China is enormous, but getting around is one of the easiest parts of the trip. Three systems cover almost everything: high-speed rail between cities, the metro within them, and DiDi or taxis for the last mile. All of it runs on your phone once your apps and eSIM are set up — so sort those first, then use this as your playbook.
Between cities: high-speed rail
China's bullet-train network is fast, punctual and often beats flying once you count airport time. Two ways to book:
- Trip.com — the simplest for first-timers. Book in English, enter your passport for each passenger, and you get a QR-code e-ticket by email.
- 12306 — China Railway's official app: cheaper and best if you're staying longer, but a fussier sign-up.
A few things to know:
- Your ticket is tied to your passport — there's no paper ticket to collect and nothing to print.
- Arrive early for security and boarding: about 30 minutes at most stations, 45 minutes at mega-stations like Beijing West and Shanghai Hongqiao, and 60 minutes at Hong Kong West Kowloon.
- To board, show your passport (and your QR e-ticket) at the gate. A few upgraded stations let you tap your passport at a self-service gate; at most stations you use the staffed lane and show it to staff.
- Second class is comfortable and the default for most travelers; first and business class buy more space, not speed.
Within a city: the metro
The metro is the fastest, cheapest way around any big Chinese city — usually ¥2–¥7 a ride (well under a dollar to about a dollar), with English on signs and machines in major cities.
- Pay with a QR code. In Alipay (or WeChat), open Transport and activate the ride code for that city — once per city. Scan it at the entry gate and again at the exit; the fare is deducted automatically. No Chinese bank account or phone number needed.
- The metro is not real-name, so there's no passport-and-face gate like the trains have — but bags go through an airport-style scanner at every entrance, so leave extra time at rush hour.
- Tip: turn your screen brightness up and hold the QR steady against the reader.
Door to door: DiDi and taxis
- DiDi is China's ride-hailing app (its "Uber") and the safest option: the fare is set in advance, the route is GPS-tracked, and payment is automatic — which removes almost every classic taxi scam. It has an English interface and a built-in translator, and you can run it as a mini-program inside WeChat or Alipay without a separate download.
- Regular taxis are fine too, with two rules: use the official taxi rank at airports and stations, and insist the driver runs the meter (the phrase is dǎ biǎo, 打表) — if they won't, get out and find another.
- Avoid "black cars" (hēi chē): unlicensed drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall often charge three to ten times the real fare. Ignore anyone who offers you a ride before you reach the official stand.
- Carry small notes as backup, but mobile pay is preferred and avoids counterfeit-change tricks. During any ride, glance at a map app to confirm you're heading the right way.
Quick checklist
- Intercity: book high-speed rail on Trip.com (or 12306) with your passport; arrive 30–60 min early; board by showing your passport.
- In-city: activate the Alipay/WeChat metro QR per city; scan in and out; expect a bag scan at the entrance.
- Last mile: DiDi first; otherwise an official, metered taxi — never a "black car" tout.
That's the whole network. InChina ties it together for the trip you're actually on — the right train between your stops, the metro line to your hotel, and the Chinese place name to show a driver when words run out.
Put it on a map
Knowing how the trains work is half of it; the other half is which trains, on which days. Plan a route lays out the stops between your entry and exit points with real timetables. If you are travelling visa-free, the 240-hour visa-free guide lists the provinces the route may include.
FAQ
Can foreigners book Chinese high-speed train tickets online?
Yes. Trip.com and the official 12306 app both accept foreign passports. Book with the passport as your ID document; there is no paper ticket, you scan the passport at the gate. Popular routes sell out on holidays, so book a few days ahead.
How early should I arrive at a Chinese train station?
Allow 45 to 60 minutes at large stations. You pass a security screen and an ID check at the entrance, then a ticket gate that closes several minutes before departure. Smaller stations need 30 minutes.
How do I pay for the metro in China?
Scan a QR code in Alipay or WeChat Pay (each city has a transit code inside the app), or buy a single-journey token at the machine with cash. Bags go through an X-ray at every station entrance.
Is DiDi available in English?
Yes. The DiDi app has an English interface and accepts foreign cards through Alipay or WeChat Pay. Set your pickup point carefully; a screenshot of the Chinese address helps if the driver calls.
Are taxis in China safe for tourists?
Metered taxis from official ranks are fine. Avoid unmarked cars touting at airports and stations. Show the driver the destination in Chinese characters, and ask for the meter if it is not running.
Last updated 22 September 2026. Schedules, station procedures and app features change; confirm current details before you travel.