Getting around China
China has the world's largest high-speed rail network. Most first trips need only one or two internal flights.
Bullet trains
Fast, punctual and comfortable, with assigned seats and plenty of legroom. Your passport is your ticket: scan it at the gate.
| Route | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Beijing – Shanghai | about 4½ hours |
| Beijing – Xi'an | about 4½ hours |
| Shanghai – Hangzhou | about 1 hour |
| Shanghai – Suzhou | about 30 minutes |
| Chengdu – Chongqing | about 1–1½ hours |
| Guilin – Guangzhou | about 3 hours |
- Arrive 45–60 minutes early. Stations are large, and there's a security check like at an airport.
- Big cities have several stations. Check the station name on your booking.
- Luggage racks fit a medium suitcase. For large bags, we can send luggage ahead.
Domestic flights
Useful for long distances, such as Beijing to Guilin or Chengdu to Kunming. Allow 2 hours at the airport. Power banks must be in hand luggage and are checked for capacity labels.
In the cities
- Metro: clean, cheap and signposted in English. Pay with the Alipay transit QR code or buy a ticket at the machine.
- Taxis: order DiDi inside Alipay, which shows the route and price in English. Have your hotel's address in Chinese.
- Walking: the best way to see hutongs, old towns and riverside promenades.
On our tours
We book every train and flight, and a private driver meets you at every station and airport. Your guide walks you through security and to the right platform.