There are rich and convenient travel modes in China. If you choose to study in China, you will not be bothered by transportation. There are many modes of public transportation in China, including fast trains, the subway, and many more. Even without knowing Chinese, it’s fairly easy to get around. You can enjoy the convenience of life and travel in addition to studying. In this article, I’ll introduce you to six different modes of public transportation that will hopefully make your experience in China all the easier.

1. Bus

In China, taking the bus is a very convenient and green way to travel. The bus fare is also very cheap, it's charged by distance with the minimum set at 1 yuan and the maximum varying from 10 to 12 yuan, depending on the bus. You can pay by cash, use a Yikatong, the Easy Pass app, or Apple Pay. Nowadays, most buses have AC, so the weather and temperature would not influence the passage much as previously. However, buses also have the disadvantages of uncertain arrival times and susceptibility to traffic conditions. So if it is a moderate distance, people often choose the bus to transport. And if it is long-distance and can take the subway simultaneously, people tend to choose the subway to travel.

NOTE: Pets are not allowed to get on the bus in China. If you are traveling with your pet, it is best to drive or take a taxi and walk by yourself. Children whose height is less than 120cm do not need a ticket; just get on the bus directly. These two regulations also apply to the subway and high-speed rail.

2. Taxi/Didi

Taxi is the most convenient and quickest way for you to get around the city. Unlike the bus, taxis run all day. You can call taxis at any time, anywhere, which may give you more flexibility to facilitate your trip.Do take notice that only if the sign 'For Hire' is cocked, and lit at night, is the taxi available for service. The flag down rate for the first several kilometers varies from 5 to more than 10 Yuan depending on the city and area, and for each extra kilometer, about 2 Yuan will be added. But most local Chinese prefer Didi because they can easily order it from their phone and it usually charges low than Taxi. DiDi in China is like Uber elsewhere, it is a great alternative transportation mode, especially on nights out when you stay out later than midnight (since the subway closes) (How to take a cab/taxi by DidiChuxing in China).

3. Bike-sharing

In recent years, many cities in China have provided bike-sharing services to encourage low-carbon traveling. There are so many bikes on the side of the road ready to rent, all you have to do is scan the barcode on the back which will then help you to download the app, such as Hello Bicycle, Didi Qingju Bicycle, or Meituan Bicycle. A shared bicycle is low and affordable, which only costs 1.5 yuan/30 minutes. And this is a great way to get to know the area you live in or to see the city. It is very convenient to borrow and return the car. After you’re done using it you can return it either to the same area or another bike pit-stop around your destination. They are everywhere in China, and not hard to come by. If you study and live in China, bicycle-sharing can be a greener travel option and a unique Chinese travel experience.

4. Subway

In contemporary society, the subway is a popular way of travel, and its advantage is that it is fast and smooth. Especially in today’s increasingly congested urban traffic, the advantages of the subway are more prominent. Most subways open around 6 am and close before 11 pm, and similar to taking the bus it is very cheap. You can pay cash to ride the subway, but it’s most convenient to buy a subway card that you can reload every month or so. The subway price is roughly divided into two pricing methods: one is by mileage, and the other is by the interval. Take the Beijing Subway as an example. The fare of the Beijing Subway is determined according to the mileage. Except for the Airport Express, the first 6 kilometers (4 miles) start at 3 yuan. After driving 6 kilometers, the fare will increase by 1 yuan for every 6 kilometers.

Note: In China, when taking the subway, it is necessary to cooperate with security personnel to conduct security checks when entering the station. Some dangerous items cannot be brought into the station, such as dangerous knives, balloons, and sprays. Therefore, if you want to take the subway, it is best to check whether you have carried these items first so as not to cause losses.

5. Train/High-speed Rail

Currently, the high-speed train is denominated as one of the Four Great New Inventions of China. Taking the high-speed train in China is incredibly efficient. They travel at 250-350 km/h (155-217 mph) so you can cover great distances in a short amount of time. It’s also usually much cheaper than flying and just as comfortable. Most places have the subway at or near the train station, so it’s very convenient when you reach your destination. You can also get a first-class or second-class, and there are even overnight trains you can sleep on! The overnight trains are nice in that they’re cheaper and you wake up at your destination. Beware though, if you choose the ‘hard sleeper’ for an overnight train you’ll end up sitting in a chair all night.

Facilities on these trains are similar to those on an airplane. The seats can always aromatically adjust to the moving direction; the seatback can be adjusted to the desired angle; a foldable small table is available for each seat; electrical sockets are available in each row or compartment. Besides, meals and snacks are provided at a price.

It is also very convenient for foreigners to take the train in China. As long as you have a valid passport, you can purchase tickets through the station service spot or online platform. The fare is calculated based on the journey distance and seat level, but they are all very affordable.

6. Airplane

With the rise of airport construction, airplanes have gradually become another more convenient way of travel in China, especially with the increasing frequency of exchanges between various regions, the convenience of online ticket purchases, and the preferential fares of airlines. It has also become one of the most important means of transportation in China.

Airlines in China offer safe and comfortable services for travelers. By the June of 2022, there are about 5,581 air routes. Most airlines and airports provide world-class services and facilities. They are all under the charge of the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC). The most popular airports are in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Apart from Hong Kong and Macau, there are over 200 airports in mainland China, connecting more than 100 internal cities and 80 foreign cities.

Air travel within China is relatively cheap. It all depends on the time of year, holidays, and where you’re going. For example, if you’re going to Harbin in the winter when the ice festival is happening, you’re going to pay more than you would in the summer. Something else to be aware of is flights in China may get delayed.

Take the airplane, there are some basic rules for whether to carry luggage or checked luggage on an airplane:

l  It is forbidden to carry any deterrent equipment, such as guns, military or police equipment, and controlled knives;

l  It is forbidden to carry flammable and explosive items, such as lighters, firecrackers, fireworks, alcohol, etc.;

l  Other prohibited items specified by the state, such as drugs.

In conclusion, there are multiple ways to get around China, and many are just at a tap of your finger. Welcome to study in China and feel the convenient comfortable life in China.