Your Complete Guide on How to Travel in China✈️

When coming to China for the first time a common question is – How to Travel in China? What’s the deal?

There are numerous ways to get around China but a lot depends on:

• Where you are
• Your budget
• How “local” you’re willing to go
• How much Chinese can you speak

All things considered, let’s run down the top 8 ways to travel in China.

For most visitors, the best way to travel in China is high-speed rail between cities and the subway within them. China’s high-speed rail network is the longest in the world, is almost always on time and links centrally located stations. Taxis, DiDi, shared bikes, buses and domestic flights fill the gaps. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with an international card before you fly.

Visas and Entry Requirements

High-Speed Rail 高铁 (gāotiě)

“Low-Speed” Rail 慢车 (mànchē)

Buses 公交车 (gōngjiāochē)

Subway 地铁 (dìtiě)

Cycling and Bike-Sharing 自行车 (Zìxíngchē)

Paying Your Way: Alipay and WeChat Pay

Internet, VPN and Staying Connected

Taxi 出租车 (Chūzūchē)

Flights 飞机 (Fēijī)

The Notorious Black Cabs (黑车, hēichē)

BONUS – Best Way to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai

Where to Go and How Long to Stay

Planning Your Trip

How to Travel in China || Visas and Entry Requirements

Before you think about trains or taxis, make sure you can actually get into China. Entry rules vary significantly by passport nationality.

As of 2026, China has expanded its visa-free entry policy significantly. Many passport holders from Europe, Canada, Australia and beyond can now enter visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. US passport holders are the notable exception: you’ll generally need a visa, unless you qualify for the 240-hour visa-free transit because you’re passing through China to a third country with a confirmed onward ticket.

Always check the current rules for your specific passport on the official Chinese embassy website for your country, as policies update frequently. If you are not eligible for visa-free entry or transit, you will need to apply for a tourist visa (L visa) before you travel. Processing times vary, so apply early.

TIP💡 Always carry your physical passport. Hotels, train stations, major attractions and even some convenience stores require passport verification. A phone photo is not sufficient for most check-in processes.

How to Travel in China || High-Speed Rail 高铁 (gāotiě)

China’s highest speed-rail network is the longest in the world.

Almost always on time (unlike flights), amazingly clean, and no seatbelt signs.

Some of the high-speed train routes even have WiFi. You really can’t get better than chilling with some social media en route to your destination.

If your home country doesn’t have a high-speed rail network, it’s worth getting on one at least once. You get to experience plenty of legroom as you pass through the beautiful Chinese countryside.

When you get to the train station, you will either need to 取票 (qǔpiào, ticket pick-up) or 买票 (mǎipiào, purchase tickets).

To find your way around, useful phrases include 请问 (qǐngwèn, excuse me / may I ask) and …在哪里？(…zài nǎlǐ?, where is…?). When interacting with a conductor or driver, confirm your stop by asking 去这里吗？(qù zhèlǐ ma?, do you go here?) while showing your destination written in characters.

Ticket purchase and boarding require identity verification (实名认证, shímíngrènzhèng), so don’t forget to bring your 护照 (hùzhào, passport).

We recommend you book tickets in advance because high-speed rail tickets do sell out, especially on popular routes and during national holidays.

You can purchase train tickets through the network’s official app (铁路12306, Tiělù12306, Chinese language only), travel apps like Qùnǎr (去哪儿) or Trip, or mini-apps in WeChat or Alipay.

In the train station, you’ll 过安检 (guòānjiǎn, go through security).

Depending on the train station, you’ll need to go through security before you get your ticket, others will be vice versa.

Expect airport-style security, but you can take liquids, but no aerosols.

After that, you will have to find your 检票口 (jiǎnpiàokǒu, ticket-checking area), and wait for your train to start boarding usually 15-20 minutes before departure time.

PRO TIP If your stop isn’t the first stop (始发站, shǐfāzhàn) on the route, then you’ll be allowed on the platform before the train arrives. You should find the right car to get onto. There will be several plaques on the ground telling where the different cars will be. These are identified by color, which is written on the announcement board above the platform. If in doubt, you can always ask someone on the platform (站台, zhàntái) to help you out. 

Another video plug here, but this is a good one. In fact, it’s one of our favourite videos on all of YouTube. A quick rundown on why China is so great at trains. The figures, numbers and facts are truly astounding.

How to Travel in China || “Low-Speed” Rail 慢车 (mànchē)

The procedure for getting onto China’s “Low-speed trains” is quite similar to high-speed rail.

Colloquially these are known as 慢车 (mànchē) or 绿皮车 (lǜpíchē) because of their very notable green colour and their slow speed.

You’ll find yourself on a “slow train” usually if you are on an overnight train.

In recent years, 动车 (dòngche, lower-speed high-speed trains) that are overnight have also appeared. 

For more information on purchasing tickets for an overnight train, see this article on Chinese sleeper trains.

Generally, when you board a sleeper train, the conductor (车长, chēzhǎng) will take your ticket and give you a card in exchange.

This is a way for the conductor to keep track of when you need to get off (and wake you up). 

Enjoy getting to your train-mates and seeing the Chinese countryside pass you by! 

How to Travel in China || Buses 公交车 (gōngjiāochē)

Although trains are preferable for many journeys, a long-distance bus can help you reach places beyond the rail network. Check the exact departure terminal, destination, departure time and luggage rules with the operator before booking.

Allow time for any identity and security checks at the terminal. For an overnight route, confirm whether it actually offers sleeper berths; do not assume every intercity service does.

We’ve got you covered with our guide to long-distance buses here.

Local buses (公交车, gōngjiāochē) are also a great option to get around a city, especially if your destination doesn’t have a subway. Bǎidù (百度) or Gāodé Maps (高德) will provide you with all the information you need for bus routes (knowledge of Chinese characters is very helpful here).

If you’re unsure you can always ask one of your fellow passengers.

Bus fares and payment methods vary by city and route, so check the fare before boarding. If the price depends on distance, have your destination written down to show the driver or attendant.

For a cash fare, prepare suitable small notes or coins rather than assuming change is available.

China’s currency is the renminbi (人民币, rénmínbì, or RMB), commonly priced in yuan (元, yuán). Mobile wallets are widely used, but cash is a useful backup. For an ATM withdrawal, check the supported card networks and your bank’s fees.

If you want to pay for a bus through Alipay or WeChat Pay, confirm the local transport code is activated; a normal payment code may not be the one you need.

57 Basic Chinese Phrases 🗣 LTL’s Complete Guide to Chinese for Beginners

The Most Useful Basic Chinese Phrases You Have To Know. Download our basic Chinese phrases flashcards and learn the very basics for when you come to China.

How to Travel in China || Subway 地铁 (dìtiě)

If you’re lucky, the city you’re travelling to will have a subway. Beijing’s metro, for example, is one of the most extensive in the world, and it runs directly past our school for immersive Chinese courses in Beijing.

Subways are the easiest way to get around Chinese cities. No traffic. Very clean. And (usually) signs are written in English. 

When you enter the subway station, you’ll have to 买票 (mǎipiào, buy a ticket) either at a machine or from a special window (人工售票窗口， réngōng shoùpiào chuāngkǒu).

The price is based on distance, so make sure you know which station you’re getting off at! 

Security measures mean you’ll have to pass any luggage, purses, etc. through a scanner. 

Here’s a peek inside Dawanglu Station in Beijing, on the way to LTL Mandarin School HQ.

Metro Planning and Transport QR Codes

Use a metro route-planning app such as MetroMan to check your line changes, then confirm current service information for the city you are visiting.

In Alipay, open the transport section and check whether your city offers a metro QR code for your account. Complete the activation steps shown in the app before reaching the gate.

A transport code is different from a shop-payment code, so check which one the gate accepts and keep a ticket-purchase alternative.

How to Travel in China || Cycling and Bike-Sharing 自行车 (Zìxíngchē)

Bike-sharing is huge in Chinese cities and one of the most enjoyable ways to explore at street level. Apps like Meituan Bike (美团单车) and Hellobike (哈啰单车) let you unlock shared bikes via a QR code scan through Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Most rides cost under 2 yuan for 30 minutes. You simply scan the lock, ride, and park at any designated spot near your destination.

Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi’an all have well-developed cycling infrastructure with dedicated bike lanes. It is also a genuinely fun way to see the city at your own pace rather than underground on the metro.

TIP💡 Keep your Alipay topped up before you arrive at a bike. Scanning and paying is instant once you have the app set up.

How to Travel in China || Paying Your Way: Alipay and WeChat Pay

China is effectively a cashless society. At street food stalls, in taxis, on buses, at train ticket machines: QR codes rule everything.

The good news? Foreign visitors can use both Alipay (支付宝, Zhīfùbǎo) and WeChat Pay (微信支付, Wēixìn Zhīfù) by linking an international Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card. You do NOT need a Chinese bank account.

TIP💡 Set both apps up before you fly. Download Alipay and WeChat, verify your identity, and add your international card. Testing a small transaction before arrival saves a lot of stress at the subway gate on day one.

For metro travel, Alipay’s transport QR code works at the gates of most major city metro systems; see the subway section above for how to activate it and plan routes with MetroMan.

Cash (人民币, rénmínbì, or RMB) is still accepted at most places, but carry only a small amount as backup. ATMs in larger cities generally accept foreign Visa and Mastercard cards, but check the supported card networks and your bank’s fees before you withdraw.

How to Travel in China || Internet, VPN and Staying Connected

Internet restrictions catch many first-timers off guard 📱. Google Maps, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube and Gmail are all blocked in mainland China by the Great Firewall (防火长城, fánghuǒ chángchéng).

For navigation, use Gaode Maps (高德, Gāodé) or Apple Maps instead. Both work without a VPN and are accurate. Google Maps is not only blocked but also uses a coordinate offset that makes it unreliable even when accessed via VPN, so switch to Gaode as your default.

To access your usual apps, you have two main options:

• Install a VPN (such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN) on your phone and laptop BEFORE you land. VPN stores are blocked inside China, so you cannot download one after arrival.
• Buy a travel eSIM with roaming data from a provider outside China. Several services route traffic through international servers automatically, bypassing the firewall without a separate VPN app.

TIP💡 Check your normal mobile provider’s China roaming rates before you go. Some international plans include data that bypasses restrictions automatically.

Translation and Saved Addresses // Your App Checklist

Alongside your payment, navigation and booking apps, prepare a way to look up Chinese words, such as Pleco. Download any offline resources you need and test them with mobile data switched off before travelling.

Save your hotel name, address and each departure station in Chinese characters. Keep screenshots as a backup so you can show a driver or station employee the destination even if an app will not load. Check translation features on your own device rather than assuming every app works offline.

Before You Fly // Test Your Digital Setup

• Complete the verification steps shown in your payment and booking apps.
• Confirm how your phone will connect on arrival, including device compatibility and the terms of any roaming or eSIM plan.
• Save booking confirmations, station names and your accommodation’s address offline.
• Check that another traveller, or someone at home, has a copy of your itinerary.
• Keep a backup payment method and charging cable accessible.

A downloaded app is not the same as a working account, so test what you can before departure.

How to Travel in China || Taxi 出租车 (Chūzūchē)

Unlike in many Western countries, taxis in China are relatively cheap.

Taking a taxi (打车 in the North or 打的 in the South, dǎchē or dǎdí) is also super convenient when you want to get around but buses and subways are closed.

Taxi drivers in different cities have their own personalities.

Some are chatty. Some are quiet. The longer time you spend in China, the more taxi-driver stories you’ll accumulate. Both good and bad.

Chatty drivers are the perfect way to practice your 口语 (kǒuyǔ, oral Chinese) and 听力 (tīnglì, listening comprehension) as many come from areas outside of the city. If you want to actually hold those conversations, study Chinese across Chinese cities with LTL and you’ll be chatting away in taxis within weeks.

Taxis are a relatively safe form of transport, but they can be known to rip off passengers by going a longer route or refusing to use the meter (打表, dǎbiǎo).

If it’s a place you haven’t been to before, make sure that you’re following the route on a map, and always insist on the meter (it’s their job!).

Thankfully, issues with taxi drivers have gone down as oversight has gotten better. 

If you ever do have to bargain, Bǎidù or Gāodé Maps can you give you estimated taxi fare.

You will also have the option to take Dīdī (滴滴), the Uber equivalent in China.

It’s extremely convenient and has an English interface. You can choose different kinds of cars to call: a taxi, a regular car (快车, kuàichē), a premium car (专车，zhuānchē), as well as a shared ride (拼车, pīnchē).

If you’re at an airport, they could be a bit harder to find, although many bigger cities have online-hailing specific lanes outside of the airport. 

How to Travel in China || Flights 飞机 (Fēijī)

Flights can be an extremely convenient way to get around China, but can get pricey and have been notorious for delays (especially in major cities), although this has been getting better over the years. 

At non-busy travel times, you can get pretty good deals on domestic flights (国内航班， guónèihángbān).  

Check out Trip, Qunar, or WeChat and Alipay Mini-apps to compare deals.

Generally, domestic apps have cheaper prices than foreign travel ones.

For checking flight times and delays, this blogger recommends 飞常准 (fēichángzhǔn) or its English equivalent Variflight.

Although flights may seem shorter (time-wise) than other options like the high-speed train, remember that you have to arrive at least 90 minutes before domestic departures. In most cities, airports sit well outside the centre, adding 45 to 90 minutes each end.

This is where the 3-hour rule comes in. The rule is simple: if the high-speed train journey between two cities takes less than 3 to 4 hours, the train wins door-to-door. You leave from a central station, skip the long security queues, and arrive at a central station the other end. Beijing to Shanghai (4 hours by high-speed train) is the classic example: factor in airport transfers and the potential for delays, and the bullet train is almost always quicker and far less stressful.

How to Travel in China || The Notorious Black Cabs (黑车, hēichē)

Many have heard of black cabs in China. Conventional wisdom is to avoid taking them at all costs. Oftentimes prices are a lot higher than you should be paying. 

Where can you find these black cabs, you may ask?

They are usually at places where there are a lot people, yelling “taxi” (often in English) to you as you leave the train station or airport. They show up at major events, concerts, etc. when taxis are in shortage.

Note that some parts of China (especially really small cities or rural areas) may not have official buses or taxis.

Many times you’ll find shared rides (拼车, pīnchē) to popular tourist destinations.

These are usually reasonably priced and are a set rate for all passengers, although you will have to wait for all taxis to leave. 

If you do end up having to take a black taxi, remember to get an idea of a reasonable fare beforehand (ask your accommodation, or check Gaode Maps for an estimate).

Hiring a Private Driver // 包车 (bāochē)

For a day trip with limited public transport, compare a private-driver booking with the available bus or train connections. Ask your hotel or an established travel agency to help you find a licensed operator.

Confirm the itinerary, total price, vehicle, pick-up point and return time in writing, including whether tolls, parking and waiting time are included. Share the destinations in Chinese characters to reduce misunderstandings.

How to Travel in China || BONUS – Best Way to Travel from Beijing to Shanghai

We touched on the Beijing to Shanghai journey above but it is a key question that should be answered the RIGHT way!

Of course, there are numerous ways to get between Beijing and Shanghai, and as long as you get there safe, sound and with everything in tact – mission accomplished!

However, travelling in China can be stressful at the best of times, and as experts in this country, it’s our duty to give you a heads up here!

When travelling from Beijing to Shanghai, or vice-versa – take the bullet train, avoid flying.

Upon doing some minor research, you’ll see flying is almost twice as fast as the bullet train, so why would we recommend the bullet train?

Here’s why:

• Bullet trains are ALWAYS punctual
• Internal flights in China are very likely to hit delays, especially later in the day
• Train stations are generally centrally located in cities, making for an easy transfer
• Airports are generally located way out of the city. Take Beijing’s new Daxing Airport or Shanghai’s Pudong Airport. Not convenient.

With trains stations in China you can go from door, to waiting room in a matter of minutes, at the airport, of course this is not the case, with lengthier procedures to adhere to.

All those points considered, it may well often be true that if two people were to get a bullet train and fly at the same departure time – the bullet train competitor would win for the shortest journey time.

Perhaps a future video we can bring you!

How to Travel in China || Where to Go and How Long to Stay

Top Places to Visit in China

First-time visitors often focus on classic highlights across the country. Beijing delivers imperial landmarks like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, while Shanghai showcases modern skylines along the Bund.

Head inland to Xi’an to explore the Terracotta Army and ancient city walls, or visit Chengdu to see giant pandas and savour Sichuan cuisine. For dramatic limestone karst scenery, Guilin and the Li River remain perennial favourites.

How Many Days Do You Need in China?

For a first itinerary, consider 10 to 14 days for two or three destinations, then check whether the actual journey times leave enough time in each place. This is a planning suggestion, not a minimum requirement.

With a shorter break, focus on one city and nearby day trips. With more time, add another region only if it fits the pace you enjoy.

Classic 2-Week China Itinerary

A classic two-week route connects China’s imperial past, ancient heritage, and modern future using high-speed rail:

• Days 1–4 (Beijing): The Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and historic hutongs
• Days 5–8 (Xi’an): Bullet train to Xi’an to explore the Terracotta Army, Muslim Quarter, and Ancient City Wall
• Days 9–14 (Shanghai): Bullet train to Shanghai to see the Bund, modern skyscrapers, and nearby water towns

Finding the Right Entrance in Beijing

For the Forbidden City and other large Beijing attractions, save the visitor entrance rather than only the landmark’s name in your map app. Check the attraction’s official reservation and identification requirements before setting off.

Leave time to walk from your chosen metro exit and complete any entry checks, and confirm where you will leave the site for your onward journey.

Planning a Great Wall Day Trip

Treat the Great Wall as a separate day trip from Beijing, not a stop on your city-centre sightseeing walk. Choose the section you want to visit first, then check its official visitor information for the entrance, opening arrangements and transport options.

Plan both the outward and return journey before leaving; directions for one section may not work for another.

Xi’an // Plan the Station-to-Sightseeing Connection

If Xi’an and the Terracotta Army are on your route, plan the journey in two parts: reaching Xi’an and getting from your arrival point to the attraction.

When comparing train tickets, check the exact station name rather than only the city.

Then check the onward transport and return arrangements for the Terracotta Army separately, allowing time to leave luggage at your accommodation.

Chengdu // Choose Your Panda Visit Before Booking Transport

Chengdu makes a useful stop for travellers interested in Sichuan food and giant pandas. Before planning a panda visit, confirm the exact centre you want to see and save its name and entrance in your map app.

Check its official ticket and visitor information, then compare the journey from your accommodation. Do not assume similarly named panda attractions share the same location

Guilin and Yangshuo // Plan Beyond the Train Station

For a trip around Guilin, Yangshuo and the Li River, check where you will stay before choosing your train. A station with the right destination name may still require an onward transfer to your accommodation.

Compare that transfer with any bus or river-trip plans, and confirm the arrival and departure points so that your sightseeing fits the transport you have booked.

How to Travel in China || Planning Your Trip

When to Visit China // Seasons and Holidays

Choose your travel dates around the regions on your route, not one nationwide idea of the perfect season.

Spring and autumn can be comfortable options for city sightseeing, but check local temperatures and rainfall before booking.

Check the published dates for Spring Festival and National Day holidays too, and reserve transport and accommodation early if your trip overlaps with them.

Weather // Pack for the Route, Not Just the Season

A trip across China can involve very different conditions.

Check the forecast for every destination, including any mountain day trips, rather than packing from the forecast for your arrival city alone.

Compare daytime and overnight temperatures, expected rainfall and local weather alerts. Bring layers if your itinerary moves between regions or elevations, and allow flexibility for transport or outdoor plans affected by bad weather.

Planning Your China Travel Budget

Build your budget from live prices for your actual route.

Start with accommodation per night, food and city transport per day, then add each intercity journey, attraction ticket and airport transfer separately.

For a lower-cost trip, compare hostels, local restaurants and public transport. For a mid-range trip, price private rooms and your preferred train seats. For a higher-end trip, add hotel upgrades, private transfers and guided activities.

Keep an extra allowance for changed plans; one daily average cannot reliably describe all of these trips.

Is China Expensive to Visit?

There is no useful single price comparison for every visitor.

Compare the same travel style and dates: a hostel-and-public-transport trip has a different budget from a luxury hotel itinerary with private drivers.

If you are comparing China with a trip in Europe or North America, include international flights, intercity journeys, entry costs, insurance and payment fees, not just meals and hotel rooms.

Organised Tours vs Independent Travel

Travelling independently gives you complete control over your pace and allows for spontaneous detours, especially with high-speed rail linking major hubs.

However, navigating daily logistics and reading signs without Mandarin can feel daunting for beginners.

Organised tours remove the friction of booking tickets, arranging transport, and overcoming language hurdles. Many travellers choose a hybrid approach, exploring major cities independently while booking local guides for complex day trips.

Regional Food Highlights

Chinese cuisine is exceptionally regional, so eat your way across every stop. In Beijing, try roast duck and savoury dumplings. Shanghai is famous for delicate soup dumplings (小笼包, xiǎolóngbāo), while Xi’an serves hearty hand-pulled noodles and cumin lamb dishes.

If you head to Chengdu, prepare for the numbing heat of authentic Sichuan hotpot.

If you prefer milder dishes, learn the phrase bù là (不辣, not spicy) to help when ordering.

17 Chinese Dumplings Every Dumpling Fan Needs to Try

Steamed, boiled, fried and baked, there’s not a type of dumpling China doesn’t have. So get ready dumpling fans, today we’re looking at 17 of the best

Travel Insurance and Health Planning

Before departure, check that your travel insurance covers treatment, medical evacuation and the activities on your itinerary.

Healthcare is not free in China, so save your insurer’s emergency contact details offline and contact them promptly if you need treatment.

Check current destination-specific vaccination advice and speak to your doctor or a travel clinic at least eight weeks before travelling. If you take medication, check whether you can bring it into China and how to maintain your supply. Call 120 for a medical emergency.

Packing Essentials for China

Pack comfortable walking shoes, tissues, hand sanitiser and a plug adapter compatible with your devices. Keep a charging cable handy because navigation and payment apps depend on your phone.

IMPORTANT || If you bring a power bank, check the current airline and airport restrictions for every flight on your route.

Carry essential documents and any permitted medication where you can reach them during a journey.

Is China Safe for Travellers?

Serious crime against foreign visitors is relatively rare, but that does not make any trip risk-free. Keep valuables secure in crowded places, be cautious about unsolicited invitations to bars or tea tastings, and do not leave drinks unattended.

Check the current official travel advice for your itinerary before departure, and save your accommodation’s contact details and your insurer’s emergency number offline.

Solo travellers should share their plans with someone they trust and arrange their arrival transport in advance (see our tips just below). For a medical emergency, call 120.

Travelling Alone // Plan Your First Arrival

For a solo trip, make your first arrival straightforward: choose accommodation with a clearly explained check-in process, confirm when someone will be available and save the route from your arrival station or airport.

If you prefer a hostel or host family, check what support is actually offered rather than assuming English-speaking help is always available.

Share your itinerary with someone you trust, arrange a check-in time and keep your accommodation address offline. You can leave room for spontaneity once you have a dependable base.

Accessible Transportation // Check Your Exact Route

Accessibility needs to be checked for each station, vehicle and connection. In Shanghai, the metro has accessibility features including lifts and tactile flooring, but that does not guarantee every entrance or onward route will suit your needs.

Before booking rail travel, ask the operator about boarding assistance, wheelchair space, accessible toilets and the arrangements at both stations.

Confirm the precise lift-equipped metro entrance and an alternative route if a lift is unavailable. Explain your requirements directly rather than relying on a general accessibility label.

Thank you for joining us on this journey (pun intended) through China’s modes of transportation.

Travelling around China will bring some of the most exciting, challenging, and surprising experiences of your life. And if you want to go deeper than just getting from A to B, learning the language changes everything. 祝你旅途愉快！

Happy Traveling! Zhùnǐ Lǚtú Yùkuài, and it you want to come and join us, you can find your perfect Mandarin program

How to Travel in China || FAQ’s

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