China (CN)

China is one of the world's largest economies and most important expat destinations, combining global business hubs such as Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hangzhou with deep history, fast infrastructure, and a highly digital daily-life ecosystem.

Capital: Beijing

Region: Asia

Language: Mandarin Chinese

Currency: CNY (RMB)

Cost of living: Affordable (index 50)

Emergency: 110

Getting Around

Transport options for living in China.

Public Transport Overview

Chinese megacities have extensive metro, bus, taxi, ride-hailing, bike-share, and high-speed rail systems. Metro systems in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Wuhan, and Chongqing are efficient and inexpensive.

Main operators:

China Railway / 12306Beijing SubwayShanghai MetroShenzhen MetroGuangzhou MetroDidi ChuxingGaode MapsBaidu MapsMeituan BikeHello Bike

🎫 Transit Passes

City transport card RMB 20 deposit plus stored value

Metro and buses in many cities

💡 Examples: Beijing Yikatong, Shanghai Public Transportation Card. Many cities now prefer QR-code payment inside Alipay or WeChat.

Metro QR code Pay per ride, usually RMB 2-10

City metro and bus systems

💡 Activate the local metro card in Alipay or WeChat. A Chinese phone number and real-name verification may be required.

China Railway 12306 account Free account; tickets priced by route

National high-speed and conventional trains

💡 Real-name verification with passport is required. Book early around holidays.

Taxi & Rideshare

Taxis are metered and affordable by global-city standards, but drivers may not speak English. Show the destination in Chinese characters. Receipts are called fapiao and are needed for reimbursement.

Rideshare (Long-distance)

Didi is the dominant ride-hailing platform. It can be used inside its own app, WeChat, or Alipay. International cards work in some cases, but a Chinese payment method is more reliable.

Cycling

Bike-share is everywhere in major cities. Cycling infrastructure varies from excellent separated lanes to chaotic mixed traffic. Helmets are uncommon but recommended.

Intercity Trains

China has the world's largest high-speed rail network. Passport is required for ticket purchase and boarding. Arrive early for station security and real-name checks.

Driving

Foreign driving licences and International Driving Permits are not valid for ordinary driving in mainland China. Residents need a Chinese driving licence or temporary driving permit for short-term visitors. Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h national highways, 120 km/h expressways (minimum 60 km/h on expressways).

Airports

Major international airports include Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing, Shanghai Pudong, Shanghai Hongqiao, Guangzhou Baiyun, Shenzhen Bao'an, Chengdu Tianfu, Hangzhou Xiaoshan, and Xi'an Xianyang. Airport metros and high-speed links are common in major cities.