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Getting around China
Domestic air travel is an efficient way to cover long distances in China, particularly given the country's size. Major carriers include Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, all of which operate extensive networks linking major cities and regional destinations.
Flight times are generally manageable. For example, Beijing to Shanghai takes around 2 hours, while Beijing to Guangzhou is about 3 hours. Services are frequent on key routes, though delays can occur due to air traffic congestion.
China has a large number of airports, including major hubs such as Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), as well as numerous regional airports serving smaller cities and tourist areas.
China has an extensive and modern road network, with a rapidly expanding system of expressways linking major cities and regions. These expressways are generally well-maintained and allow for efficient long-distance travel, particularly between key urban centres.
Several routes are notable for their scale or scenery. The G2 Beijing–Shanghai Expressway connects two of the country's most important cities, while the G4 Beijing–Hong Kong–Macau Expressway runs through central and southern China. For more scenic journeys, the Karakoram Highway linking western China with Pakistan offers dramatic mountain landscapes, and routes across Yunnan Province provide access to terraced hills, valleys and ethnic minority regions.
Road quality in China is good on major expressways and in urban areas, with modern infrastructure and clear signage. The national expressway network is extensive and continues to expand, linking cities across the country.
In more rural or remote areas, road conditions can vary, and hazards such as uneven surfaces, limited lighting and local traffic may be encountered. Extra caution is advisable when travelling outside major routes, particularly at night.
China's road system includes national expressways (often marked with a "G" prefix), national highways, provincial roads and local routes. Expressways are the highest standard, typically multi-lane and tolled, connecting major cities and regions.
Car hire is available in major cities, but it is not widely used by foreign visitors due to licensing requirements and driving conditions. To drive legally in China, visitors must obtain a temporary or full Chinese driving licence, as foreign licences and International Driving Permits are not accepted.
Taxis are widely available in cities across China and are a convenient way to travel short distances. Most taxis are metered, and fares are generally affordable by international standards. Vehicles are typically clearly marked, though colours vary by city.
Street hailing is common in urban areas, particularly in busy districts and near transport hubs. It is advisable to have your destination written in Chinese characters, as many drivers may not speak English.
Ride-hailing services are widely used, with platforms such as Didi Chuxing dominating the market. These services are often the easiest option for visitors, as fares are calculated in advance and navigation is handled through the app. Availability is generally good in major cities.
Cycling remains a popular mode of transport in many Chinese cities, particularly for short distances. Dedicated bike lanes are common in urban areas, and bicycle-sharing schemes are widely available through app-based systems.
While cycling can be a convenient way to explore certain areas, traffic conditions in larger cities can be busy, and caution is advised. Long-distance cycling between cities is less common due to traffic and distance, though it is possible on selected routes.
Long-distance coach travel is widely available and connects cities, towns and rural areas across China. Services range from basic buses to more comfortable long-distance coaches with reclining seats.
Major cities have large bus terminals serving regional and intercity routes. In Beijing, for example, key terminals include Liuliqiao Passenger Transport Hub and Beijing South Bus Station, which serve surrounding provinces and beyond.
Coach travel can be a useful option for reaching destinations not served by rail, though journey times may be longer compared to high-speed trains.
Traffic in China drives on the right-hand side of the road. Speed limits are typically around 30–60 km/h (19–37 mph) in urban areas, 80 km/h (50 mph) on secondary roads and up to 120 km/h (75 mph) on expressways, unless otherwise indicated.
Traffic enforcement is common, with widespread use of cameras and electronic monitoring. Seat belts are compulsory, and drink-driving laws are strictly enforced. Road signs are usually bilingual in major areas, but this may not hold true in more remote regions.
China does not have a single nationwide automobile association equivalent to those in some other countries, but roadside assistance is available through various providers and expressway operators. Emergency phones are often installed along major highways.
For visitors using hired vehicles with drivers or organised transport, assistance is typically arranged through the service provider. Travellers should confirm emergency procedures and contact details before starting their journey.
Foreign drivers must obtain a Chinese driving licence to drive legally in China. This may involve applying for a temporary permit based on an existing licence, depending on the duration and purpose of the visit.
Travellers should also carry their passports at all times, as identification checks may be required when travelling. Additional permits may be needed for certain regions, particularly in sensitive or restricted areas.
Urban transport in China is highly developed, particularly in major cities. More than 50 cities now have metro, subway or light rail systems, including extensive networks in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. These systems are often the fastest and most efficient way to travel across large urban areas, helping to avoid traffic congestion. Buses, trolleybuses and taxis complement these networks, while ride-hailing services are widely used.
In cities without metro systems, buses and taxis form the main modes of public transport.
In practice, many visitors rely on a combination of metro systems, ride-hailing services and taxis to get around cities efficiently.
China has one of the most extensive and advanced rail networks in the world, making it one of the best ways to travel domestically. High-speed rail (HSR) connects major cities with fast, frequent services, significantly reducing journey times.
For example, Beijing to Shanghai by high-speed train takes around 4.5 to 6 hours, while shorter routes such as Guangzhou to Shenzhen can take under 1 hour. Trains are modern, comfortable and widely used by both locals and visitors.
Several routes are also notable for their scenery. The Qinghai–Tibet Railway, one of the highest railways in the world, crosses vast plateaus and mountain landscapes on its journey to Lhasa. In southern China, routes through Guangxi and Yunnan pass karst hills, rice terraces and rural countryside, offering more relaxed and scenic journeys.
Conventional rail services also operate across the country, including overnight sleeper trains on longer routes. These provide an alternative for travellers seeking lower-cost options or routes not covered by high-speed lines.
Domestic water transport plays a limited but notable role in certain parts of China. Ferries operate across major rivers such as the Yangtze and in coastal regions, providing local connections between cities and islands.
River cruises, particularly along the Yangtze River, are a popular way to travel between cities such as Chongqing and Yichang while experiencing scenic landscapes. Elsewhere, water transport is generally used for short-distance travel rather than long-distance journeys.
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