Transport
Getting around China: book high-speed trains and flights, ride metros and taxis, use Didi, and navigate stations with confidence.
Transport4 min read2026-09-06Which 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Maps has two problems in China — the service is not directly reachable and its point-of-interest data is sparse and outdated — plus the little-known GCJ-02 coordinate offset.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.
Transport4 min read2026-09-06China 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. This guide compares four ways to ride: the single-journey ticket, Alipay's transit QR code, official city apps, and the nationwide China T-union transit card.
Transport4 min read2026-09-06Taking a Ride in China: The Complete Guide to DiDi's International App, AMAP Global English Ride-Hailing, and Street TaxisChina's ride-hailing ecosystem has become remarkably friendly to arriving travelers: DiDi's international app supports passport registration, an English interface, and international credit cards, while AMAP Global lets you book a ride in English. This guide covers sign-up, booking, payment, communicating with your driver, and the rules for traditional taxis.
Transport6 min read2026-09-06Booking High-Speed Trains on 12306 with a Foreign PassportRegister a 12306 account with a passport, pass the online verification, book bullet-train tickets, and board using only your passport — no ticket collection needed.
Transport4 min read2026-09-06Shared Bikes in China: The Complete Scan-to-Ride Guide (Hello/Meituan/Qingju, Post-2026 Price Adjustment)The shared bikes lined up along Chinese sidewalks are just a scan away, but the three major platforms treat passport holders very differently: Hello can be ridden directly inside Alipay, while Meituan requires manual passport verification. Since July 2026, prices have been adjusted to start at about 1.99元 per 60 minutes.