Traveling to China can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the country’s vast landscapes and bustling cities can seem like a daunting task for those unfamiliar with the local transportation systems. Whether you’re exploring the skyscrapers of Shanghai or the ancient sites of Xi’an, the key to enjoying your trip is understanding how to travel smoothly and efficiently. Let us walk you through six practical ways to travel in China, ensuring that you can move around with ease, from airplanes to shared bikes. Let’s explore the best options and tips for seamless travel.
1. Traveling by Airplane: The Fastest Way to Reach Your Destination
Air travel remains the fastest and most convenient way to travel long distances in China. With major international airports in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, flying is an excellent option for getting around the country.
Booking Your Flight
Booking a flight to China has become incredibly easy, thanks to numerous platforms offering flexible options. Here are the top websites for booking international flights to China:
- Expedia & Skyscanner: These platforms provide multiple currencies and language choices, ensuring an easy and user-friendly booking process for international travelers.
- Ctrip (Trip.com): A leading Chinese travel agency that caters to international customers, offering services in English and supporting international credit cards.
Airport Check-in and Security
Arriving early at the airport is always recommended—2 to 3 hours prior to your flight. At most major Chinese airports, you will find self-check-in kiosks that allow you to print your boarding pass with just your passport. Many of these kiosks offer English language support, making the process quick and efficient.
Language Tip for Air Travel
Qǐngwèn dēngjī kǒu zài nǎlǐ?
请问登机口在哪里？
Excuse me, where is the boarding gate?
Wǒ xūyào yīgè zuòwèi kào chuān.
我需要一个座位靠窗。
I need a window seat.
2. Traveling by Train: Experience China’s High-Speed Rail Network
China’s high-speed trains (G-trains) are not only fast but also incredibly efficient, offering a smooth journey between cities like Shenzhen, Hangzhou, Tianjin, and more. The high-speed rail network is an excellent choice for both business travelers and tourists.
Buying Tickets
You have several options when it comes to purchasing train tickets:
- 12306 App: This official app supports English and allows you to buy tickets online with ease.
- Alipay: An alternative option to purchase tickets online using your Alipay account.
- On-Site: At the train station, you can purchase tickets at kiosks or service counters.
Ticket Collection and Boarding
Once you’ve bought your ticket, you can either collect it at the station via self-service kiosks or use your passport to collect tickets directly. Make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow ample time for ticket collection and boarding.
Language Tip for Train Travel
Wǒ de piào zài nǎr jiǎnpiào?
我的车票在哪儿检票？
Where do I check my ticket?
Qǐngwèn zhàntái zài nǎlǐ?
请问站台在哪里？
Excuse me, where is the platform?
3. Traveling by Subway: Navigating China’s Metro System
Subways are one of the most common and convenient forms of public transportation in major cities across China. With systems in place in cities like Xi‘an, Chengdu, and Shenzhen, subways offer an affordable and efficient means of getting around.
Buying Tickets
At any subway station, you can purchase tickets via automatic ticket machines, which accept both cash and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay. Most of these stations have English-language options, ensuring that you can navigate the system with ease.
Route Planning
To help you find the right subway line, you can use apps like Apple Maps which provide real-time navigation and route planning. Subway maps are available in both Chinese and English, making it easy for foreign travelers to plan their routes.
Language Tip for Subway Travel
Qǐngwèn dìtiě zhàn zài nǎlǐ?
请问地铁站在哪里？
Excuse me, where is the subway station?
Qǐngwèn zěnme huànchéng?
请问怎么换乘？
Excuse me, how do I transfer?
4. Traveling by Bus: Affordable and Scenic Travel
Buses are a cost-effective option for short-distance travel, especially if you are exploring cities or enjoying scenic routes. Though buses may take longer than the subway, they offer a more relaxed pace to appreciate the sights.
Bus Travel
At most bus stations, you will find route maps that list operating hours, bus numbers, and stops. Additionally, mobile payment options like Alipay and WeChat Pay are available for easy fare payment. Some buses also provide digital screens displaying the next stops, though bilingual signage may not always be available.
Route Planning
To help navigate bus routes, you can use apps such as Apple Maps to find the nearest bus stations and choose the most efficient route.
Language Tip for Bus Travel
Qǐngwèn gōngjiāo chē zhàn zài nǎlǐ?
请问公交车站在哪里？
Excuse me, where is the bus stop?
Qǐngwèn xià yī zhàn shì nǎlǐ?
请问下一站是哪里？
Excuse me, what is the next stop?
5. Traveling by Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Easy and Comfortable
Taxis and ride-hailing services like Didi are common modes of transport in China, offering comfort and convenience, especially when traveling with luggage or in unfamiliar areas.
Taxis
Hailing a taxi in China is straightforward—look for taxis with the vacant sign “空车 (Kōngchē)“ illuminated. Most taxi drivers in China may not speak English, so it’s helpful to have your destination written in Chinese.
Ride-Hailing (Didi or Uber)
Didi and Uber both offer English-language apps, making ride-hailing a breeze. Simply input your starting point and destination, choose your vehicle, and confirm the ride.
Language Tip for Taxi and Ride-Hailing
Qǐng dài wǒ dào zhège dìfāng.
请带我到这个地方。
Please take me to this place.
Wǒ xiǎng qù jīchǎng.
我想去机场。
I want to go to the airport.
Wǒ kěyǐ yòng Wēixìn zhīfù ma?
我可以用微信支付吗？
Can I pay with WeChat Pay?
6. Traveling by Bicycle or Walking: Explore at Your Own Pace
As more cities in China become bicycle and pedestrian-friendly, cycling and walking offer great alternatives for getting around, especially for short trips or sightseeing.
Bicycles
Many cities have shared bicycle systems that you can access via apps like Alipay or WeChat. Simply scan the QR code on a bike, unlock it, and start your journey.
Walking
Walking through Chinese cities can be an enjoyable way to explore. For instance, areas like Beijing’s Hutongs or Shanghai’s Bund offer a cultural experience that’s best appreciated on foot.
Language Tip for Biking and Walking
Qǐng wèn qù [destination] zěn me zǒu?
请问去 [destination] 怎么走?
How do I get to [destination]?
Zhè liàng chē zěnme jiěsuǒ?
这辆车怎么解锁？
How do I unlock this bike?
Whether you’re flying between cities, riding the subway in Shanghai, or hopping onto a shared bike in Beijing, understanding your travel options will ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Mastering basic Chinese phrases, as well as utilizing helpful travel apps, will help you navigate the country with ease. To make the most of your travels, consider learning some essential Chinese phrases before your trip. eChineseLearning offers personalized one-on-one Chinese lessons that will teach you the essential phrases and cultural nuances needed for a seamless travel experience in China.
How eChineseLearning Can Help You
At eChineseLearning, we specialize in one-on-one Chinese lessons tailored to your individual needs and schedule. Whether you’re looking to improve your basic conversation skills for everyday interactions or master specialized travel phrases, our experienced teachers will guide you through the most common and useful Chinese sentences for each travel scenario.
With eChineseLearning, you’ll get:
- Personalized lessons: Tailored to your goals, whether for travel, business, or cultural immersion.
- Native-speaking teachers: Who understand the nuances of the Chinese language and culture.
- Flexible schedules: Online lessons available 24/7, perfect for travelers on the go.
Ready to learn? Get started with a free trial lesson today, and start mastering the Chinese you’ll use every day during your travels!
