Getting around inside Chinese cities
Urban transport in China is fast, cheap and extensive, and it is one of the genuine pleasures of travelling there. Almost all of it assumes a working phone, which is the main thing a visitor needs to plan around. Systems, fares and payment methods vary by city and change.
Editorial planning notice: information, prices, eligibility, availability, laws, network access, safety conditions and provider terms can change. Independently verify current official and provider information before traveling, booking, buying or relying on any option.
The metro is the default
Major Chinese cities have large, modern, clearly signed metro systems with English station names and announcements. For a visitor, the metro is usually the fastest and most predictable way to cross a city, and it is inexpensive.
Expect security screening of bags at station entrances. Single-journey tickets are available from machines that generally offer an English interface, though mobile payment is smoother where you have it working.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Metered taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. The practical obstacle is communication: have your destination in Chinese characters ready to show. Insist on the meter.
Ride-hailing is widely used and removes the language problem entirely, but requires a working phone, an account and a functioning payment method. Set this up before you need it rather than at the roadside.
Buses and bike share
Bus networks are extensive and very cheap but are the least visitor-friendly option, with routes and stop announcements often only in Chinese. They reward familiarity rather than a first visit.
Shared bikes are excellent in flat, cycle-friendly cities and are unlocked through an app, which again assumes connectivity and a working payment method. Registration requirements vary by operator.
Paying for transport
Mobile payment covers nearly everything. Physical transport cards remain available in many cities and are a genuinely useful backup precisely because they keep working when your phone does not.
Buying a transport card early in a trip is cheap insurance. Availability, deposits and refund procedures vary by city.
Timing and crowds
Peak-hour metro crowding in the largest cities is substantial and worth planning around, particularly with luggage or children. Travelling between the peaks makes a noticeable difference to the day.
Allow more time than the mapping app suggests for interchanges at large stations, which can involve long walks.