Comprehensive Guide for Foreign Tourists: Navigating Transportation in China

1. Pre-Departure Preparation

1.1 Research Key Transportation Options

• High-Speed Rail (HSR): China’s HSR network is the world’s largest, connecting major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou in under 5 hours. Familiarize yourself with 12306 (China’s official train booking platform) and its English interface.
• Metro Systems: Major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou have extensive metro networks. Download Alipay or WeChat for mobile ticketing (see Section 3.2).
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Didi is the primary platform, but alternatives like Caocao Chuxing (曹操出行) and T3 出行 are also popular.
• Biking and Scooters: Hello Bike (哈啰单车), Meituan Bike (美团单车), and Didi Bike dominate the market, with e-scooters available in some cities.

1.2 Set Up Mobile Payment Solutions

• Alipay/WeChat Pay: These apps are essential for public transit, taxis, and bike rentals. Foreign tourists can link international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) to Alipay via its international version or WeChat Pay’s “Overseas” feature 17.
• UnionPay Cards: Accepted at most ATMs and major retailers, but less common for transit.

1.3 Download Essential Apps

• Navigation: Baidu Maps (百度地图) or Gaode Maps (高德地图) for real-time traffic and public transit directions.
• Translation: Tencent Translator (腾讯翻译君) or Baidu Translate for menus and signs.
• Ride-Hailing: Didi (滴滴) or DiDi Chuxing (滴滴出行).

2. Arrival: Getting Around Major Cities

2.1 Airport to City Center

• Airport Express Trains: Available in Beijing (Capital Airport), Shanghai (Pudong Airport), and Guangzhou (Baiyun Airport). Tickets can be purchased with cash or Alipay.
• Taxis: Use official taxi stands and ensure the driver uses the meter. Major airports also have Didi pick-up points.
• Airport Shuttles: Fixed-route buses to city centers, cheaper than taxis but slower.

2.2 Urban Transportation

• Metro:
  • Contactless Payment: Use Alipay/WeChat’s “Transport Card” feature to scan QR codes at metro gates. For example, Wuhan Metro supports Alipay QR codes 2.
  • Tickets: Buy single-journey tickets at kiosks (English instructions available) or use a local transit card (e.g., Beijing Yikatong, Shanghai Public Transportation Card).
• Buses: Similar to metro, use Alipay/WeChat QR codes or cash. Routes are listed in Chinese, so use Baidu Maps for real-time updates.
• Taxis: Flag down a taxi or use Didi. Ensure the driver turns on the meter; some drivers may request cash, so carry small bills.

2.3 Ride-Hailing Apps

• Didi:
  • Registration: Use a foreign phone number and link to Alipay/WeChat.
  • Features: Select “English” in settings for driver communication. Didi also offers Didi Premier (luxury cars) and Didi Express (economy).
• Alternative Apps: Caocao Chuxing and T3 出行 are reliable, with English support.

3. Long-Distance Travel

3.1 High-Speed Rail (HSR)

• Booking:
  • 12306 Website/APP: English version available. Use passport details for registration. Payment via Alipay, WeChat, or UnionPay 1.
  • Third-Party Platforms: Ctrip (携程) or Lily Chinese simplify the process with English support.
• Tickets: Choose G/D trains (fastest), 二等座 (Second Class), or 一等座 (First Class). Seat selection is possible.
• Station Etiquette: Arrive 30 minutes early. Use passport for ticket verification and security checks.

3.2 Domestic Flights

• Booking: Use Ctrip, Qunar (去哪儿), or airline websites (e.g., Air China, China Southern).
• Check-In: Most airlines offer online check-in. At the airport, use 自助值机 (self-service kiosks) with passport.
• Baggage: Domestic flights often have strict baggage limits; check before booking.

3.3 Long-Distance Buses

• Useful for: Rural destinations not served by HSR.
• Booking: Purchase tickets at bus stations or via KuaiShouChe (快收车) app. Cash is preferred.

4. Shared Mobility and Micro-Mobility

4.1 Bikes and Scooters

• Apps: Hello Bike, Meituan Bike, and Didi Bike offer dockless rentals.
• Payment: Scan QR codes with Alipay/WeChat. Rates are ~¥1.5–3 per 30 minutes.
• Rules: Park only in designated areas (marked on app maps). Fines apply for violations.

4.2 Electric Scooters

• Availability: Limited to cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu.
• Safety: Wear helmets (provided by some companies). Follow local traffic laws.

4.3 Car Rentals

• Requirements: Valid international driver’s permit (IDP) and passport. Some companies (e.g., China Auto Rental) accept foreign licenses 1.
• Booking: Use Ctrip or Europcar. Ensure insurance coverage.
• Driving Tips: Drive on the right, avoid peak hours, and use Baidu Maps for navigation.

5. Special Considerations

5.1 Language Barriers

• Signs and Announcements: Most HSR stations and metros have English signs. Use translation apps for bus routes.
• Driver Communication: Use Didi’s in-app translation feature or pre-type your destination in Chinese.

5.2 Payment Challenges

• Cash: Carry ¥10–100 bills for taxis, buses, and street vendors.
• Mobile Payments: Alipay/WeChat are widely accepted, but some small businesses may only take cash.

5.3 Accessibility

• HSR Stations: Most are wheelchair-accessible, with elevators and ramps.
• Metros: Limited accessibility in older stations. Use stations with “无障碍” (barrier-free) signage.

5.4 Traffic and Safety

• Traffic Rules: Follow speed limits and pedestrian crossings. HSR and metro security checks are strict (no liquids over 100ml).
• Safety Tips: Avoid unlicensed taxis. In HSR stations, keep belongings secure in crowded areas.

6. Latest Policies and Innovations (2025)

6.1 Digital Transformation

• 12306’s New Features: Real-time seat availability updates and AI-powered route suggestions.
• Autonomous Vehicles: Pilot programs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou allow tourists to hail driverless taxis via Apollo Go (百度 Apollo) 7.

6.2 Visa-Free Transit

• 240-Hour Transit Exemption: 54 nationalities can transit through 60 ports without a visa for up to 10 days 9.

6.3 Sustainable Transportation

• EV Charging: Over 500,000 public EV chargers nationwide. Use StarCharge (星星充电) app for locations.

7. Emergency Tips

• Lost Items: Report to metro/train station staff or contact Didi’s lost-and-found.
• Accidents: Call 122 (traffic police) or 120 (ambulance). Provide your location via Baidu Maps.
• Stranded: Use Didi or local hotels for assistance. Major HSR stations have English-speaking staff.

8. Sample Itinerary: 7-Day Beijing to Xi’an Trip

Conclusion

• 12306 English Website: http://www.12306.cn
• Didi International: http://www.didiglobal.com
• China Tourism Transportation Guide: en.travelchina.gov.cn