Are you a foreigner planning to visit China? Exciting adventures, rich history, and vibrant culture await you in this vast and diverse country. However, traveling in a foreign land can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to getting around. Fear not, for I am here to unveil the top transportation secrets that will make your journey through China a breeze.
From airline options to train journeys, automobiles to subways, this post will serve as your ultimate guide to travel transportation in China. So, get ready to embark on a self-helping travel experience like no other.
There’s a common misconception that visitors to China today are helpless without a Chinese ID, Alipay, or WeChat. After returning from a trip to Datong, Shanxi Province, this month, I no longer believe that to be strictly true.
Travel by Flight ✈️
In terms of getting around, you won’t need any special knowledge or skills to book your flight; just use the airline’s official website, or ctrip.com .
Travel by Train 🚄
The most common and hassle-free method is taking a train. Tickets may be purchased on 12306.cn, the official China Railway website, or through the official 12306 app (iOS or Android). Before you do so, you may need to register with your passport details and phone number. The good news is that an international phone number is accepted. Although there is no need to wait in line at the ticket counter to purchase a paper ticket for the train, unless you want keep a paper ticket.
Railway station staff will let you in after checking your passport and ticket number (both of which may be found in the order details sent via website, app, SMS, or email) on a hand machine. You’re expected to show up for these things a total of three times, at a minimum of twice. Your order confirmation will also include your assigned seat number. I’m not sure if the QR code of the ticket has come up if the foreigner is a new user of the app, but I think you can still board the train after showing the ticket info to staff.
Travel by Metro 🚇
There is a ticket machine nearby or you can ask a member of staff for assistance.
Travel by Bus 🚌
When I travel, especially to a small city or town, I rarely, if ever, take the bus. My patience wears thin with long bus waits and the dreadful conditions on most buses. Also, I always don’t have any spare change and thus feel awkward taking the bus, even though the drivers are normally really nice and let me ride for free. Grab a cab and get going! If you really want to take a bus in a smaller town but don’t have any electronic payment options, you can still pay with cash.
Travel by Car 🚗
Getting around is as simple as hailing a cab on the street, booking a vehicle and driver through ctrip.com or a travel agency, or using the DiDi app.
Taxis taken from the street should be approached with caution due to the possibility of a language barrier and the possibility of encountering an illegal cab. However, I regard this as just another of travel’s rewards.
The DiDi taxi app is user-friendly and available in both Chinese and English.
Conclusion
Visiting China today doesn’t require special knowledge or skills. Traveling by flight, train, bus, or car is easy and hassle-free.
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