China — Transport & Getting Around

Beijing Subway (CNY 3–9) and Shanghai Metro (CNY 3–15) are extensive, cheap and English-signposted; Guangzhou and Shenzhen networks are similar. Didi Chuxing is the only meaningful ride-hail app since Uber's 2016 exit — it works inside Alipay and WeChat as a mini-program for foreigners. Street taxis are metered but drivers rarely speak English; screenshot your destination in Chinese characters.

The Beijing Capital Airport Express (CNY 25) and Shanghai Pudong Maglev (CNY 50, or CNY 40 with a same-day boarding pass) both link to metro. Domestic flights and high-speed rail are booked through Trip.com or Ctrip; the Gaotie network reaches most tier-1 cities in under six hours.