Transport & Getting Around
Getting around China: high-speed rail (CR400, 350 km/h between Beijing-Shanghai in 4.5 hours), Didi (Chinese Uber, in-app English support), Beijing/Shanghai metros (use Alipay or WeChat ride codes), airport transfers, and how to book trains as a foreigner using your passport. Also which Chinese taxi apps actually accept overseas cards.
34 answers
Why isn't my Octopus for Tourists card appearing in Apple Wallet after payment?
Set iPhone Region to Hong Kong in Settings before opening Octopus for Tourists; this fixes most missing-card cases.
How to get from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Beijing Road with family and luggage?
Use the official taxi queue outside Arrivals; ¥130-180 to Beijing Road including the ¥15 toll, 35-50 minutes at 5:30 AM.
How much does a private driver cost in Lijiang and what is a good low-altitude itinerary for families?
Budget ¥600-900 per day for a 7-seat van inside Lijiang and ¥800-1,200 for Shangri-La day trips, fuel and parking included.
Does Beijing Subway extend operating hours during Spring Festival travel peak?
Nine lines run past midnight on Spring Festival peak nights; lines 2, 4, 7, 14 ran until 02:00 from 22 to 24 Feb 2026.
How much is a taxi from Chongqing Airport and do I need to tip?
Metered fare to Jiefangbei: ¥48-80 daytime, ¥55-100 at night; flag-fall ¥11, then ¥2.5 per km.
Is British Airways worth the additional cost compared to China Eastern for flights to Shanghai?
Budget 1,150 GBP round-trip on BA versus 580 GBP on MU for London-Shanghai economy in 2026; the gap is roughly 50%.
What is the best way to travel between Beijing and the Mutianyu Great Wall, and how do I handle transport on the return trip?
Book Didi via Alipay; ¥200 to ¥300 one way from central Beijing, 1.5 to 2 hours, fixed price before confirm.
Is a 3.5-hour layover sufficient for transit at Hong Kong International Airport when switching between different airlines?
3.5 hours is comfortable for HKG transit if your bag is interlined; the airside transfer security clears in 15-30 minutes.
Is Uber reliable for getting rides in less common areas of Hong Kong, such as Tsuen Wan Cemetery, where regular taxis might not be available?
Uber works reliably in Tsuen Wan; the HK app aggregates red taxis alongside private cars, increasing peak-hour matches.
Has anyone recently hired a car with a temporary license for a West Sichuan itinerary in April?
Pick up the Temporary Driving Permit at Chengdu Tianfu (TFU) or Shuangliu (CTU) on arrival; free, 30 to 60 minutes, valid 3 months.
Where can I purchase sleeper train tickets in China, and is it worth choosing trains over flights for short stops?
Tickets release 15 days in advance at 14:00 Beijing time; book the moment the window opens for holiday weeks.
Is it possible to visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City during a 10-hour layover in Beijing, and what is the best way to arrange transportation?
Pick one site, not both; 10 hours leaves only 6 usable hours after immigration, security, and the airline's 90-minute buffer.