China boasts one of the world's largest and most comprehensive public transportation networks. In major cities, the public transportation system is efficient, convenient, and affordable. This guide will provide detailed information about the characteristics, ticketing methods, usage tips, and precautions for various public transportation methods in China, helping you plan your trip easily and enjoy a smooth travel experience.
Travel Tip: Urban public transportation in China is very developed. We recommend prioritizing public transportation for your travel. Most cities have implemented cashless payment systems; having Alipay or WeChat Pay ready will make your journey more convenient.
I. Urban Rail Transit Systems
More than 30 major cities in China have metro systems. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen have particularly developed metro networks with extensive coverage and frequent services, making them the preferred mode of transportation for urban travel:
Metro Basic Information
Operating hours are usually from 6:00 to 23:00, with some core lines in major cities extending to 24:00. Passenger flow is heavy during peak hours (7:30-9:00, 17:30-19:30).
Ticketing Methods
Supports ticket purchasing through self-service machines (cash/mobile payment), mobile APP scanning for entry, and transport card scanning for entry.
| City | Number of Lines | Price Range | Special Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beijing | 27 Lines | ¥3-10 | Alipay/WeChat Scanning |
| Shanghai | 20 Lines | ¥3-15 | Metro大都会APP |
| Guangzhou | 16 Lines | ¥2-14 | Yang Cheng Tong/Mobile NFC |
| Shenzhen | 12 Lines | ¥2-14 | Shenzhen Tong/WeChat Mini Program |
II. Public Buses and Trams
Public buses are the most widely available form of urban public transportation, with bus routes in almost all towns and cities. While slower than other modes, they can reach areas not covered by the metro and provide a great way to experience the city:
Regular Bus
- Fare: ¥1-3, mostly flat fare
- Payment: Cash, transport card, mobile scanning
- Features: Dense stops, wide coverage
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
- Fare: ¥2-4, distance-based
- Features: Dedicated lanes, faster speed
- Major Cities: Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, etc.
Trolley/Tram
- Fare: ¥2-5
- Features: Eco-friendly, comfortable, good views
- Recommendations: Dalian Tram, Shanghai Zhangjiang Tram
Notes: Bus announcements are mostly in Chinese. It's recommended to use map apps in advance to check routes and get arrival notifications. In some cities, you need to tap your card/scan your code both when boarding and exiting the bus; otherwise, you may be charged the full fare.
III. High-Speed Rail and Intercity Trains
China's high-speed rail (CRH) is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between cities, with speeds of up to 350 km/h, covering all major cities in China. The high-speed rail network has become the preferred choice for tourists traveling between cities:
High-Speed Rail Advantages
- Fast: Average speed between cities is 250-350 km/h
- High punctuality: Less affected by weather, over 95% on-time rate
- Comfortable and convenient: Spacious seats, complete facilities, dining car available
- Extensive coverage: Connecting over 300 cities nationwide
- Frequent services: Popular routes have dozens of trains daily
Ticketing Methods
- 12306 official website and mobile APP (recommended)
- Railway station ticket windows (supporting cash and mobile payment)
- Railway station self-service ticket machines (ID required)
- Third-party travel platforms (Ctrip, Fliggy, etc.)
- Authorized ticket agencies (¥5 service fee required)
Ticket Purchasing Tips: High-speed rail tickets are usually available for purchase 15 days in advance. It's recommended to buy tickets early, especially during holiday periods. Purchasing through the 12306 APP is the most convenient, supporting online refund and ticket changes. You must carry the original valid ID used for ticket purchase when traveling.
IV. Long-Distance Buses
Long-distance buses are an important mode of transportation connecting small and medium-sized cities and rural areas. While not as fast as high-speed rail, they have more flexible routes and can reach areas not covered by railways:
Long-Distance Bus Features
Long-distance buses are suitable for travel to remote areas not accessible by high-speed rail. Tickets are usually cheaper than high-speed rail, but travel time is longer.
- Ticketing: Bus station windows, platforms like Ctrip, and WeChat public accounts in some cities
- Luggage: Security checks are strict; liquids need separate inspection; flammable and explosive items are prohibited
- Departure times: Mostly from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with night buses on some routes
- Journey: Long-distance buses traveling over 4 hours usually make stops at service areas for breaks
V. Transport Cards and Mobile Payments
Public transportation in China has widely supported cashless payments. Understanding these payment methods will make your journey more convenient:
National Transport Card
Transport cards marked with the "Transport Union" logo can be used in over 300 cities nationwide, including metro, buses, trams, and more.
Mobile Payment
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the most commonly used mobile payment methods, with most cities supporting QR code scanning for bus and metro rides.
VI. Practical Travel Advice
To make your trip to China smoother, here are some practical public transportation travel tips:
- Download map apps: Amap or Baidu Maps are the most commonly used navigation software in China, supporting public transportation route queries
- Plan your trip in advance: Traffic congestion occurs during morning and evening rush hours (7:30-9:00, 17:30-19:30) in big cities; try to avoid these times
- Keep your tickets: Some attractions offer discounts for public transportation travel, requiring you to present the same-day ticket
- Pay attention to safety: Keep your personal belongings safe when getting on and off vehicles, and stay vigilant during crowded periods
- Learn simple Chinese: Learn simple phrases like "Excuse me," "Thank you," and "Get off at this stop" to facilitate communication
- Check last bus/train times: Avoid missing the last bus/train, especially in small cities
- Take advantage of transfer discounts: Many cities offer transfer discounts between buses and metros to save money
Conclusion
China's public transportation system is not just a means of travel but also a window into local life. Traveling through the city underground via metro, taking a bus to browse street scenery, or riding high-speed rail to enjoy the landscape along the way can all make your journey richer and more immersive. With these public transportation knowledge, you will be able to travel conveniently like a local and explore every corner of China. Wishing you a pleasant journey!