Transport and Driving in China

Fittingly for a country of its enormity, China has a variety of transport options. Expats in the People’s Republic have access to buses, trains, subways, ferries and taxis in many cities, and there are also several options for long-distance travel, including high-speed trains, buses and domestic flights.

Walking and cycling are also popular in much of China, as they are cheap and healthy ways of covering short distances. Some cities have bicycle-hiring programmes as part of their public transport infrastructure.

Driving in China, on the other hand, is a challenge for most expats and is often characterised by chaos and congestion. It may be a good idea for foreigners to get to know their surroundings through public transport before getting behind the wheel.

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Public transport in China

Standards vary from city to city, but the wider network of public transport in China is fairly comprehensive. Its train and long-distance bus services make it possible to cover large distances with relative ease.

Trains

The national railway network in China is extensive and covers the entire country. China also has railway links with neighbouring countries, and the famous Trans-Siberian Railway reaches Beijing. Expansions and improvements are constantly being made to the country’s rail infrastructure, especially with regard to its high-speed trains. Most of China’s infrastructure is owned and administrated by the state-owned China Railway.

The different types of trains in China operate on different routes and at varying speeds. High-speed trains operate between the major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. Expats who have the option to travel by high-speed train should do so, as it makes for a more comfortable experience.

Various travel classes are available on different train services. Long-distance trains generally offer sleeper compartments, allowing passengers to get some rest while travelling. Soft sleepers are most comfortable, followed by hard sleepers, and then there are soft seats and hard seats.

Tickets can be bought in advance at stations and, because they aren't transferrable, passengers will need to provide proof of ID when travelling by train in China.

Most railway staff don't speak English, so it may be best for expats to enlist the help of a local acquaintance when buying tickets. Expats should also note that tickets sell out rapidly during national holidays and festivals, such as the Chinese New Year. At these times, it's often worth getting tickets through an agent to avoid long station queues.

Metro

China's largest cities are home to some of the best – and busiest – metro systems. Each city tends to have a unique rechargeable public transit card that is usable across various modes of transport, including the subway. Metro systems are clean and efficient, with short waiting times. Expats concerned about the language barrier when getting around will be relieved that metro stations generally have maps, signs and announcements in Standard Chinese as well as English.

Taking the metro in China can be a chaotic experience, especially during rush hour. It's best to plan out the route in advance by looking at the colour-coded maps and remembering the name of the destination to avoid getting lost or confused in a crowded station.

Buses

Travelling by bus in China is another inexpensive way to get around, although service standards vary widely between relative luxury and incredible discomfort. Large cities operate efficient Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems with priority bus lanes, as well as trolleybuses and bus services provided by multiple companies.

Air-conditioned buses with comfortable seating and onboard entertainment frequently travel from the major cities, but could cost more than an equivalent train ride. Rural buses, on the other hand, are likely to be a challenging experience. Personnel rarely speak English, signs are usually in Chinese, buses are poorly maintained and delays are common.

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Taxis in China

Taxis are readily available in all major cities and are reasonably priced. Rates increase for travelling at night, and finding a taxi during peak hours or bad weather can be difficult.

Taxi drivers in China are usually reluctant to accept tips, as it may be seen as a form of corruption, but some drivers will take advantage of foreigners by travelling longer routes. However, even in these instances, the fare difference is minimal. It's always best to use metered taxis – unofficial taxis commonly approach foreigners at airports and tourist attractions and overcharge.

Expats should note that even drivers in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai rarely speak English, so it's best to have the destination written down in Chinese. Alternatively, ride-hailing applications such as DiDi are a convenient way of getting a taxi and arriving at the correct destination.

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Driving in China

Chinese roads are frantic and defensive driving is a necessity. Lanes aren't always adhered to, hooters constantly blare and it sometimes seems like there's no concept of the right of way. Congestion can also be severe and parking is often impossible to find. On the other hand, there are some English road signs in major tourist destinations.

International Driving Permits aren't recognised in the People's Republic, so expats who want to drive in China will need to get a local licence. Some countries have an agreement with China allowing a direct swap of one's home driving licence for a Chinese driving licence. Expats from countries not signatory to such an agreement will have to pass the theoretical and practical test.

Driving in China can be harrowing, though, and expats may want to reconsider taking to the wheel. The safest way of getting around on four wheels is perhaps to rent a car with a driver who understands local driving etiquette.

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Cycling in China

Cycling is a cheap and convenient way of getting around Chinese cities. Thousands of bicycles take to the roads during rush hour, and many cities have dedicated cycle paths. Several cities offer bike-sharing programmes and e-bicycles or e-bikes that are easy to rent by scanning a bar code or number plate on the bicycle and paying a fee.

Given the erratic nature of Chinese traffic, cyclists have to ride defensively, so it may be best for inexperienced cyclists to give it some time before attempting to take to the road.

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Boat travel in China

China is said to have more navigable waterways than any other country in the world, including rivers, streams, lakes and canals. While waterways are largely used by ships carrying cargo for major shipping and removals logistics, passenger transport by boat is a great way to travel in China. Cities, such as Shanghai and Guangzhou, offer ferry services which conveniently and affordably connect different areas of the city.

Boat cruises also make for a popular sightseeing activity for new arrivals and tourists.

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Air travel in China

Given the country’s size, travellers in a hurry often prefer to take a domestic flight to get to their destination. But because flight delays are common, it may be better for passengers travelling shorter distances to use ground-based transport. Expats who want to fly to China and between cities should regularly check flight updates and details.

Several airlines, including Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and Shanghai Airlines, operate between the major cities and tourist destinations.

Prices for flights within mainland China are set at domestic rates, but discounts are often available on the busiest routes. Buying online via a Chinese website or travel agency is generally cheaper than on international channels.

Perhaps unexpectedly, this also means that tickets bought in advance aren't cheaper. Instead, there's usually a lower fare for remaining seats closer to the date of departure. Planes are usually full during peak periods, so it's still best to book well ahead of time in these instances.