What is the best way to travel between cities in China?
High-speed rail is usually the best option for city pairs under five or six hours. It is fast, frequent, comfortable and often easier than flying.
Best Way Between Cities
High-Speed Rail (高铁)
China's high-speed rail network is the largest in the world. Faster than flying on many routes, more comfortable, and city-centre to city-centre. Book on Trip.com in English with foreign cards.
Key Routes & Times
| Route | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing → Shanghai | 4.5 hrs | ~¥550 |
| Beijing → Xi'an | 4.5 hrs | ~¥450 |
| Shanghai → Suzhou | 30 mins | ~¥35 |
| Shanghai → Hangzhou | 45 mins | ~¥75 |
| Guangzhou → HK (West Kowloon) | 1 hr | ~¥220 |
| Chengdu → Chongqing | 1 hr 10 mins | ~¥100 |
How to Book
- Trip.com — English interface, accepts foreign cards, no queuing. Best for foreigners.
- Book 2–3 weeks ahead for popular routes, especially during Chinese public holidays
- Second-class seats are very comfortable — first-class isn't worth the premium for most routes
- Bring your passport to the station — required to collect tickets and pass security
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early — stations are large
Within Cities
Metro, Didi & Taxis
Metro (地铁)
Fast, cheap (¥3–8 per journey), clean. Bilingual signage in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Chengdu. Airport-style bag security at every entrance.
- Pay by scanning Alipay/WeChat QR at the gate
- Use Amap for directions — more accurate than Google Maps in China
Didi (滴滴)
China's Uber. DiDi International works with foreign phone numbers and cards. Shows fare estimate before confirming. Safer than street taxis — especially at night.
- Download DiDi International app before arriving
- 4-digit PIN shown to driver confirms you're the right passenger
Taxis (出租车)
Metered taxis are widely available. Most drivers speak no English. Always have your destination in Chinese characters — screenshot from maps before losing signal.
- All official taxis are metered — never accept flat-rate quotes
- Avoid drivers who approach you at airports — use the official taxi rank