Transportation in China

China boasts a highly developed transportation network, encompassing flights, trains, highways, and waterways, as well as local city transportation options like taxis, public buses, and metros. When traveling between two destinations, it is recommended that travelers opt for flights or high-speed trains for efficiency. For exploring within destinations, our private transfer service is the ideal choice.

A Yangtze River cruise not only serves as a mode of transportation between Chongqing and Shanghai or Chongqing and Yichang, but also offers a leisurely way to soak in the stunning natural beauty of the Three Gorges. Consider incorporating this relaxing experience into your China itinerary for a rejuvenating break.

For detailed guidance on navigating transportation within a specific city, refer to our city-specific transportation guides. Below, you will find a comprehensive list of transportation options tailored to suit your travel needs.

Fast Transportation Guide

We have curated a selection of informative transportation articles to enhance your travel experience in China. By perusing these articles, you will gain valuable insights into the various modes of transportation available in China, as well as learn how to efficiently navigate between popular destinations.

Transportation between Hot Destinations

Beijing-Xian             Beijing-Shanghai                         Shanghai-Xian                             Chengdu-Lhasa

Beijing-Lhasa           Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou                  Chengdu-Leshan/Emeishan      Hong Kong-Guilin

Choose your Means of Transportation

China Flights: Fast & Convenient Transfer

Flights or airplanes are the quickest and most convenient mode of transportation from international cities to China and within China itself. Flying not only saves time but also conserves energy. China boasts numerous international airports, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, among others, providing travelers with a variety of options for their entry into the country.

Currently, 18 cities in China offer a 72-hour visa-free transit, allowing travelers to enjoy short stays in popular destinations. The country’s major airlines, including Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines, offer extensive coverage throughout China.

China Discovery is available to assist in booking domestic flights that align with your tour itinerary in each destination. Additionally, we can facilitate the booking of international flights for your arrival and departure. If you are a member of a specific airline, please inform your travel consultant so they can provide information on membership points.

For those booking flights independently, it is essential to pay attention to departure times, airports, terminals, and conduct research on transfer options to ensure a smooth travel experience.

China Trains: High Speed Train Travel

High-speed trains offer travelers convenient access to nearly every city and region. As of December 2014, China boasts the world’s longest High-Speed Rail (HSR) network, spanning over 16,000 km and reaching 28 of the country’s 34 provinces and regions. It is highly recommended to explore China via high-speed trains, such as G, D, and C trains, which operate at speeds of 250 km/h or higher.

These fast, safe, reliable, comfortable, and eco-friendly trains are now challenging air travel as a preferred mode of transportation for long distances. Major tourist destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Luoyang, Guilin, Chengdu, Huangshan, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Guiyang, and Guangzhou are all connected by high-speed rail, making it a popular choice among travelers looking to enhance their China experience.

Some of the most sought-after high-speed train routes include Beijing-Xian, Beijing-Shanghai, Xian-Luoyang, Guilin-Guiyang, Lanzhou-Urumqi, Chengdu-Chongqing, Yichang-Wuhan, and Pingyao-Xian. Embrace the convenience and efficiency of high-speed train travel during your visit to China.

China Highway: Long Distance Bus or Private Car Travel

Traveling by highway or road may not offer the same level of comfort as traveling by flight or high-speed train, but it is often necessary to reach remote areas with breathtaking scenery. Destinations such as Yuanyang Rice Terrace, Dongchuan Red Land, Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, Siguniang Mountain, Hailuogou in Sichuan, Mount Everest, Namtso Lake in Tibet, Huitengxile Grassland, and Gegentala Grassland in Inner Mongolia are best accessed by road.

When traveling long distances by bus, it is advisable to purchase tickets in advance as there are limited departures. While economic long-distance buses can take you to these tourist spots, the journey can be time-consuming and tiring. China Discovery recommends choosing transfers between destinations that are 6-8 hours apart in one day to maximize your time.

With China Discovery, travelers can enjoy a private service with knowledgeable guides and experienced drivers for themselves, their families, or groups. Our guides are dedicated to providing detailed explanations of the history and facts of each site you visit, while our drivers are licensed, experienced, and always willing to help. Utilizing our private car service ensures a comfortable, flexible, and enjoyable tour experience.

China Waterway: River Cruise in China

China boasts over 5,800 rivers spanning a total length of 400,000 kilometers. Of this impressive length, China offers 110,000 kilometers of navigable rivers, streams, lakes, and canals – more than any other country in the world. Some of the main navigable rivers include the Yangtze River, Yellow River, Pearl River, Xijiang River, Huangpu River, and Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal.

Embarking on a cruise along these picturesque waterways is not only a mode of transportation, but also a leisurely and delightful way to experience the beauty of China.

Some popular cruise options include:
(a) Yangtze River Cruise: Enjoy a 4-day, 3-night journey from Chongqing to Yichang, or a 5-day, 4-night trip upstream from Yichang to Chongqing.
(b) Li River Cruise: Take a 4-hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, soaking in the stunning scenery along the way.
(c) Huangpu River Cruise: Experience a 45-minute cruise on the Huangpu River, passing through The Bund and witnessing the iconic skyline of Shanghai.
(d) Grand Canal: Explore the Grand Canal in Suzhou with a 40-minute to 1-hour cruise, immersing yourself in the history and culture of this ancient waterway.

Discover more about the wonders of China through these unforgettable cruise experiences.

Subway in China: by Metro

Taking the metro is an affordable and environmentally friendly way to explore the city. Currently, travelers can utilize the subway systems in over 25 cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Kunming, Wuhan, Changsha, Nanjing, Zhengzhou, Harbin, Dalian, Tianjin, Shenyang, and more.

Shanghai boasts the longest metro rail system in China, spanning 567 kilometers with 14 lines (metro lines 1-13 and 16) in operation. In Shanghai, travelers can easily transfer between Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao International Airport, Hongqiao Railway Station, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Renmin Square, Yu Garden, and more. Beijing follows closely behind with a metro rail length of 527 kilometers and 18 lines. In Beijing, travelers can conveniently transfer between iconic landmarks such as Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace, the Lama Temple, Yuanmingyuan Garden, Beijing South Railway Station, Beijing West Railway Station, Beijing Railway Station, and Beijing Capital International Airport.