Getting Around China: High-Speed Rail, Flights and Private Cars

China has more high-speed rail than the rest of the world combined, and for journeys between 300 and 1,200 kilometers it beats flying once you count airport transfers. Knowing a few details makes the difference between a smooth day and a stressful one.

High-speed rail

Trains are graded G (fastest), D (fast, often overnight routes) and C (intercity). Seat classes, in ascending order, are Second Class, First Class, Premium Class and Business Class.

• Beijing to Xi'an: about 4.5 hours, roughly 1,200 km.
• Xi'an to Chengdu: about 4 hours.
• Shanghai to Beijing: about 4.5 hours.
• Guilin to Guangzhou: about 2.5 hours.

Practical points. You need your passport to board — it is your ticket. Large stations in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou are the size of airports and have separate north and south entrances, so check which one your train uses. Allow 40 minutes before departure. Luggage racks are limited; heavy suitcases are best placed at the end of the carriage.

Domestic flights

Flying makes sense for long hops: Beijing to Guilin, Chengdu to Shanghai, or anything over 1,400 km. Chinese domestic airlines are modern and punctual by international standards, but delays happen in summer thunderstorms and winter fog.

Allow a full three hours for connections, and never book a tight same-day domestic-to-international connection.

Private cars and guides

For city sightseeing, a private vehicle and driver is the difference between a good day and a wasted one. Chinese cities are large, taxi drivers rarely speak English, and the metro is excellent but hard to navigate with luggage in August.

Every itinerary we publish includes a private vehicle, a driver and an English-speaking guide as standard.

Apps worth having

Amap or Baidu Maps for navigation, Didi for taxis where you prefer not to use the metro, and your rail tickets pre-purchased by us so you simply walk in with your passport.