer a pre-booked private transfer with an English-speaking driver so they don't have to navigate with luggage and jet lag.
Want a local to handle all of this for you?
Post your trip for free and let verified English-speaking local guides & drivers bid. They sort payments, tickets, transport and the language barrier so you don't have to.
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