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
Where can I purchase an Octopus card at Hong Kong International Airport if I am transferring directly to Macao, and will it work there?
Buy the Sold Tourist Octopus at the SkyPier 7-Eleven for HKD 39 (no stored value) or the standard Octopus for HKD 50 deposit; you do not need to clear immigration.
What are the best transport options from Hong Kong Airport to the Hopewell Hotel in Wan Chai, and are free shuttles still available?
No free Hopewell airport shuttle exists in 2026 — that benefit was discontinued and has not returned.
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.
What is the best way to photograph the double-decker tram on Chun Yeung Street, and is there a specific schedule I should follow?
Only trams with the North Point 北角 destination sign turn into Chun Yeung Street; ignore Shau Kei Wan or Sai Wan Ho ones.
How much does it cost to hire a private English-speaking guide and driver in Xi'an, and is it worth it?
Budget 1,000-1,500 yuan ($140-$210) per day for a combined private English guide plus driver in 2026; this is the most efficient package.
How to transfer between Hongqiao and Pudong airports Shanghai
Take the Airport Link Line for ¥26 — 40-minute transfer between Pudong and Hongqiao, versus 90+ minutes on Metro Line 2.
How can I find a reliable private driver in Guilin for a trip to the Rice Terraces and Yangshuo?
Book through Trip.com, Klook, GetYourGuide, or your hotel concierge — all four vet drivers and lock fixed rates upfront.
How to ship luggage between cities in China SF Express
Ship a 25-30 kg checked bag Shanghai-Beijing for ¥150-200 with SF Express; arrival in 2-3 days.
What is the fastest transportation option from Shanghai PVG Airport to the cruise terminal when facing a tight boarding deadline?
Use a metered airport taxi or Didi; budget ¥220 to ¥280 and 60 to 90 minutes from PVG to Dongdaming Road.
How can I avoid smoky taxis and rude drivers when using ride-sharing in Shanghai?
Pick Didi Premier (¥21 base) or Luxe over Express to cut smoking incidents — premium drivers lose payouts after complaints.
What is a realistic pace and preparation strategy for a multi-city High-Speed Rail trip in China?
Cap the route at 5–7 cities over 14–21 days; allow 2–3 nights per stop to cover travel and one full day of sightseeing.
When flying into China internationally and connecting to a domestic flight, do I clear immigration at the first airport and does my luggage check through?
Clear immigration at your first China airport (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Guangzhou), not the final domestic destination city.