The metro (地铁)
China's metro systems are among the best in the world. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and most major cities have extensive networks that are cheap, clean, fast, and easy to navigate — stations are signposted in both Chinese and pinyin/English. Buy a single journey ticket or a rechargeable IC card (公交一卡通 gōngjiāo yīkǎtōng) from vending machines at the station.
Taxis and DiDi
DiDi is China's dominant ride-hailing app — more reliable and often cheaper than street taxis in major cities. For taxis, always insist on the meter (请打表 qǐng dǎ biǎo). Show your destination address in Chinese on your phone rather than attempting to pronounce it — even native speakers find street addresses confusing to say.
High-speed rail (高铁)
China's high-speed rail network is the world's largest and most impressive — bullet trains connect major cities at up to 350 km/h. Book tickets on the 12306 app or website (requires Chinese ID registration), through a travel agent, or at the station. Collect physical tickets at the station with your passport at a ticket machine or counter.
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