Air

Traveling by air is perhaps the most convenient and the fastest way to travel around China. Nowadays, most major cities in China feature large, state of the airports that provide travelers with modern facilities and world-class aircrafts. By the end of 2003, a total of 1,176 domestic and international airlines were operated in China. The four largest Chinese airlines are Air China, China Southern Airline, China Eastern Airlines, and Hainan Airlines.

Railway

Almost all the Chinese cities have their own railway stations, some have more than one, like Beijing, where there are five train stations, these stations provide passenger related facilities and services such as a dining hall, coffee house, shops, phone booths and newsstands.

In China, the accommodations on the train are divided into four categories: soft-sleeper, hard-sleeper, soft-seat and hard-seat.

Soft-sleeper - private compartments in the soft sleeper carriages which are fitted out to a higher standard. Each compartment has four bunks, two upper and two lower.

Hard-sleeper - less comfortable than the soft-sleeper. The open compartment comprise six bunks, fixed as an upper, middle and lower on either side.

Soft-seat - a nice, comfortable cushioned seat, but not all trains have the soft-seat carriages.

Hard-seat - the seating is not upholstered and the carriage tend to be not very clean. It is always noisy and crowded with people especially during peak times or the high travel season on the most popular railway routes.

The China Ministry of Railways stipulates that the weight of hand luggage you carry onto the train is limited to a maximum of 20 kilograms (44 pounds); other baggage can be checked onto the train and the related formalities should be transacted at the railway station before your departure.

Please be aware that each carriage has only two washrooms, one at one end of the carriage, but without shower or tub; meals and drinks can be purchased in the dining car.

Actually, train tickets are difficult to buy in China, especially during the high travel season or at the start and finish of national holidays. It is often more convenient to obtain your tickets through a travel agent.

Subway

Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou have subways going through the downtown areas. A subway ticket costs between 3 and 5 Yuan. It is a fast, convenient and a helpful way to get around the city.

Waterway

Cruises by waterway in China are really a special enjoyment and experience that makes your trip more colorful. There are some better-known cruise trips that are highly recommended when you travel in China: Yangtze River Cruise, Li River Cruise, Grand Canal Cruise (Suzhou-Hangzhou Section), Huangpu River Cruise and so on.

Highway

China's long distant highway goes actually everywhere. Remote regions, especially in the west are often inaccessible via train or plane, in those areas, bus become the primary means of transportation.

Bus

The long distance bus system holds several advantages as a means of travel over the trains or flying.

Firstly, it actually does go everywhere. Especially to the west of the country but also occasionally in the rest China, many remote areas are inaccessible by train or plane. In these areas the bus system is the primary means of travel.

Secondly, bus tickets are both cheaper and easier to purchase than rail or air tickets as buses are plentiful and not in as high demand amongst Chinese travelers.

Lastly, all major cities and most large towns have long distance bus stations and the tickets are sold at the station itself and booking in advance is not required allowing more flexibility in your itinerary. The buses do not offer different classes of seat within a single vehicle.

Taxi

Taxis are a convenient, comfortable, and secure way of transportation in various cities in China, with fares ranging from 1 to 2 Yuan per km. simply raise your hand, and a taxi appears in no time. But you'd better choose a taxi with a business permit, and before you disembark form a taxi ride, ask the driver for a receipt.

Most taxi drivers do not understand much English, although those in tourist cities are encouraged to learn and speak some simple English. Non-Chinese speaking visitors are advised to have their destinations written down in Chinese and show the address to the cab driver.

Bicycle

Bicycle is one of the major means for transportation in China, an excellent method for getting around China's cities or looping tourist sights.