Public transportation in China is already an adventure in itself. Prepare for all cabs and buses to be packed, not just crowded. And during rush hour in any major city, you'll see something that looks like chaos and the end of the world. Nevertheless, the Chinese themselves are used to it. Visitors should know some tricks to avoid the hassle.
Before you go to a city, do some research on its transportation system. In Beijing, for example, the subway is quite convenient, but there are only two lines. The most comfortable way inside the cities remains a cab, it should be ordered in advance, for example, from the hotel. In Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Tianjin there are subways, buses, and trolleybuses (operating from 05:00 - 05:30 to 22:00 - 23:00). Tickets for the subway are sold at the ticket office at the entrance, there are no "passes" or magnetic cards. On buses and trolleybuses, tickets can be bought from the conductor, and on suburban lines from the driver. Public transportation costs between CNY 1 and CNY 5.
The railroads in China make a dense network, but they are greatest in the east of the country. In the mountainous north, you won't find enough lines for convenient transportation. Trains are plentiful in China, with high-speed (350km/h) express trains and regular trains. Accommodation can be in soft or hard compartments, soft or hard seating, or standing.
Tickets can be booked up to 5 days in advance. Hard lying and seated seats sell out quickly. Prices vary by region, distances, and destinations, and change quite often. In general, ticket prices are low.
Waterways play a big role. The Yangtze River, Heilongjiang River, Zhujiang River, and the Grand Canal from Beijing to Hangzhou have water transportation options.
In fact, the most convenient way to travel around the country becomes the airplane. The central hub for domestic airlines is Beijing. More than 600 routes connect provinces and central cities. The schedule is very tight, it is better to order tickets in advance, queues are long. This is if you want to travel long distances. For short distances, it is better to travel by shuttle buses. Here the chances of a comfortable journey are doubtful. It can be a pleasant ride in a new car with air conditioning and TV, or a solid jolt on an old bus.
Short distances can be traveled by rickshaws, whose fare depends on the weight of the passenger and the distance, and is usually more expensive than a cab.
