Transportation

Transportation of China

Transportation is of particular importance in China, as it covers such vast territory and is home to such a large population. In 1876, the first railway was built in China, and in 1906 the first highway was constructed. In 1929, the government began work on civil aviation. The following decades saw tremendous developments within the transportation industry.
 See more about China Railway

Passengers board the airplane
Passengers board the airplane
Multiple Unit Train
Multiple Unit Train

By the end of 2012, the total length of highway in China reached 2,633,060 miles (4,237,500 kilometers). In 2013, the number of passengers transported by rail reached 2 billions. As the transportation industry continues to expand in both quality and scale, it significantly contributes to the advancement of society as well as the national economy. 

China currently has a comprehensive system of modern transportation, which includes civil aviation, railway, road traffic, and water transportation. As transportation in the country becomes more accessible and more reliable, it is also becoming more technologically advanced. Modern modes of transportation such as express highways, electrified railroads, metros, light railways, and maglev railways are becoming increasingly common, especially in larger cities.
 

Public Bus, China
Public Bus in China

At the same time, because of the country's large population, sometimes the current numbers of vehicles cannot meet every person's needs. Especially during the public holidays, most people choose to travel. Some of them take excursions, whilst other people go to their hometown to see their families. During peak holiday times the transportation system may be stretched too the limit. Additionally, as many shopping malls or shops often provide discounted goods at festivals and many people prefer to go shopping at that time. As a result, streets as well as many vehicles become very crowded. As a visitor, you'd better avoid going to China during Chinese festivals like the Chinese New Year and National Day. Additionally, as the country's urban population is getting larger and larger, some big cities are facing very severe transportation stress.

Tip: If you would like more information about your destination city, you can visit our website's Destinations column. In it, you can find the very practical transportation tips and many other aspects of visit, including dining, shopping, nightlife and so on.

Further Reading:

- Last updated on Apr. 14, 2021 -
Questions & Answers on Transportation of China
Asked by Felix from GERMANY | May. 24, 2019 21:12Reply
Guilin to Zhangjiajie on a low budget
We are trying to spend as little money as possible for transportation on our 30-day trip through China and so far this site has been an amazing source of information. Huge thanks to all contributors!

We are looking for a way to get from Guilin to the Zhangjiajie area and trying to avoid flights. As for the train connection, the best way we found is transferring trains in Changsha, with sleeper trains available on both segments of the route. Unfortunately this option is also really time-consuming...

Does anybody know a more direct way, long-distance buses maybe?

Thanks in advance =)
Answers (1)
Answered by Ollie from DENMARK | May. 27, 2019 20:46
00Reply


Well, it is suggested to take a train from Guilin to Changsha first. And then transfer to the train to the destination. The transportation you mentioned is recommended.
Asked by Richard from UNITED KINGDOM | Nov. 09, 2018 11:10Reply
From Shanghai Pudong Airport to Parkview hotel pudong, what is the taxi cost?
And can you pay in dollars?
Answers (1)
Answered by Ben from NETHERLANDS | Nov. 11, 2018 18:57
00Reply


Hi, the taxi fare is around CNY150 in the day time and generally, the taxi driver don't accept dollars. Maybe you need to prepare some RMB cash in advance.
Asked by MIANO | Mar. 03, 2018 22:05Reply
I would like to visit for 3 Days Zhangjiajie after I finish trip in Shanghai.
What is the best and fastest route?
Can I fly out internationally from Zhangjiajie?
Answers (1)
Answered by Thomas from UNITED KINGDOM | Mar. 04, 2018 21:16
10Reply


You are advised to take a plane from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Zhangjiajie Airport first. It takes around 3 hours on the way. Upon landing, you can just take a taxi to the scenic area directly. In addition, there is no international flight from Zhangjiajie Airport nowadays.
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