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.
5 answers
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.
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 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.
Is it better to book a shared Klook tour or hire a private driver for visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall from Beijing?
Hire a private sedan via Trip.com or DiDi for ¥600-800 round trip; saves 2-3 hours over shared tours and lets you leave by 6:30 AM.
Which section of the Great Wall did you visit near Beijing, and what was the most convenient transportation method to get there?
Book the Mubus shuttle from Dongzhimen for ¥40 one-way through the 慕巴士 WeChat account; departures at 9 AM and 10 AM.