China Transportation Guide: Navigating with High-Speed Rail, Didi & Metro
From high-speed trains to ride-sharing with Didi, this guide covers all transport options for tourists in China. Learn how to buy train tickets, use the metro, and rent bikes.
What are the commonly used route query and translation apps in China?
Navigation recommendation: Baidu map, Gaode map
Translation tools: Baidu Translation, Youdao Translation
Can foreigners rent a car in China and drive themselves?
Ride-hailing can be used in the following ways:
1. WeChat: My → service → enter the start and end point → travel
2. Alipay: Enter the starting and ending points → transportation → taxis
3. Didi APP: Support wild card registration and provide a variety of vehicle options
How do I book long-distance transportation (train/high-speed rail/plane)?
Train/High Speed Rail:
• Certificates: 7 types of valid documents such as passports
• Ticket purchase: 12306 official website/APP/station, support mobile payment
• Ticket Change/Refund: Online or at the counter
Plane:
• Ticket purchase: airline APP/airport, support a variety of payments
• Changes: Handled in accordance with the airline's regulations
What is the recommended mode of transportation for short-distance travel?
Metro: 55 cities have been opened, you can apply for a card or scan the code to take the train
Bus: Support cash/scan code/bus card
Online car-hailing: WeChat/Alipay/Didi APP to call a car
Payment: Both support mobile payment
Does City Walk offer services such as bike sharing? How does it work?
Use the DiDi app to share bicycles:
1. Click“Bike”→ scan the QR code to unlock it
2. Stop at the designated area for automatic settlement
Note: Parking must be regulated to avoid additional charges
How do I use a public transportation card (e.g. Metrocard)?
How to apply:
• Passport is required at the ticket office of the subway station
• Alipay is bound to an electronic transportation card
Scope of application: 55 metro cities across the country