PandaTrip

Transport

Getting around China: book high-speed trains and flights, ride metros and taxis, use Didi, and navigate stations with confidence.

Which Maps App Should You Use in China? The Truth About Google Maps Breaking Down and the “Coordinate Offset”Transport4 min read2026-10-18Which Maps App Should You Use in China? The Truth About Google Maps Breaking Down and the “Coordinate Offset”Google Maps has two problems in China — the service is not directly reachable and its point-of-interest data is sparse and outdated — plus the little-known GCJ-02 coordinate offset. Usable alternatives include the PandaTrip built-in map, the English-language AMAP Global, Apple Maps, and offline map strategies.Shared Bikes in China: The Complete Scan-to-Ride Guide (Hello/Meituan/Qingju, Post-2026 Price Adjustment)Transport5 min read2026-10-18Shared Bikes in China: The Complete Scan-to-Ride Guide (Hello/Meituan/Qingju, Post-2026 Price Adjustment)The shared bikes by the roadside are scan-and-ride, and they work with a passport too: Hello can be scanned and ridden directly inside Alipay, while Meituan requires submitting your passport for manual review in its mini-program. After the 2026 price adjustment, the starting fare in Beijing and other cities is 1.88—1.99 yuan including 60 minutes.China Metro Guide: Single-Journey Tickets, Transit QR Codes, City Apps, and the China T-union CardTransport4 min read2026-10-18China Metro Guide: Single-Journey Tickets, Transit QR Codes, City Apps, and the China T-union CardMore than 50 Chinese cities have urban rail transit, with fares starting at just 2 yuan and bilingual Chinese-English signage—incredibly friendly for inbound travelers. To get through the gates, choose from four options: Alipay/WeChat transit QR codes, single-journey tickets from vending machines, official city apps, and the nationwide China T-union transit card.Taking a Ride in China: The Complete Guide to DiDi's International App, AMAP Global English Ride-Hailing, and Street TaxisTransport4 min read2026-10-18Taking a Ride in China: The Complete Guide to DiDi's International App, AMAP Global English Ride-Hailing, and Street TaxisEven with a passport and no Chinese, getting a ride in China is straightforward: DiDi's international app supports passport registration, an English interface, and international credit cards, and AMAP Global books rides in English; street taxis run the meter and most accept QR-code payment.Booking High-Speed Trains on 12306 with a Foreign PassportTransport6 min read2026-10-18Booking High-Speed Trains on 12306 with a Foreign PassportChina's high-speed rail tickets are sold through the official 12306 platform, which accepts foreign passports for registration and booking. Online identity verification usually completes within hours; once verified, no paper ticket is needed — just scan your passport to enter the station. Tickets generally go on sale 15 days ahead, and for popular routes you should book the moment they release.