Getting Around China: A Complete Transportation Guide for Foreign Tourists (2026)
China is a huge country.
Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin and Shanghai may all be on your travel wish list — but they are hundreds or even thousands of kilometers apart.
So one of the first questions international travelers ask is:
What is the best way to get around China?
The good news is that traveling around China is easier than many first-time visitors expect.
China has an extensive high-speed rail network, modern airports, metro systems in dozens of cities, ride-hailing services, taxis, buses and private transportation.
The real challenge is knowing which option makes the most sense for each part of your trip.
This guide explains the main ways foreign tourists can travel around China in 2026.
What Is the Best Way to Travel Around China?
For most international tourists, there isn't one single best transportation method.
A typical China trip may combine several:
Between major cities: High-speed train
Very long distances: Domestic flight
Inside large cities: Metro
Short city journeys: DiDi or taxi
Remote scenic areas: Private car, local transfer or tour vehicle
For example, a first-time China itinerary might look like:
Beijing → Xi'an: High-speed train
Xi'an → Chengdu: High-speed train
Chengdu → Zhangjiajie: Train or flight depending on schedule
Zhangjiajie sightseeing: Private/local transportation
Zhangjiajie → Shanghai: Flight
Trying to use the same transportation method for every journey usually isn't the most efficient approach.
1. High-Speed Trains in China
For many international visitors, China's high-speed rail network becomes one of the best parts of traveling around the country.
High-speed trains connect many major tourist destinations and are generally:
Fast
Comfortable
Reliable
Convenient for city-center-to-city-center travel
Common tourist routes include:
Beijing → Xi'an
Shanghai → Hangzhou
Shanghai → Suzhou
Chengdu → Chongqing
Chongqing → Guiyang
Guangzhou → Guilin
For medium-distance journeys, high-speed rail is often more convenient than flying once airport transfers, security and waiting time are considered.
Can Foreigners Take High-Speed Trains in China?
Yes.
Foreign travelers can purchase Chinese railway tickets using valid passports.
China operates a real-name railway ticketing system, so the passenger information on your booking must match the identification document used to purchase the ticket.
For most international tourists, that means your passport.
Foreign travelers can buy train tickets through several channels, including:
China Railway 12306
Railway station ticket counters
Authorized booking platforms
The official English-language China Railway 12306 service supports eligible foreign passports.
Do I Need a Paper Train Ticket?
China widely uses electronic railway tickets.
If you purchase an eligible e-ticket using your passport, the valid identification document used for the booking is connected to your journey.
This means you should carry the original passport used to book your train ticket when traveling.
Do not rely only on a photograph or photocopy of your passport.
At some stations, foreign passports may need to be checked manually if an automated gate does not process the document successfully.
Allow enough time for this possibility.
What Are G, D and C Trains?
When searching for Chinese trains, you will see train numbers beginning with letters.
G Trains
These are generally the fastest high-speed services and are widely used for long-distance intercity travel.
D Trains
These are also fast trains and can operate on both long-distance and regional routes.
C Trains
These are commonly intercity services connecting nearby cities or metropolitan areas.
There are also conventional trains with other letter codes.
For most first-time international tourists traveling between major destinations, G trains are often the easiest option when available.
First Class or Second Class?
China's high-speed trains commonly offer several seating categories.
Second Class
Usually the best value for most travelers.
Seats are comfortable and perfectly suitable for most journeys.
First Class
Offers more space and fewer seats per row.
This can be worth considering for longer journeys or travelers who prefer additional comfort.
Business Class
Available on selected trains and offers a significantly more premium experience.
For most international tourists, Second Class or First Class is sufficient.
Important: Chinese Cities Can Have Several Train Stations
This is one of the easiest mistakes to make.
Major Chinese cities often have multiple railway stations.
For example, Beijing includes stations such as:
Beijing Railway Station
Beijing West Railway Station
Beijing South Railway Station
Beijing North Railway Station
Beijing Chaoyang Railway Station
These stations can be far apart.
Beijing Station and Beijing South Station are not the same place.
The same applies in many other cities.
Always check the full station name, not just the city name, before leaving your hotel.
How Early Should I Arrive at a Chinese Train Station?
Chinese railway stations can be extremely large.
You may need time for:
Security screening
Passport inspection
Finding your departure hall
Finding the correct boarding gate
Walking to the platform
For a first trip, arriving approximately 45–60 minutes before departure is a sensible practical buffer at many large stations.
During major holidays or at especially large stations, allowing more time can be helpful.
Do not treat a Chinese high-speed railway station like a small local train station where arriving five minutes before departure is comfortable.
2. Domestic Flights in China
China is geographically enormous.
For longer routes, flying can save a substantial amount of time.
Domestic flights are particularly useful when traveling between destinations that are far apart or do not have a convenient direct high-speed rail connection.
Routes where flying may make sense include journeys such as:
Beijing → Yunnan
Shanghai → Chengdu
Zhangjiajie → Shanghai
Shanghai → Xinjiang
Beijing → Harbin
depending on your itinerary and available schedules.
Foreign travelers can book domestic flights through airline websites, apps and travel booking platforms.
High-Speed Train or Flight?
This is one of the most important decisions when planning a China itinerary.
As a general travel-planning principle:
Choose High-Speed Rail When:
The journey is relatively short or medium-distance
There is a convenient direct train
Both railway stations are well located
You want a simpler city-center-to-city-center journey
You want to experience China's high-speed rail system
Consider Flying When:
The distance is very long
Train travel would consume most of a day
There is a convenient direct flight
Your destinations are far apart
Your itinerary is time-sensitive
Don't compare only the advertised train time with the flight time.
For flights, also consider:
Hotel → Airport + Check-in + Security + Flight + Baggage + Airport → Hotel
For trains, consider:
Hotel → Railway Station + Security + Train + Station → Hotel
Sometimes a 5-hour high-speed train is more convenient overall than a 2-hour flight.
3. Metro Systems in China
Once you arrive in a major Chinese city, the metro is often the fastest and cheapest way to get around.
China has urban rail systems in dozens of cities, including major tourist destinations such as:
Beijing
Shanghai
Xi'an
Chengdu
Chongqing
Guangzhou
Shenzhen
Hangzhou
Nanjing
Wuhan
Metro systems are particularly useful when traffic is heavy.
Many major stations provide English-language signs, making them easier for international travelers to navigate than they might expect.
How Do Foreign Tourists Pay for the Metro?
Payment options vary by city.
Depending on the local system, foreign travelers may be able to use:
Single-journey tickets
Local transport cards
Alipay transport QR codes
Other supported mobile payment systems
Supported bank cards at selected systems
One convenient option in many cities is Alipay.
Inside Alipay, travelers can look for:
Transport → Select City → Metro
and activate the applicable transport QR code after completing any required setup.
You can then scan the QR code when entering and leaving participating metro systems.
Can I Use a Foreign Credit Card Directly at Metro Gates?
This depends on the city.
Beijing has introduced direct fare-gate support for eligible overseas-issued Mastercard and Visa cards on its urban rail network.
Other cities may use different systems.
Do not assume that the same payment method works in every Chinese city.
For a multi-city trip, having Alipay set up before or shortly after arrival can make local transportation considerably easier.
4. DiDi and Ride-Hailing in China
For shorter journeys, hotel transfers and places that are inconvenient to reach by metro, ride-hailing is extremely useful.
DiDi is one of the most commonly used ride-hailing services in China.
For international visitors, ride-hailing can be easier than trying to explain a destination verbally to a street taxi driver.
You select your destination digitally, so the driver already knows where you want to go.
This can reduce language-related problems.
How Can Foreigners Use DiDi?
International travelers can access ride-hailing services through supported apps and mini programs.
Alipay also provides access to taxi and ride-hailing services.
Before your trip, it is useful to set up:
Alipay
An international bank card
Mobile data or an eSIM
Your hotel's Chinese address
If possible, save your hotel and important destinations in both English and Chinese.
This is extremely helpful when communicating with drivers.
5. Traditional Taxis
Traditional taxis are still widely available in Chinese cities.
They can be convenient for:
Airport transfers
Railway station transfers
Short city journeys
Travelers without ride-hailing apps
However, language can sometimes be a challenge.
Many taxi drivers do not speak English.
Before getting into a taxi, have your destination written in Chinese.
Instead of showing:
The Bund
show:
上海外滩
Instead of only showing:
Beijing South Railway Station
show:
北京南站
Your hotel reception can also help write or confirm the destination.
6. Public Buses
China has extensive urban bus networks.
Foreign travelers can use buses, and depending on the city, payment may be possible through:
RMB cash
Transport cards
Alipay
Local transportation QR codes
Buses can be very useful, but they are generally less intuitive than metros for first-time international visitors.
For a first trip to a large Chinese city, we usually suggest:
Metro + DiDi/Taxi
for most urban transportation.
Once you become more comfortable with the city, buses can be a useful additional option.
7. Airport Transportation
After a long international flight, transportation from the airport is often the first practical challenge visitors face.
Major Chinese airports can be far from city centers.
Depending on the city, your options may include:
Airport metro
Airport express train
Taxi
Ride-hailing
Airport bus
Pre-arranged private transfer
What Is the Best Option After an International Flight?
For experienced independent travelers with light luggage, airport metro or rail services can be efficient.
For:
Families
Older travelers
Groups
Travelers with several suitcases
First-time visitors
Late-night arrivals
a pre-arranged private airport transfer can be much easier.
Instead of navigating a new transportation system immediately after immigration and baggage collection, your driver can meet you and take you directly to your hotel.
8. Private Cars and Drivers
Not every part of China is best explored by train or metro.
Private vehicles are particularly useful for destinations where attractions are spread across a large area.
Examples can include:
Zhangjiajie
Yunnan
Guilin and Yangshuo
Guizhou
Sichuan
Xinjiang
Rural and mountain destinations
Private transportation can also be useful for families and small groups.
Instead of repeatedly moving luggage between stations and hotels, you can travel directly between attractions.
This is one reason a China itinerary should be planned destination by destination, rather than choosing one transportation method for the entire trip.
9. Can Foreign Tourists Rent a Car in China?
This requires more planning.
Foreign visitors should not assume that an overseas driver's license or International Driving Permit alone automatically allows them to drive in mainland China.
Eligible foreign visitors may need to obtain the appropriate Chinese temporary driving permission before driving.
Because public transportation and private driver services are widely available, self-driving is usually unnecessary for a first China trip.
For most international tourists, high-speed trains, flights and local private transportation are simpler.
10. How to Travel Between China's Most Popular Tourist Cities
Here are some practical examples.
Beijing → Xi'an
High-speed train is often an excellent option.
Both cities are major railway hubs, and the route is popular with international tourists.
Xi'an → Chengdu
High-speed rail works very well for this route.
It allows travelers to combine China's ancient history with Sichuan food, pandas and southwestern culture.
Chengdu → Chongqing
High-speed rail is usually one of the easiest options.
The two cities are close enough to combine into one regional itinerary.
Shanghai → Hangzhou
High-speed rail is extremely convenient.
This can easily be included as a short side trip from Shanghai.
Shanghai → Suzhou
High-speed rail is also very convenient and the journey is relatively short.
Guilin → Yangshuo
Local road transportation and other regional transport options are often more practical for sightseeing itineraries.
Zhangjiajie
Rail connections have improved significantly, but local transportation is still important because the major scenic areas are spread across different locations.
Chengdu → Zhangjiajie → Shanghai
This is where itinerary planning becomes more important.
Depending on your dates and available schedules, the best combination may involve both trains and flights.
11. Best Transportation Apps for China
Before arriving, consider preparing a few essential apps.
China Railway 12306
Useful for:
Train searches
Railway ticket booking
Ticket changes
Refunds
Foreign travelers can register using eligible foreign passports on the English service.
Alipay
Useful for much more than payments.
It can also help with:
Metro transportation
Bus transportation
Ride-hailing
Other travel services
Map App
A reliable map application can help you:
Locate metro stations
Check walking routes
Find railway stations
Show destinations to drivers
Make sure your preferred map service works effectively in mainland China before relying on it.
12. Always Carry Your Passport on Intercity Travel Days
Your passport is particularly important when traveling between cities.
It may be required for:
High-speed train travel
Domestic flights
Hotel check-in
Certain ticketing procedures
If you booked transportation using your passport, make sure you carry the same original passport.
A screenshot of your passport should be treated as a backup, not as a replacement for the original document where official identification is required.
13. Chinese Holidays Can Change Everything
China's transportation network is highly efficient, but demand can be enormous during major public holidays.
The busiest periods can include:
Chinese New Year / Spring Festival travel season
Labor Day holiday
National Day holiday
During peak periods:
Popular trains may sell out quickly
Airports and stations become busier
Road traffic increases
Popular destinations receive more visitors
If your trip overlaps a major Chinese holiday, transportation planning becomes especially important.
14. How Much Time Should You Leave Between Cities?
One of the most common mistakes first-time visitors make is trying to visit too many cities.
China looks manageable on a map, but distances can be significant.
A trip like:
Beijing → Xi'an → Chengdu → Chongqing → Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Shanghai
is possible.
But doing all of this in seven days would turn your holiday into a transportation marathon.
A better itinerary balances:
Travel Time + Sightseeing Time + Rest
For most visitors, spending approximately 2–4 nights in major destinations creates a much more enjoyable journey.
15. What Is the Easiest Way to Travel Around China for the First Time?
For many first-time international visitors, a practical combination is:
Between Cities
High-Speed Rail + Domestic Flights
Inside Major Cities
Metro + DiDi/Taxi
Scenic and Rural Areas
Private/local transportation
Airport and Station Transfers
Pre-arranged transfers when convenience matters
This gives you the efficiency of China's public transportation network without making every part of the trip complicated.
Example: A 14-Day First-Time China Transportation Plan
Here is one example:
Days 1–4: Beijing
Airport → Hotel: Private transfer or airport transport
Inside Beijing: Metro + private/local transportation
Day 5: Beijing → Xi'an
High-speed train
Days 5–7: Xi'an
Metro + taxi/private transportation
Day 8: Xi'an → Chengdu
High-speed train
Days 8–10: Chengdu
Metro + private/local transportation
Day 11: Chengdu → Shanghai
Flight or rail depending on your preferred schedule
Days 11–14: Shanghai
Metro + DiDi/Taxi
Departure
Hotel → Airport: Metro, taxi or private transfer depending on luggage and flight time
The result is a trip where transportation supports the experience rather than dominating it.
Planning a Multi-City China Trip?
China's transportation system makes it possible to combine historic cities, modern metropolises and spectacular landscapes in one journey.
The difficult part isn't simply buying a train ticket.
It's deciding:
Which cities work well together
When to use high-speed rail
When flying saves time
Which railway station you need
How much transfer time to allow
How to reach scenic areas
How many destinations realistically fit your trip
At SEEK CHINA TRAVEL, we design private and small-group China journeys around your travel dates, interests and preferred pace.
We can help arrange:
Customized multi-city itineraries
High-speed train arrangements
Domestic transportation
Airport and railway station transfers
Private vehicles
Hotels
Attraction tickets
English-speaking local guides
On-the-ground travel support
Whether you're traveling through Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Shanghai or beyond, we'll help connect the journey from one destination to the next.
Discover China. Your Way.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way for tourists to travel around China?
For most international visitors, the best solution is a combination of high-speed trains, domestic flights, metro systems and taxis or ride-hailing. The ideal choice depends on the distance and destination.
Can foreigners use high-speed trains in China?
Yes. Foreign travelers can purchase real-name railway tickets using eligible valid passports.
Can foreigners use China Railway 12306?
Yes. The official English-language 12306 service supports registration and ticket purchasing with eligible foreign passports.
Do I need a paper ticket for Chinese high-speed trains?
China widely uses electronic tickets. For eligible e-ticket journeys, passengers use the valid identification document associated with the booking. Foreign travelers should carry the original passport used for the ticket purchase.
Is China's metro easy for foreigners?
Metro systems in major tourist cities are generally convenient, and many major stations provide English signage. Payment options vary by city.
Can foreigners use Alipay for public transportation?
Yes, supported transportation services in Alipay can allow foreign travelers to use QR codes for metro and bus travel in participating cities after completing the required setup.
Can foreigners use DiDi in China?
International travelers can access ride-hailing services through supported apps and mini programs. Alipay also provides taxi and ride-hailing functionality.
Is high-speed rail better than flying in China?
It depends on the route. High-speed rail is often excellent for short and medium-distance intercity journeys, while flights can be more practical for very long distances.
Can I rent a car in China with a foreign driver's license?
Do not assume that an overseas license or International Driving Permit alone is sufficient for driving in mainland China. Foreign visitors may need the appropriate Chinese temporary driving permission.
Should I carry my passport when traveling in China?
Yes, especially on intercity travel days. Your original passport may be needed for train travel, domestic flights, hotel check-in and other identification procedures.
How should I travel around China on my first trip?
A simple approach is to use high-speed trains between well-connected cities, flights for very long distances, metro and ride-hailing inside major cities, and private transportation for scenic or rural destinations.