You've settled into your apartment on campus, figured out where to buy coffee, and maybe even tried some local street food. Now comes the next big adventure: getting from point A to point B.

China's transportation system is fast, cheap, and surprisingly easy to use – once you know a few tricks. Whether you're commuting to class, exploring a nearby city on the weekend, or heading home for the holidays, here's everything you need to know about moving around like a local.

Let's break it down by vehicle.

▶ Subway / Metro – Your New Best Friend

Almost every major city in China has a modern, clean, and ridiculously efficient subway system. It's usually the fastest way to get around, and signs are in both Chinese and English.

How to use it:

• Buy a ticket – Most stations have ticket machines with an English option. You select your destination, pay with cash, Alipay, or WeChat, and get a plastic token or a paper QR code.

• Tap in and out – Tap your token or scan your phone at the gate. Keep it until you exit.

• Apps – You can also scan Alipay or WeChat directly (search for "Transport" or "Metro"mini‑program). Once set up, you don't need a ticket at all.

Pro tips:

• Avoid weekdays 8–9 AM and 6–7 PM if you don't like crowds. You've been warned.

• Download a metro map app or use Apple/Google Maps – but note that Google Maps may not be fully reliable in China. Baido Maps or Amap are better, though they're in Chinese. Alternatively, use MetroMan China (English‑friendly).

• The subway usually runs from 6 AM to 11 PM. Check your city's last train times.

▶Buses – Cheap but Tricky

Buses are everywhere and cost as little as 1–2 RMB per ride. However, they can be confusing for newcomers because routes aren't always clearly marked in English, and announcements may be only in Chinese.

When to use them:

• When the subway doesn't reach your destination (common in newer districts or smaller cities).

• For short trips where walking is too far but a taxi feels unnecessary.

How to pay:

• Scan Alipay or WeChat (same "Transport" code works on most buses).

• Some cities still accept coins – exact change only.

Watch out for:

• Rush hour traffic – buses get stuck in the same jams as cars.

• Knowing when to get off – follow your location on your phone and ring the bell when your stop is next.

▶Shared Bikes – The Ultimate Last‑Mile Solution

If you've walked past a university gate in China, you've seen them: rows of bright blue, yellow, or green shared bikes. They're everywhere, and they're fantastic.

Major players:

• Hellobike (blue) – very common

• Meituan Bike (yellow)

• Qingju (green, owned by Didi)

How to use:

• Download the app (Hellobike is a good start) or scan via Alipay mini‑program.

• Unlock by scanning the QR code on the bike.

• Ride, park in a designated bike parking area (usually marked on the ground), and lock it through the app.

Cost: Usually 1–2 RMB per 30 minutes. Monthly memberships are even cheaper.

Heads-up:

• Always check the brakes and seat height before you unlock.

• Don’t park just anywhere – bikes left outside designated zones may incur a small fine.

• Wear a helmet if you have one (not required by law in most cities, but safe).

▶Taxis & Ride‑Hailing – When You Just Want to Get There

Taxis are cheap by Western standards. A 20‑minute ride in a mid‑sized city might cost 20–30 RMB (about $3–4 USD). In megacities like Beijing or Shanghai, it's still reasonable.

Flagging down a taxi:

• Look for the empty sign.

• Show your destination in Chinese (have it written or on your phone). Many drivers speak zero English.

Using Didi (China's Uber):
This is the smarter way. Didi Chuxing is the dominant ride‑hailing app. It has an English version and lets you set your pickup and destination without speaking a word.

How to set up Didi:

• Download the app or use the mini‑program inside Alipay/WeChat.

• Add your phone number (local Chinese number works best).

• Choose your ride type: Express (cheapest), Taxi, Premium, etc.

• Pay through Alipay/WeChat linked to your bank card.

Pro tip: Always check the license plate before getting in. Didi shows you the car’s plate number – match it before you open the door.

▶High‑Speed Trains – Weekend Getaway Champion

This is where China truly shines. The high‑speed rail network (高铁, gāotiě) connects almost every major city. You can travel from Beijing to Shanghai (1,300 km) in about 4.5 hours.

Ticket booking:

• Use the official 12306 app (English version available, but sometimes finicky).

• Easier: use Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) or China Travel Guide – they charge a small service fee but work smoothly in English.

• You can also buy tickets at the station, but popular routes sell out, especially around holidays.

Classes:

• Second class – 3 seats per row, perfectly fine for most trips.

• First class – 4 seats per row, more legroom and quieter.

• Business class – 2 seats per row, reclines fully – nice but expensive.

At the station:

• You’ll need your passport to collect tickets (if you bought online) or to pass through the gates. Some stations now allow you to board using your passport directly – look for the manual verification gate.

• Arrive at least 45 minutes early for your first few trips. Security checks can be slow.

What to bring: Snacks, water, and a power bank (there are outlets, but not always near your seat).

▶Flights – For Long Distances

If you're going from, say, Guangzhou to Harbin, take a plane. Domestic flights in China are plentiful and reasonably priced.

Airlines: China Southern, China Eastern, Air China, and many budget carriers like Spring Airlines.

Booking: Trip.com, Alipay, or the airline's own app.

ID: You’ll need your passport to check in. Keep it handy.

Luggage: Budget airlines often have strict carry‑on weight limits – read the fine print.

▶Electric Scooters – For the Brave

Many Chinese teachers eventually buy an electric scooter (diàndòngchē). It's cheap, fast, and gives you freedom.

But:

• You need to register it with the local traffic police.

• You should wear a helmet – laws are tightening.

• You must charge it, and batteries can be heavy.

• Parking and navigating traffic can be stressful for beginners.

Verdict: Great for second‑year teachers. Not for your first month.

★Essential Apps for Getting Around

App	Purpose	English?
Alipay / WeChat	Pay for metro, bus, shared bikes, Didi	Yes (partial)
Didi	Ride‑hailing	Yes
Hellobike / Meituan Bike	Shared bikes	Minimal
Amap or Baidu Maps	Navigation (better than Google Maps in China)	No, but usable with pinyin
Trip.com	Train & flight booking	Yes
MetroMan China	Subway maps offline	Yes

One more thing: Before you leave home, set up Alipay or WeChat with your international credit card. It's possible, though linking a Chinese bank card later makes everything smoother.

★A Few Unspoken Rules

• Stand on the right of escalators. Walk on the left.

• Give up your seat to elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers on buses and subways. Locals do this without thinking.

• No eating or drinking on the subway. It's strictly enforced.

• Line up at the platform – there are markings on the floor. Don't be the one who pushes forward.

• Scan the QR code when entering a taxi or bus if you’re using mobile payment – but do it before you sit down to avoid holding up the line.

★Final Tips for New Foreign Teachers

• Get a local SIM card as soon as you arrive. Mobile data makes everything easier – maps, Didi, Alipay, translation.

• Download offline maps for your city in case your signal drops.

• Carry some cash – though almost everywhere takes mobile payment, a few taxis or small buses still prefer cash.

• Learn a few key phrases:

  • “去这里” (qù zhèlǐ) – “Go here” (point to address on your phone)

  • “多少钱?” (duōshǎo qián?) – “How much?”

  • “谢谢” (xièxie) – “Thank you”

And remember: everyone gets lost sometimes. That’s part of the adventure. When you do, just smile, show your phone to a friendly local, and chances are someone will go out of their way to help you.