How to get around in China?
In China, travelers have several transportation options: train (well-developed and efficient network), urban and long-distance buses, bicycles in cities, car with mandatory driver (foreign licenses not valid), and flights for long distances.
Main means of transport
- Train : favored for decades, developed and reliable rail network for long distances
- Urban buses : economical (1-2 yuan), operate from 6am to 10-11pm in major cities
- Bike : many rental options at tourist sites, watch out for bikes without lights
- Car with driver : 400-500 yuan/day (around €60), foreign driving licenses not recognized
Specifics of the road network
The main roads have benefited from recent improvements, but traffic jams remain frequent. In mountainous and remote areas, expect difficult tracks with rockfalls and alternating traffic. Road maps in English or pinyin remain difficult to find.
Practical advice
For buses : have exact change as drivers do not always give change. Bus stops are only in Chinese characters, bring a map with street names in Chinese characters.
For bikes : bike-sharing services (Ofo, Mobike) do not work for foreigners, but traditional rental remains possible in exchange for your passport or a deposit.
Note : in Hong Kong and Macau, driving is on the left, unlike mainland China.