How to Travel to China?

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➔ Traveling Long Distances Within China

➔ Private Transp

All VISA-related queries are covered in China Travel Guide (Updated January 23, 2024)

For a quick overview, check out China’s 144-hour Visa-Free Policy

Or Plan your Trip to China can help you

Traveling by Airplane

The quickest mode of international travel between most countries and China is by airplane, saving precious time and even allowing direct transit to your desired destination.

Depending on your ultimate destination, airport convenience, and the friendliness of the entry experience, we recommend using top gateway airports like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. After entering through these airports, further travel to your final destination is swift via connecting flights or high-speed trains.

Air Travel Tips

If you’re boarding on your own, make sure to confirm your flight details: departure time, terminal, and airport.

If you book your flight through us, let us know if you’re a member of the airline’s loyalty program, and we can inquire about your membership points for you.

Visa-Free Policy: Currently, about 16 cities offer 72-hour and 144-hour visa-free stays.

Booking through us grants you access to our discounts for convenience and speed.

Traveling by International Cruise

If you opt for an international cruise for your journey, we suggest Tianjin Port, which caters to passengers going to Beijing. The ships traverse various locations in East Asia and can also take you to China or Hong Kong.

Traveling by International Train

International train: Russians and Europeans might consider the journey from Moscow to Beijing, which currently takes about 124 to 144 hours, depending on the route.

International services: Beijing-Ulaanbaatar, Beijing-Moscow, Beijing-Hanoi, Beijing-Pyongyang.

There are also direct train services to Vietnam. The train from Hanoi, Vietnam, to China is a special option crossing from Guangxi. International trains also go to Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia) and Pyongyang (North Korea).

How to Travel Long Distances Within China

For distances over 500KM, we recommend domestic flights for simple and convenient long-distance travel, especially to parts of western and central China.

For distances under 500KM, China’s advanced high-speed rail network allows you to reach many cities in central, eastern, and northeastern areas quickly, conveniently, and economically.

Additionally, between mega gateway cities, such as Beijing to Shanghai, Beijing to Guangzhou, Chengdu to Guangzhou, Wuhan to Guangzhou, you can take high-speed trains exceeding speeds of 350KM/h with very few stops en route, usually denoted by a two-digit number. For instance, you can currently travel between Beijing and Shanghai in about five to six hours on a G-train for around 88 USD, saving both money and time.

China’s high-speed trains offer sleeper options that allow you to travel overnight, waking up at your destination—a preferred method for some.

You can even scan QR codes on your seat for food and ticket services on China’s high-speed trains, have McDonald’s or KFC delivered right to your seat.

The high-speed trains in China are graded for speed, service, and comfort from highest to lowest as follows: G, D, T, K, Z, C. On G, D, and some Z and C trains, you can choose from different classes of seats: Business Class, First Class, and Second Class. If seats are sold out, standing-only tickets may be available.

Scenic Train Rides for Sightseeing:

The scenic Qinghai-Tibet train, if you have the time and can bear the additional cost, is a pleasurable experience for many, allowing you to enjoy the journey and gradually acclimatize to the altitude, more expensive than a plane ticket.

You can book through the official China Railways APP “12306” on your mobile device.

Traveling by Bus for Long Distances in China

We advise against long-distance bus travel unless absolutely necessary due to uncomfortable conditions and safety considerations. Buses are ubiquitous in China and economical, but less comfortable and convenient.

Please be aware that road conditions in remote areas like Guizhou, Tibet, and Xinjiang may be poor. Travelers should temper their expectations for facilities or comfort in these regions.

For long-distance travel, sleeper buses are available. The sleeping quarters are quite cramped, and you should be extra careful with your belongings.

Chinese Tourist Cruises

Yangtze River Cruises

The Yangtze River Cruises: Of all the rivers, the long and wide Yangtze is a favorite for cruise touring.

There are interesting and beautiful landscapes to see. You can take a cruise from Shanghai all the way to Chongqing, visiting the cities and highlights along the leisurely journey.

Subway

Many cities in China have opened multiple subway lines because they are simple to use, safe, and quite cheap (with very low fares). They are a great way for independent travelers to explore, with English signs and maps and English-speaking staff available.

Taking Taxis in China

Taxis offer the most comfortable and safest way to travel. Available from hotels, tourist spots, airports, to train stations, taxis are abundant in nearly every city, and fares are relatively inexpensive for Western travelers. Simply wave, and a taxi will pull over for you. Fares vary by city but are generally very affordable, with meters always active. Pay the driver upon arrival without the need to tip.

You can book taxis through your hotel and have the concierge write down your destination on a card. Tourists can also hire taxis for half or full-day trips, but be sure to agree on a price with the driver beforehand.

Private transportation

Private transport and tours offer worry-free, flexible options, ready at your service. Our drivers and guides will wait for you at your hotel and take you in an air-conditioned vehicle to your desired locations. Your guide will arrange your tickets and travel passes in advance, saving you a lot of time and the hassle of queuing. Our English-speaking guides will make your travel quick, comfortable, and provide translation.

Unusual Local Transportation

In many tourist areas, you’ll find individuals offering rides on motorcycles, tricycles, or even bicycles. These are illegal operations in China and lack safety measures. We advise newcomers to China to avoid these for safety reasons.