🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around China
✈️ Flying to China
Main Airports
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) - One of Asia's busiest airports, main gateway to northern China. Located 26km northeast of central Beijing.
Other Major International Airports:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) - China's busiest international gateway, 30km east of Shanghai city center
- Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) - Major southern hub, gateway to Pearl River Delta region
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) - World-class airport, connects to mainland China via ferry, bus, and high-speed rail
- Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) - Western China's main hub, gateway to Sichuan province
💡 Insider Tip
Flying into Shanghai Pudong or Hong Kong often offers more flight options and competitive prices than Beijing. Consider entering through one city and departing from another to maximize your route.
🚆 From Shanghai Pudong Airport to City Center
Metro (Most Convenient)
Metro Line 2 connects directly from Pudong Airport (Terminal 2 basement) to downtown areas like People's Square and The Bund. Journey time: 60-70 minutes. Ticket: ¥7-9 (around $1).
Maglev Train (Fastest)
World's fastest commercially operated train reaches 430 km/h. Connects Pudong Airport to Longyang Road station in 8 minutes. Ticket: ¥50 ($7). Transfer to Metro Line 2 at Longyang Road.
Taxi
Official taxi stands outside Arrivals Hall. Journey time: 40-45 minutes to city center. Cost: ¥180-220 ($25-30). Use official taxis only—avoid unlicensed drivers.
Didi (Ride-hailing)
China's Uber equivalent. Door-to-door service. Journey time: 45-70 minutes. Cost: ¥180-230 ($25-32). Requires WeChat or Alipay payment.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Hong Kong to Mainland—high-speed rail connects Hong Kong to Guangzhou (47 minutes), Shenzhen (19 minutes), Beijing (9 hours). Convenient border crossing. Book tickets via 12306 app or stations.
Ferry connections—Hong Kong to various mainland ports (Shekou, Zhuhai). Popular for Pearl River Delta travel. Around HK$150-300. Avoids land border queues.
Trans-Siberian Railway—enters China from Russia (Manchuria border) or Mongolia (Erlian). Week-long journey from Moscow. Unique overland option for adventurous travelers.
Land borders—Vietnam (Nanning), Laos (Kunming), Myanmar (Yunnan), Kazakhstan (Urumqi), North Korea (Dandong). Check current status—some borders restricted or require special permits.
International bus services—available from Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar to southern Chinese cities. Budget option but slow. Check visa requirements for overland entry.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
China offers visa-free entry to citizens of 48 countries including all major Schengen nations. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal, Greece, and many others qualify for 30-day visa-free stays.
Visa waiver valid for: business, tourism, family/friend visits, exchange, and transit only. Not valid for work, study, or journalism. Valid through December 31, 2026. Carry supporting documents (invitation letters, air tickets, accommodation bookings).
Check visa requirements for China →🚗 Getting Around China
High-Speed Trains (CRH)
China's bullet trains reach 350 km/h. Beijing to Shanghai: 4.5-6 hours (¥610-1,925). Guangzhou to Shenzhen: 1 hour. Comfortable, punctual, extensive network. Book via 12306.cn app (official) or Rail Ninja/Rail Monsters (English-friendly third parties).
Domestic Flights
Essential for long distances—Beijing to Kunming, Shanghai to Xi'an. Budget airlines (Spring Airlines, Lucky Air) offer competitive fares. Major carriers: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern. Book early for best prices.
Metro Systems
Extensive subway networks in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and other major cities. Cheap (¥2-10 per ride), efficient, English signage. Download city metro apps for navigation.
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
For multiple train journeys, book tickets early through 12306.cn for best prices. High-speed trains sell out during holidays (Chinese New Year, Golden Week). Consider overnight sleeper trains for budget travel and time-saving.
🚋 Local Transportation in Major Cities
Metro systems dominate Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Clean, safe, English signage.
Tickets & Passes
- Single ticket: ¥2-10 depending on distance
- Day passes: Available in some cities (Beijing ¥20, Shanghai varies)
- Transport card: Rechargeable card (deposit ¥20, load credit). Works on metro, buses, some taxis
Didi (ride-hailing) widespread—download app before arrival. Taxis abundant but drivers rarely speak English—show address in Chinese characters. Public buses cheap (¥1-2) but routes complex without Chinese language skills.
🚙 Renting a Car
Not recommended for most travelers. Chinese driver's license required—foreign licenses not valid without conversion process (complex, time-consuming).
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Traffic chaotic in cities—experienced drivers only
- Signage primarily in Chinese characters
- GPS navigation essential (Baidu Maps or Amap)
- Expressway tolls common (¥0.4-0.6 per kilometer)
⚠️ Driving Alternative
Instead of driving yourself, hire a private driver with car (¥500-800 per day). Common in rural areas like Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, or for Great Wall day trips. Negotiate prices in advance.
🚗 Transportation Alternatives
For independent travel, use combination of high-speed trains, Didi, and metro systems. Private drivers available for rural areas and multi-day trips.
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book trains early: Cheaper fares 30 days before travel date
- Use metro over taxis: Metro ¥2-10 per journey vs taxi ¥20-100+
- Travel off-peak: Avoid Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), Golden Week (Oct), and summer holidays (July-Aug) for lower prices and smaller crowds
- Budget airlines: Spring Airlines, Lucky Air significantly cheaper than major carriers for domestic flights
- Overnight trains: Save on accommodation while traveling (hard sleeper ¥200-400, more comfortable than flights for shorter routes)