Getting Around China

Getting around China needn't be confusing nor expensive. China's train network is efficient and comfortable, and long distance buses are readily available for both long or short distances. No matter which way you intend to travel, it is always a good idea to have the name of your destination written in Chinese letters, just so you don't end up on the wrong train, plane or bus!

Traveling by Bus

Long distance buses are a good way to get out to nearby cities and towns. Most buses these days are comfortable, air-conditioned express buses, which cruise along expressways while passengers relax and watch a kung fu movie or two.

Older buses, known as 'regular' buses, will often avoid express roads and frequently stop along the way to pick up passengers. Although they aren't as comfortable as express buses, they will usually give you better views as they wind their way through villages. Sleeper buses are used on overnight trips, and have small beds rather than seats.

Tickets are usually purchased from the ticket office at the bus station. Regular buses are the exception to this rule as you can often flag the bus down and hop on anywhere along the way.

Traveling by Train

With every province now included in China�s rail network, you can travel by train to just about every domestic destination you can care to imagine, as well as a couple of international stops too.

Tickets can be purchased from the station you will be departing from, usually no more than one week in advance. For better service, you can book your tickets from a travel agent or from many larger hotels. This will cost you a commission of 40-50, but you will usually be able to book in English and without having to stand in queue first.

Not all trains are equal, and on each train there are a variety of seating classes. Most trains that you will take are the Z, T or K class with the Z being the fastest of the three. Older, slower trains simply have a number, and are often not air-conditioned.

Except for the shortest of journeys, you will probably want a sleeper ticket. This entitles you to a bunk bed, giving you more room to move around than just a seat. Sleepers come in two classes, hard sleepers and soft sleepers. Hard sleepers are nowhere near as evil as they sound, and are an economical way to travel. Soft sleepers offer you a little more comfort, space and privacy for your journey, and generally cost around twice as much as a hard sleeper.

All long distance trains have a dining car, as well as snack carts rolling incessantly up and down the corridors. Be aware that prices can be quite steep for what you get and there are rarely any western dishes served. Locals will usually survive on instant noodles, using hot water from the boilers available in each car. Your other options are to bring your own food with you, or try your luck with the platform vendors whenever the train makes a stop.

Traveling by Air

China has dozens of domestic airlines, and numerous airports right throughout the country. Air tickets can be purchased online, or from one of many ticketing offices to be found in any large city.

For better service, try a ticketing office at a 5 star hotel, where an English speaking travel agent will be able to help you.

We have listed below a number of Chinese airlines and the International airports that have an informational website. There are many other airports in China, but not all have websites.