This article explains how first-time visitors should choose transport in China, including when to use high-speed rail between cities, taxis and subways in cities, chartered cars for suburbs, and why self-driving is usually not the best first option.
Based on local expertise, this guide explains the most practical way for first-time travelers to move around China. It compares high-speed rail, taxis, chartered cars, and self-driving, with practical tips from experienced guides on comfort, distance, convenience, and road conditions.
Hello! If you're planning your first trip to China, welcome! China is vast, and the distances between cities may be farther than you imagine, but the transportation network is also very well-developed. The mode of transportation you choose to get from one place to another will directly impact the pace and mood of your trip.
This guide will show you how to choose transportation to make your trip in China more enjoyable.
First, remember the simplest method of judgment.
If you don't have time to read the whole article, remember these points:
Traveling from one city to another: Prioritize high-speed rail.
Exploring within the city and visiting a few places accessible by subway: Subway + taxi.
Visiting several suburban attractions in a day where public transportation is inconvenient: Consider hiring a car.
Want to go to western regions, plateaus, or places with scattered natural scenery: Hiring a car or joining a small group tour is much easier than driving yourself.
Self-driving: Only consider this after you have obtained a valid Chinese driver's license and are familiar with Chinese road conditions.
For most tourists visiting China for the first time, the safest and most comfortable combination is actually:
High-speed rail connecting cities + taxis for short trips within the city + chartered car for scenic spots and distant attractions.
High-speed rail: Best suited for travel between cities
China's high-speed rail system is probably one of the most frequently heard terms before you come here. It is definitely worth your serious consideration.
When should you choose high-speed rail?
There are direct high-speed rail connections between the two tourist cities (e.g., Beijing → Shanghai, Shanghai → Hangzhou, Chengdu → Chongqing, Xi'an → Luoyang).
The travel distance is between 1 and 6 hours.
You don't want the hassle of airports (security checks, baggage check-in, waiting, delays).
You prefer a more predictable travel time and don't want your plans disrupted by traffic jams or flight cancellations.
You want to combine multiple cities into a single trip.
Why are high-speed trains so friendly to tourists?
High-speed rail stations are usually closer to the city center than airports. The entry process is also much simpler than flying: security check, ticket check, and boarding. Moreover, trains are frequent, and even if you miss one, the next one is usually not far away.
Many travelers choose high-speed rail when traveling from Beijing to Xi'an, from Shanghai to Hangzhou, or from Chengdu to Chongqing. It's not the cheapest, but it's the most reliable and hassle-free.
What should foreign tourists be aware of?
You need your passport to buy tickets. Your name and ID number must exactly match those on your passport. Do not misspell your name on third-party platforms.
Make sure you know which station it is. Some Chinese cities have multiple high-speed rail stations (e.g., Beijing has Beijing West, Beijing South, and Beijing Chaoyang), so don't just look at the city name.
It's recommended to arrive at the station 60-90 minutes early. Large high-speed rail stations are very crowded, and first-timers can easily spend time finding the entrance and ticket gate.
Don't schedule your transfers too tightly. If your first high-speed train is delayed, subsequent trains won't wait for you.
Typical routes suitable for high-speed rail:
Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou
Beijing → Xi'an
Chengdu → Chongqing
Guangzhou → Shenzhen → Hong Kong
Xi'an → Luoyang → Zhengzhou
Taxi/Didi: Suitable for short-distance urban travel and nighttime movement
In Chinese cities, taxis and ride-hailing services are very common. For foreign tourists, taking a taxi is the best way to solve the "last few kilometers": from the hotel to the attractions, from the high-speed rail station to the hotel, back to the accommodation after dinner, or when the subway is inconvenient.
When to take a taxi?
When moving around the city, not too far.
When you have luggage and don't want to squeeze onto the subway.
When traveling at night and you're unfamiliar with bus routes.
When your destination is far from the subway station.
When the weather is too hot, too cold, or raining.
What should foreign tourists be most aware of?
Taking a taxi in Chinese cities isn't dangerous, but language and location issues are the most common problems. Most drivers don't speak English.
It's recommended that you prepare the following in advance:
The Chinese address of your hotel (save a screenshot on your phone)
The Chinese names of attractions
Open a map and pinpoint your destination
Check the license plate number before getting in the taxi.
When should you not take a taxi?
Long distances between cities (e.g., taking a taxi from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou)
Crossing city centers during peak hours (traffic jams will drive you crazy)
Visiting several scattered attractions in a day
Willing the driver to wait for you for a long time
Routes like Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou, Xining → Qinghai Lake, and Dunhuang → Yadan are not suitable for taking a taxi on short notice. In such cases, you should consider hiring a car or joining a small group tour.
Chartering a car: Suitable for routes where attractions are scattered, the journey is long, and there are language barriers.
Chartering a car isn't necessary in every city. However, if your destination has limited public transportation, the attractions are scattered, or you don't speak Chinese, chartering a car can save you a lot of trouble.
When to choose a chartered car?
You plan to visit multiple attractions in one day.
The attractions are not in the city center and are far from public transportation.
Public transportation is infrequent, for example, only one or two buses a day.
You are traveling with elderly people, children, or large luggage.
You need to see the sunrise or sunset, or have specific photo spots.
You don't speak Chinese and don't want to communicate with the driver in every place.
Your route is a long-distance route mainly featuring natural scenery, such as Qinghai, Gansu, Yunnan, Western Sichuan, Tibet, or Inner Mongolia.
Which destinations are best suited for chartering a car?
I would seriously recommend hiring a car for these places:
Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Qinghai-Gansu Loop (the attractions are far apart and there is no convenient public transportation)
Gansu Dunhuang West Route, Zhangye Danxia, Jiayuguan
Sichuan Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Western Sichuan Small Loop
Yunnan Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and surrounding areas
Guilin Yangshuo rural routes
Inner Mongolia grasslands and border towns
Tibet Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse (foreign tourists need a guide, driver, and Tibet Entry Permit to enter Tibet).
What is the real value of hiring a car?
Hiring a car isn't about "looking luxurious," but about solving several very practical problems:
No need for frequent car changes; luggage can stay in the car the whole time.
You can adjust the schedule according to the weather and your physical condition.
You can go to places inaccessible by public transportation.
It's convenient for taking photos and stopping around.
It reduces your anxiety caused by language barriers, navigation, and finding parking.
When do you not need to hire a car?
If you're only traveling in the city center of major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, taking the subway and a taxi is often easier than hiring a car. This is because city centers are prone to traffic jams and parking is a hassle.
Self-driving: Can foreign tourists really drive in China?
This issue needs to address a point that many people misunderstand.
What are the requirements for foreign tourists to drive in China?
You cannot drive in mainland China solely with your foreign driver's license or so-called "international driver's license".
This is a point that many people misunderstand. It is only legal if:
You already hold a Chinese driver's license
Or you have obtained a temporary Chinese driver's permit.
Having only your domestic driver's license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not enough. IDPs are not recognized in mainland China.
What do I do with a temporary driving permit?
Requirements vary slightly from city to city, but generally you'll need:
Passport
Valid visa
Original driver's license from your home country
Translated copy of your driver's license (must be a certified translator)
Photo
You may also need a medical examination or test.
When is a good time to drive yourself?
If you have legally obtained a temporary Chinese driver's license and:
You are familiar with Chinese road rules (not the way you drive in your home country)
You have long-distance driving experience
The route is relatively simple, not involving high altitudes, mountains, or uninhabited areas
You have travel companions to take turns driving
You are willing to handle navigation, refueling, parking, insurance, and potential traffic fines yourself
Then driving yourself offers a high degree of freedom. Suitable driving destinations include Hainan, parts of Yunnan, and short roads around some cities.
When should you absolutely not drive yourself?
If this is your first time visiting China, and you are unfamiliar with Chinese navigation, local driving habits, and long-distance driving experience, I suggest you don't attempt to drive yourself.
These areas are far apart, the weather changes rapidly, supply points are scattered, gas stations are spaced far apart, and cell phone signals are unstable. For first-time visitors to China, hiring a car is much safer than driving yourself.
What's the most reasonable combination of these four methods?
I'll give you a few real-world examples; you can find one that applies to you.
Scenario 1: First time visiting China, following a classic city route
For example: Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Suzhou
Recommended combination: High-speed rail + subway + taxi
Subway + taxi is sufficient within the city.
Scenario 2: Northwest Nature Route
Examples: Qinghai Lake, Chaka Salt Lake, Dunhuang, Zhangye
Recommended combination: Train/high-speed rail between cities, chartered car between attractions
Don't try to rely entirely on public transportation, and don't drive yourself on your first trip.
Scenario 3: Sichuan Natural Route
Example: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou → Huanglong → Western Sichuan
Recommended combination: Chartered car or small group tour
Long route, many mountain roads, and complex connections between attractions. Self-driving is not recommended for first-timers.
Common Traffic Mistakes Tourists Make
I've summarized them here in the hope that you'll avoid them.
Assuming you can drive in China with a foreign driver's license
No. You must ensure you have a valid Chinese driver's license.
Only looking at map distances, not actual driving time
Many places in China may seem short, but mountain roads, traffic jams, and speed limits can make the journey much longer than you expect.
Insisting on hiring a car even in cities
In big cities, the subway can be twice as fast as hiring a car.
Ignoring the distance between high-speed rail stations and attractions
High-speed rail stations are often not located at the entrance of tourist attractions. After arriving, you also need to factor in the time spent getting from the station to your hotel or attraction.
Only comparing prices, not considering physical exertion
Some routes seem cheap, but if you spend seven or eight hours traveling in a day, you'll arrive at your destination exhausted and unable to enjoy the sights.
Travel Options Recommendations
If you are interested in chartered car travel, you can contact us and we can customize a private chartered car trip for you based on your interests and preferences.
Travel Recommendations：
Yangshuo Private Day Trip: Sunrise, Rafting & Gallery
Xiamen Tulou Day Trip - Nanjing & Yongding by Car
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to travel between cities in China for first-time visitors?
High-speed rail is usually the best choice when there is a direct connection between two tourist cities. It is especially suitable for trips that take about 1 to 6 hours, such as Beijing to Shanghai or Shanghai to Hangzhou.
When should I use a taxi or subway inside a Chinese city?
Use the subway plus taxis when you are traveling within one city and visiting places that are already connected by urban transit. This works best for short trips between central neighborhoods and avoids the uncertainty of long road traffic.
When is it better to charter a car in China?
A chartered car is a better option when you want to visit several suburban attractions in one day and public transport is inconvenient. It is also more practical for areas with scattered sights, where traveling point to point by subway or taxi would take much longer.
Should first-time tourists drive themselves in China?
Usually no, unless you already have a valid Chinese driver's license and are familiar with local road conditions. For western regions, plateaus, or natural areas with long distances between stops, hiring a car or joining a small group tour is generally easier.
What transport combination is the safest and most comfortable for a first trip to China?
The article recommends combining high-speed rail for intercity travel, taxis for short in-city trips, and chartered cars for scenic spots or distant attractions. This mix gives you predictable travel times, less airport hassle, and better access to places outside city centers.
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