Book High-Speed Trains
China's high-speed rail network is the world's largest. Book on the official 12306 platform — it's the only place with the full inventory and no service fees. You'll need a passport for verification.
Quick Tips
- Your passport IS your ticket — no paper ticket needed. Bring the original passport you booked with.
- Arrive 40 minutes early. Security screening + finding the right waiting hall takes time.
- Station names matter: Beijing has Beijing, Beijing West, Beijing South — check which one.
- 12306 requires real-name verification. Foreign passports work but allow extra time for the first booking.
Metro Maps
The metro is the fastest way around major cities. Use a transit QR code in Alipay or WeChat — ticket machines can be slow. Save your destination in Chinese characters and match the shapes.
Drag to move · Scroll or pinch to zoom · Double-tap to zoom in
⚠️ Not Recommended: Street Taxis
Taxis are expensive compared to metro/Didi, and some drivers overcharge foreigners or take longer routes. We strongly recommend using Didi (China's Uber) instead — fixed pricing, no haggling, English interface available.
Ride with Didi
Didi is China's dominant ride-hailing app. The international version has English support and accepts foreign cards.
"Take Me There" Card
Show this card to any driver. Type your destination in Chinese, or upload a photo and we'll read the address for you.
Useful Phrases
Easy pronunciation follows the selected language and is only an approximation. Use the speaker button to hear Mandarin.
请带我去这个地址。
Qǐng dài wǒ qù zhège dìzhǐ.
Please take me to this address.
打表，谢谢。
Dǎ biǎo, xièxie.
Please use the meter, thanks.
停在这里就可以了。
Tíng zài zhèlǐ jiù kěyǐ le.
You can stop here.
多少钱？
Duōshao qián?
How much?