China Transportation Guide
China Transportation Guide: Transportation network is vast, featuring high-speed trains, modern subways, and efficient buses, connecting cities seamlessly with precision.
China Transportation Guide – International Airports
China has many international airports, as it is a major transportation hub in Asia. Some of the busiest and most important international airports in China include:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): Located in the northeast of Beijing, PEK is the busiest airport in China and the second busiest in the world. It serves as the main hub for Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern Airlines.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Located in the east of Shanghai, PVG is the second busiest airport in China and the ninth busiest in the world. It serves as the main hub for China Eastern Airlines and Shanghai Airlines.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): Located in the south of Guangzhou, CAN is the third busiest airport in China and the 13th busiest in the world. It serves as the main hub for China Southern Airlines.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): Located in the southwest of Chengdu, CTU is the fourth busiest airport in China and an important gateway to western China.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Located in the south of Shenzhen, SZX is an important hub for both domestic and international flights, serving as the main hub for Shenzhen Airlines.
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): Located in the northwest of Xi’an, XIY is an important gateway to central and western China.
Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH): Located in the east of Hangzhou, HGH is an important hub for domestic and international flights, serving as the main hub for China Eastern Airlines’ subsidiary, Shanghai Airlines.
National Airports
In addition to its many international airports, China also has numerous domestic airports serving cities and regions throughout the country. Some of the busiest and most important national airports in China include:
Beijing Nanyuan Airport (NAY): Located in the south of Beijing, NAY is a major hub for China United Airlines, which operates primarily domestic flights.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Located in the west of Shanghai, SHA serves as a secondary airport to PVG, primarily handling domestic flights.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): As mentioned earlier, CAN is primarily an international airport, but it also handles many domestic flights to cities throughout China.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): In addition to its international flights, CTU also serves as a major hub for domestic flights throughout western China.
Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX): Like Guangzhou, SZX is primarily an international airport, but it also handles many domestic flights to cities throughout China.
Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY): In addition to its international flights, XIY also serves as a major hub for domestic flights throughout central and western China.
Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG): Located in the southwest of Kunming, KMG is an important hub for both domestic and international flights, serving as a gateway to Yunnan Province and other parts of southwestern China.
China Transportation Guide – Trains
China has an extensive network of trains that connect cities and regions throughout the country. There are several types of trains in China, including high-speed trains, express trains, and ordinary trains. Some of the most important trains in China include:
High-Speed Trains: Also known as “bullet trains,” high-speed trains in China are some of the fastest in the world, with speeds reaching up to 350 km/h. The major high-speed train routes in China include the Beijing-Shanghai, Beijing-Guangzhou, and Shanghai-Kunming routes.
Express Trains: Express trains in China are slightly slower than high-speed trains but still offer fast and efficient travel between cities. They are also more affordable than high-speed trains. Some of the major express train routes in China include the Beijing-Hong Kong, Chengdu-Chongqing, and Shanghai-Hangzhou routes.
Ordinary Trains: Ordinary trains in China are slower and less comfortable than high-speed and express trains, but they are also the most affordable option. They are a good choice for travelers on a budget who are not in a hurry to reach their destination. Ordinary trains serve many cities and towns throughout China, including some remote areas.
China Transportation Guide – Buses
China has a vast and well-developed bus system that connects cities and towns throughout the country. Buses in China can be divided into two main categories: intercity buses and city buses.
Intercity buses are a popular option for long-distance travel in China, particularly in areas where trains are not available or convenient. They are generally affordable and comfortable, with options ranging from standard coaches to luxury buses. Some intercity buses even offer sleeper cabins for overnight journeys.
City buses, on the other hand, are used for transportation within cities and towns. They are generally less comfortable and more crowded than intercity buses, but they are also much cheaper. Most cities in China have a well-developed bus system, with routes covering almost every corner of the city.
In addition to intercity and city buses, there are also long-distance coaches that connect major cities and tourist destinations throughout China. These coaches are generally more comfortable than standard intercity buses and offer amenities such as air conditioning and onboard restrooms.
Links of interest
Airlines:
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN)
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU)
Trains:
China Railway Corporation
China Railway High-speed (CRH)
Travel China Guide – Train Guide
Buses:
China Travel Guide – Buses
China Bus Guide
Ride-Sharing
Didi Chuxing
Uber China News
China Briefing – Ride-Sharing Guide
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China Transportation Guide – SIM Cards
For travelers in China:
Purchase a SIM card: Buy from major carriers like China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom for coverage.
ID Requirement: Prepare your passport; registration is mandatory for foreigners purchasing a SIM card.
Data Plans: Choose a data plan suiting your needs; options include data-only or combo plans for calls and texts.
Unlock Phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked before arriving in China to use a local SIM card.
Top-Up Options: Recharge your balance easily at convenience stores, carrier shops, or online platforms.
WeChat Pay: Link your SIM card to WeChat for seamless mobile payments and added convenience.
Internet Restrictions: Consider using a VPN for unrestricted internet access due to China’s online censorship.
Roaming Alternatives: Check if your home carrier offers affordable roaming plans; roaming in China can be expensive.
Network Coverage: Choose a carrier with good coverage, especially if you plan to explore rural or remote areas.
Language Barrier: Prepare key phrases or use translation apps for smoother interactions during SIM card setup.
Expiration Date: Be aware of the validity period; some SIM cards expire if not used or recharged within a timeframe.
Emergency Calls: Know the local emergency numbers and have basic Chinese phrases for emergency situations.
Dual SIM Phones: If possible, use a dual SIM phone to keep your home number active while using a local SIM.
Carrier Apps: Download carrier apps for easier management of your account, balance, and data usage.
Alternative Options: Consider international SIM cards or portable Wi-Fi devices for flexibility in connectivity.
Data Monitoring: Keep track of your data usage to avoid unexpected charges; carrier apps often provide this information.
