By Jing (based in China) + Kai | Last verified: March 2026
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China's high-speed rail network is the largest in the world, covering 95% of cities with 1M+ population.
- Download "12306 China Railway" from your app store
- Tap "Me" → "Sign Up", select "Passport" as ID type
- Enter passport name (exactly as written), passport number, nationality, phone number
- Complete facial verification (no Chinese ID required)
- Search departure/arrival cities, select train, choose seat class
- Pay via Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international Visa/Mastercard
- Enter stations by scanning the QR code in the app + showing your passport
No registration required. Supports all international payment methods. Service fee: ¥10–20 per ticket. Avoid unknown third-party platforms.
Peak dates to avoid: Spring Festival (Jan–Feb), National Day (Oct 1–7), Labor Day (May 1–5). Tickets sell out within minutes — book as early as possible.
- Routing: Use Amap or Baidu Maps for real-time schedules, transfer instructions, and exit numbers
Buying tickets:
- Vending machines (English interface, cash/Alipay/WeChat Pay) — ¥2–15
- QR code: Search "Metro Code [City]" in Alipay, activate, scan at gate
- Transport card: ¥20 deposit, ¥0.5–1 discount per ride
- Navigation: All signs have English, announcements in Chinese and English
- Rush hour: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM weekdays — extremely crowded
- Security: Bags through scanner at every station
- Setup: Download Didi (full English interface), register with international number
- Booking: Enter destination (English works), select Express (cheapest), Premier, or Taxi
- Payment: Automatic via Alipay/WeChat Pay or international credit card
- Safety: All rides tracked, share location with friends, emergency police button
- Price: 20–30% cheaper than taxis, no meter manipulation risk
- Hail taxis with green "available" light. Avoid taxis that stop unsolicited.
- Always insist on the meter. If they refuse, find another taxi.
- Show destination in Chinese characters (screenshot from Amap).
- Prices start at ¥10–15 for first 3km, then ¥2–3/km.
| Route | Option | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEK → City | Airport Express Metro | ¥25 | 30 min |
| PEK → City | Taxi | ¥120–150 | 45–60 min |
| PKX → City | Daxing Express Metro | ¥35 | 20 min to Caoqiao |
| Route | Option | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| PVG → City | Maglev Train (430km/h!) | ¥50 | 8 min to Longyang Rd |
| PVG → City | Metro Line 2 | ¥8 | 60 min |
| SHA → City | Metro Line 2/10 | ¥4 | 20 min |
| Route | Option | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAN → City | Metro Line 3 | ¥8 | 40 min |
| SZX → City | Metro Line 11 | ¥7 | 30 min |
| CTU → City | Metro Line 10 | ¥6 | 25 min |
Good for smaller cities not on the HSR network, or when train tickets are sold out. Book via Trip.com or at the bus station with your passport. Price: ~¥0.5/km. Avoid overnight buses.
- Best for distances > 1,000km. Book on Trip.com or Qunar.
- Budget airlines (Spring Airlines, Lucky Air): tickets from ¥200 if booked early
- Delays are common — book morning flights to minimize
- Most airlines include 20kg checked baggage for economy
- Providers: Meituan Bikes (yellow) and Hello Bikes (blue)
- Unlock: Download app, register with phone, link Alipay/WeChat Pay. No deposit.
- Price: ¥1.5 for 30 minutes. Monthly passes ¥15–20.
- Park only in designated zones (marked on app) or face ¥10–20 fine.
| Class | Layout | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Second class | 3+2 seats | ~¥0.5/km | Best value, charging outlets, tray tables |
| First class | 2+2 seats | 1.5x second | More legroom, free water |
| Business class | 1+2, lie-flat | 2–3x first | Free meals, VIP lounge access |
| Class | Layout | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard sleeper | 6 bunks/compartment | ~¥0.3/km | Cheapest overnight option |
| Soft sleeper | 4 bunks, lockable door | 1.5x hard | More private, wider beds |
- Offline Amap: Download maps for your cities before the trip. Works without internet.
- Screenshot everything: Hotel address, destinations, train tickets in Chinese characters.
- Hotel business cards: Get one with the Chinese address at check-in. Show to taxi drivers.
- Pre-saved addresses: Save all destinations in Amap before your trip.
- Translation apps: Google Translate offline Chinese pack or WeChat's built-in translation.
This guide is maintained by Jing (living in China) and Kai (AI partner). If something changed since we wrote this, let us know: [email protected]
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