Transportation

Public transportation is convenient in most Chinese cities. Common daily options include walking, metro, bus, shared bikes, ride-hailing, and high-speed rail.

Navigation Tools

Use Amap/Gaode Map first. It has better support in mainland China for buses, metros, roads, business locations, walking routes, and ride-hailing pickup points.

Common route types:

• Walking.
• Cycling.
• Bus and metro.
• Ride-hailing.
• Driving.

Google Maps may have incomplete information in mainland China, especially for buses, metros, small roads, and local businesses.

Metro

In big cities, the metro is usually the most stable and easiest transportation method.

How to use it:

• Buy a single-trip ticket from a machine. This can be inconvenient.
• Use the transit code in Alipay or WeChat. Recommended.
• Use a city transit card. Recommended.
• Add a city transit card to your phone’s NFC wallet.

Notes:

• Metro stations usually require security checks.
• Bags need to go through the security scanner.
• Watch for transfer signs when changing lines.
• Check the exit number before leaving the station. A wrong exit may add a long walk.
• The metro can be very crowded during peak hours.

Bus

Buses are cheap, but they can be harder than the metro for new international students because station names, announcements, and boarding rules may be more complicated.

Suggestions:

• Use Amap/Gaode Map to confirm your boarding and destination stops.
• After boarding, watch your location on the map to avoid missing your stop.
• In Beijing, some buses require scanning only when boarding, while others may require scanning when both boarding and leaving.

Shared Bikes

In Beijing, shared bikes are useful for short trips around campus or between metro stations and your destination. Some other cities also have shared e-bikes.

Common platforms:

• Meituan Bike.
• Hello Bike.
• Qingju Bike.

Note:

• You must park only in allowed parking areas.

Taxis and Ride-Hailing

You can request rides through Amap/Gaode Map, Didi, WeChat, or Alipay.

Before getting in, confirm:

• The license plate matches the app. After getting in, the driver may ask for the last four digits of your phone number.
• The destination is correct.

High-Speed Rail and Trains

China’s high-speed rail is very suitable for travel between cities. The official ticket platform is Railway 12306.

Preparation:

• Buy tickets using your passport information.
• Your name should match your passport.
• Entering the station, security checks, and ticket checks all take time.
• Foreign passports sometimes need to use the manual service channel.

Train types:

Flights

Many Chinese cities have multiple airports or terminals. Always confirm the airport name and terminal before departure.

Suggestions:

• Check travel time from school to the airport in advance.
• If you are unfamiliar with domestic flight procedures, arrive at least 2 hours early.
• Carry your passport and visa or residence permit.
• Check baggage allowance and checked-baggage rules.