How-to & Go-to Guides of All Things Around China.
🚨 Last Updated: September 2025 — All apps, prices, and policies verified.
You’ve booked your flight to China. You’re excited. But one question haunts you:
“How the heck do I get around once I land — without speaking Chinese?”
Good news: You don’t need to.
China’s transport system is high-tech, efficient, and — yes — surprisingly foreigner-friendly, if you know the right tools.
This is the most comprehensive, up-to-date guide for foreigners navigating China in 2025. We cover:
- 🗺️ The best map app (hint: not Google Maps)
- 🚄 How to book high-speed trains in English
- 🚕 Ride-hailing like a local (Didi, Meituan, taxis)
- 🚇 Mastering subways in 10+ major cities
- 🚌 Buses, ferries, cable cars & bike-sharing
- 💡 Pro tips, scams to avoid, offline hacks
Bookmark this. Share it. This is your China transport bible.
🗺️ Chapter 1: Ditch Google Maps. Use Gaode Map (Amap) — Here’s Why
Google Maps doesn’t work in China. Period.
✅ Gaode Map (高德地图) is your new best friend. It’s:
- Accurate down to alleyway entrances
- Integrated with Didi, Meituan, public transit
- Fully usable in English (we show you how)
- Has AR walking mode for maze-like cities (looking at you, Chongqing)
🚄 Chapter 2: High-Speed Trains — China’s Secret Weapon
China’s bullet trains are faster, cheaper, and more comfortable than flying — and you can book them in English.
✅ How to Book Trains in English:
- Use Trip.com (携程国际版) — fully English interface
- Website: https://www.trip.com
- App: Available on iOS & Android
- Search by city name (Beijing → Shanghai)
- Pick your train (G = fastest, D = slightly slower)
- Pay with international credit card or Alipay
- Show passport at station — no paper ticket needed!
🎫 Insider Hack: Book “二等座” (Second Class) — it’s spacious and 70% cheaper than first.
🚕 Chapter 3: Ride-Hailing — Didi, Meituan & Taxis
Forget Uber. In China, you’ve got:
- Didi (滴滴出行) — The Uber of China. Has English interface.
- Meituan (美团打车) — Often cheaper, good for short trips.
- Street Taxis — Still work! Just show your destination in Chinese (use Amap screenshot).
🚗 How to Use Didi in English:
- Download Didi app → Switch to English in Settings
- Enter destination (use saved places or scan QR code)
- Choose car type (Economy, Comfort, Luxe)
- Pay via WeChat Pay, Alipay, or international card
🚇 Chapter 4: Subways & Public Transit — City by City
China’s metros are clean, cheap, and cover everything. Here’s how to ride in top cities:
| City | Key Tip | English Map? |
|---|---|---|
| Beijing | Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:30am). Use “Beijing Subway” app. | ✅ Official app has EN |
| Shanghai | Lines 2 & 10 cover most tourist spots. Download “MetroMan” app. | ✅ MetroMan has EN |
| Chengdu | Use Amap — shows which carriage to board for fastest exit. | ✅ Amap has EN |
| Chongqing | It’s 3D — use Amap’s AR mode to find entrances on different elevations. | ✅ Amap AR works in EN |
| Shenzhen | Scan QR code at station for real-time updates. | ✅ “Shenzhen Metro” app EN |
🚠 Bonus: In Chongqing, ride the Yangtze Cable Car — book via Amap to skip lines.
🚲 Chapter 5: Bikes, Buses, Ferries & More
🚲 Bike-Sharing (HelloBike, Meituan Bike, Didi Bike)
- Download app → Scan QR code on bike → Ride → Park anywhere
- Cost: ¥1.5–3 per 30 mins
- Tip: Use Amap to find nearest bike + see pricing
🚌 City Buses
- Use Amap → Transit mode → it shows bus number, stop, and real-time arrival
- Pay with Alipay/WeChat Pay (scan QR on bus) or cash (exact change)
⛴️ Ferries & Scenic Transport
- Guilin Li River Cruise — book via Trip.com
- Yangtze River Ferry (Chongqing/Wuhan) — buy at dock or via Ctrip
- Huangshan Cable Car — buy on-site or via Meituan app
💡 Chapter 6: Pro Tips & Scams to Avoid
✅ Do This:
- Download offline maps in Amap before traveling
- Save your hotel address in Chinese characters (ask front desk)
- Use “Near Me” filters in Amap/Dianping for emergencies (ATM, pharmacy, toilet)
- Always check exit number when taking subway — saves 15 mins walking
🚫 Avoid This:
- “Private taxis” at train stations — use official queue or Didi
- “Free tour” scams — they take you to overpriced shops
- Not checking metro last train time — some lines stop at 10:30pm!
📥 Free Download: China Transport Checklist (PDF)
📥 Download our free printable checklist:
✅ Apps to install before landing
✅ Essential phrases (with audio)
✅ Transport budget calculator
✅ Emergency contacts by city
👉 Download Your Free China Transport Checklist (2025)
(Subscribe to our newsletter for instant access)
📺 Watch: How to Navigate Beijing Subway in English (Video)
[▶️ Embed YouTube video here — even a 2-min screen recording helps!]
🔗 Explore More Essential Guides on GotoChina.Guide:
- 📱 Top 10 Apps Every Foreigner Needs in China (2025)
- 🍜 How to Eat in China Without Speaking Chinese
- 💰 Alipay vs WeChat Pay: Foreigner’s Guide 2025
- 🏙️ Living in Shanghai: Expat Survival Guide
💬 Got Questions? Ask Us!
Stuck at a train station? Can’t find a Didi? Leave a comment below — we answer within 24 hours. Or email: hello@gotochina.guide
