Traveling around China can be intimidating for first-timers in the country. There are several options for short and long-distance transportation, including metros, taxis, buses, trains, and airplanes.
Taking the Metro in China’s Big Cities
When staying in any big city in China, the metro can be the best way to get around. The metros in China are clean, quick, and easy to use. Signs are posted in English, and English is often spoken over the speakers within the metro cars.
Those spending a greater length of time in any city may be interested in purchasing a metro card, to avoid having to purchase numerous single-journey tickets. There is a deposit fee of 20 RMB for the card, which is returned when the card is turned in. These cards can be purchased at any metro station, but they can only be returned to a select few.
Taxis in China
Taxis are great for moving around inside a city or town, but are much more expensive than other means for covering long distances. Most inner-city journeys in China will cost less than 40 RMB, with many being less expensive. A taxi to and from an airport usually costs between 70-180 RMB, as airports are often located far outside of the city. Most taxis in China are metered, so tourists can expect to pay what the locals pay. Travelers should always ensure the meter is on to avoid a much higher price when reaching their destination.
While there is no hassle regarding prices, there are other challenges that arise when taking taxis in China. Many of the drivers do not speak English, so it is very important to know the name of the desired destination in Chinese. Because pronunciation can be difficult, it is best to have written directions in Chinese characters. This can be obtained by asking staff members at any hotel.
Bus Travel in China
Buses can be a cheap alternative to taxis, but there are a few drawbacks that one should be aware of. Chinese buses range from small mini-van type vehicles to large modern buses found in more developed countries. Inner city travel can be as cheap as fifteen cents, while long distance travel is approximately 15 RMB per hour.
There are two main types of long distance buses, the sleeper bus and a normal bus. The normal bus has numbered seats, usually assigned at the time of ticketing. The sleeper buses have two or three rows of narrow bunk beds lining the bus instead of seats. The bed numbers are usually assigned at the time of ticketing. These buses travel at night, saving money on a night’s accommodation. However, the beds can be quite small in width and length, and a person with a height of six feet will not be able to fully lay down. Some of the buses do not have bathrooms, although they will make at least one stop during the night.
Train Travel in China
Trains are a great way to see the countryside and can be pretty comfortable. Fares are usually higher than buses, but it is often worth it. Trains have a few different classes: hard seat, soft seat, hard sleeper, and soft sleeper. A hard seat is cheapest but also the most uncomfortable and crowded. The soft seat is comfortable enough for shorter journeys and has assigned seating with your ticket.
Sleeper trains, hard or soft, are a far better option than sleeper buses. The hard sleeper is a three level bunk bed. Despite the name, the beds are not hard. They have a thin mattress, pillow, and blanket. Many people prefer the bottom bunk, as their is space to sit upright on the bed. The middle and top berths are designed solely for laying down, although can offer more privacy. There is a row of seats lining the other side of the train, across from the foot-ends of the beds. However, there are not enough seats for everyone if the train is full. Those traveling as a couple may prefer to get two beds of equal berth, as the beds are side by side. There are dividers on either side of a six-bed group (two sets of bunk beds).
The soft sleeper is a more comfortable option. The beds are in stacks of two, rather than three, offering more room to move around. They are also more closed off, providing more privacy. This option is far more costly than the hard-sleeper, and unnecessary for most people.
Domestic Flights in China
Air travel is not necessary in China because most cities are connected by good roads and trains, but flying can save a significant amount of time. Unfortunately, domestic flights cannot be purchased on-line without a Chinese credit card. For a fee of approximately 50 RMB, any local travel agent and some hotels can book the tickets.
Melissa Sullivan - I am passionate about travel and have left the States to explore the world for awhile. My current trip, which will total up to two years, ...
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