คู่มือการเดินทางในจีน: รถไฟความเร็วสูง รถไฟใต้ดิน และเรียกรถออนไลน์

China's public transport is among the best in the world: high-speed rail that runs like clockwork, dense metro networks, and ride-hailing available in seconds. The only unfamiliar part for a first-time visitor is knowing how to book, how to get through the gate, and how early to arrive. This guide covers all of it.

Last updated: September 2026.

1. Between cities: take the high-speed train

China has the largest high-speed rail network on earth. Trains prefixed G are high-speed; D are slightly slower but cheaper. The rule of thumb:

• 500–1,500 km: rail usually beats flying, because stations are in the city centre and you skip airport transfers and long security queues;
• Over 1,500 km: consider flying;
• The break-even point is roughly 5 hours. Chengdu to Chongqing is 1.5 hours, Xi'an to Beijing 4.5 hours, Shanghai to Hangzhou just 45 minutes — all routes where rail wins comfortably.

2. How to buy tickets

• 12306: the official China Railway app, with an English interface; you can register with your passport;
• Alipay or WeChat: search for 火车票 (train tickets) inside the app — a friendlier interface;
• Trip.com and similar: English-language booking with seat selection and a small service fee, best if you would rather not deal with it yourself;
• Tickets go on sale 15 days ahead. Book 5–14 days in advance for popular routes such as Chongqing–Chengdu at weekends or Xi'an–Beijing on public holidays.

3. Which class to book

• Second class: standard seating in a 3+2 layout, the best value and perfectly comfortable for short hops;
• First class: 2+2 layout, wider seats and more luggage space, roughly 1.6× the price;
• Business class: a separate cabin with lie-flat seats, around 3× the price — worth it on long runs.

4. At the station: your passport is your ticket

1. Tickets are name-bound. Book with your passport number and scan the passport itself at the gate, or use the staffed lane.
2. At large stations, arrive 45–60 minutes early — security plus finding the platform takes longer than you expect, and these stations are enormous.
3. Lighters, knives, and power banks over 20,000 mAh are not permitted through security.
4. Boarding starts 15 minutes before departure and closes 5 minutes before. Watch the departure boards.
5. Your seat is printed on the ticket (e.g. Car 08, Seat 12F); the carriage number is marked on the platform floor.

5. In the city: the metro

Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing and Xi'an all run clean, cheap metros announced in English. Scan the Alipay or WeChat ride code at the gate — no paper ticket needed.

• Fares are typically RMB 2–10, priced by distance;
• Service runs roughly 06:00–23:00; check the last train time;
• Peak hours (07:30–09:30 and 17:30–19:30) are extremely crowded — travel off-peak with large luggage;
• Chongqing's monorail runs through apartment blocks and across the river; the ride is an attraction in itself.

6. Taxis and ride-hailing

• Didi: the dominant ride-hailing app, with an English interface and support for foreign cards and Alipay;
• Alipay ride-hailing: built in — no second app needed;
• Street taxis: flagfall around RMB 10–13, all licensed cars use meters. Have your destination in Chinese characters or a screenshot ready; most drivers speak no English;
• At airports and stations, use the official taxi rank and ignore anyone approaching you to offer a ride;
• Ride-hailing capacity is thin at some scenic areas (Wulong, Jiuzhaigou). A pre-booked car with a driver is far more reliable.

7. Flights and airports

• Arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights and 3 hours before international departures;
• Check-in and security both require your passport;
• Main hubs: Beijing Capital and Daxing, Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao, Guangzhou Baiyun, Chengdu Tianfu and Shuangliu, Chongqing Jiangbei, Xi'an Xianyang, Kunming Changshui;
• Most airports have a metro or airport express into town, which beats a taxi at peak times.

8. Luggage and practical notes

• On trains, large bags go in the racks at the end of each carriage or overhead; keep valuables with you;
• Power banks must be carried on, never checked, and must be under 20,000 mAh;
• Hot water and simple meals are sold on board; bringing your own food is normal;
• Smoking, including vaping, is banned in stations and on trains;
• Electronic invoices for expenses can be requested in the 12306 app.

9. Frequently asked questions

Can I buy train tickets without a Chinese phone number?

Yes. 12306 accepts passport registration with facial verification, and Alipay or Trip.com can book on your behalf.

What if I do not speak Chinese?

Screenshot your destination in Chinese characters and show it to station staff. They deal with foreign passengers daily and can manage basic English and gestures.

Train or plane?

Under about 5 hours, rail saves time. Fares are comparable to discounted air tickets, without baggage fees or airport transfer costs.

Is a private car with driver worth it?

If your route includes spread-out scenic areas such as Wulong, Jiuzhaigou or Zhangjiajie, a car and driver is more efficient than public transport and far easier with family or a small group.

Let us handle the transport too

Jadetour arranges airport transfers, high-speed rail bookings, scenic-area cars and drivers for inbound travellers. Tell us where you want to go and we will connect the dots.

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