Chinese cities have some of the world's best public transit — clean, safe, cheap, and extensive.
Metro (your default choice)
- Fares: ¥2–8 depending on distance
- Pay by QR code: open Alipay → Transport → select city → scan at the gate. No card, no cash, no queues
- Or buy single-journey tokens from machines (cash accepted)
- Signs and announcements are bilingual; each line has a color and number
- Rush hours (7:30–9:30, 17:00–19:30) get extremely crowded in Beijing/Shanghai — travel off-peak with luggage
Buses
- ¥1–2 flat, same QR code works
- Stops announced in Chinese only — follow along on Amap and get off when the blue dot arrives
Taxis
- Flag fall ¥13–16 in big cities; always insist on the meter (打表)
- Show the destination in Chinese characters — most drivers speak no English
- Get a receipt (发票) — it has the taxi's plate number if you leave something behind
Didi (ride-hailing)
- English interface, upfront pricing, in-app chat translation with the driver
- Usually cheaper than taxis, and no communication stress
- At airports and stations, go to the designated ride-hailing pickup zone
Shared bikes
Meituan (yellow) and Hello (blue) bikes are everywhere — scan to unlock, ~¥1.5 per 30 min. Perfect for hutongs, the Bund, and West Lake. Ride in bike lanes and park in marked zones.