Transportation

Once you arrive in China and start traveling between cities, the first thing you need to know about is Trip.com. This is your go-to platform for booking hotels, purchasing high-speed train tickets, and booking flights. You can also reserve tickets for many attractions through this app. The interface supports multiple languages, making it user-friendly for international travelers.

Our self-guided tour includes navigation instructions. If you need to visit places outside of our tour, you can use the Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode Maps) apps, both of which have English versions. If your phone's language setting is English, these apps will default to English. If they do not automatically display in English, you can go to Settings > Language to switch to English.

For getting around within Chinese cities, Didi is the best choice for ride-hailing, while the subway is a smart option to avoid traffic jams. Buses and shared bikes are also viable options to reach your destination. In major cities, it is advisable to take the subway during rush hours (7:30-9:30 AM / 5:00-7:30 PM) as traffic congestion can make taking a taxi very slow. Regardless of the transportation method you choose, there are some details you need to be aware of. Let's go through them one by one.

A. Ride-Hailing with Didi

Didi is the best option for hailing a taxi within China. It supports international credit cards, making it very convenient, and you can easily find a ride in most locations. The English version of Didi can be accessed through the Transport page on the Alipay homepage.

We hope this information helps you navigate your travels smoothly and enjoy your time in China!

Typically, the "pick up at" location will default to your current position. If you are hailing a ride from your current location, you only need to enter your destination in the "where are you going" field. If you need to call a ride from a different location, you should enter that location in the "pick up at" field before confirming your ride.

You might encounter the following issues while using Didi:

1. Why can't Didi find the place I want to go?

The root of this issue is that the same location might have different names on different maps and on Didi. For example, many locations on Apple Maps have different names compared to Didi. Therefore, in our provided tour, we include the destination addresses in Chinese for reference. If you cannot find the specific address using English, you can click the copy button next to the Chinese name, then paste it into the Didi app to easily reach your destination.

2. Why can't I change my destination midway?

If you think you might need to change your destination during the ride, do not choose the first type of vehicle option.

3. What should I do if the driver calls me but I don't understand what they're saying?

Some drivers may call to confirm your location to pick you up more quickly, but they often do not speak English. Here are two suggestions for handling this situation:

1) If you prefer not to receive calls, you can choose "message" after a driver accepts your ride. Then select the first and fourth pre-set messages in the app.

2) If the driver has already called you, you can say: "按GPS接我" (an dao hang jie wo), which means "Pick me up according to the GPS." Then, remember the color and license plate number of the service vehicle. When you see the vehicle approaching, raise your phone above your head to signal the driver.

4. Airport/Train Station Pickup Points:

There are designated ride-hailing pickup points at airports and train stations. Follow the signs to reach these areas.

5. Avoid Unofficial Rides:

If a car stops to offer you a ride but it is not a taxi or a car you booked through Didi, there is a risk that the driver may not use the meter and may charge you a high fare. It is recommended to use Didi to ensure your safety.

B. Traveling by Metro:

You can find the "Metro" option on the Alipay homepage under "Transport." Follow the steps to register, and you will receive a QR code for your rides. Each time you take the metro, simply scan this code at the gate, and there is no need to buy a ticket from the machine.

If you want to check metro lines, you can download the "MetroMan" app from the App Store or Google Play. This app supports 44 cities and 11 languages. Simply select your departure station, arrival station, and travel time to get multiple transfer options. The app provides detailed information including routes, travel times, ticket prices, and distances.

C. Shared Bikes - Hellobike:

To use shared bikes, such as Hellobike, go to the "Transportation" section in the Alipay app and find "Bike."

Please note that the shared bikes supported by Alipay are blue.

You can also unlock other colored bikes by scanning the QR code with WeChat. WeChat's real-time translation feature can assist you in using these services.

D. Walking:

Walking is suitable for most transportation scenarios within 1-2 kilometers and for navigating complex terrains. However, there is a possibility of getting lost. In some cases, such as in Chongqing, which is known for its multi-level maze-like terrain, navigation apps may not always provide accurate path information.

To address this, our self-guided tour includes a "photo navigation feature," which uses pictures to guide you along your route, making it easier for you to visually identify your path. If the pictures do not match the current reality due to seasonal changes or municipal works, you can ask for help from locals. Show them the Chinese address provided in the tour, and use our app's built-in AI translation feature. This way, you can overcome almost any obstacle and reach your destination safely and quickly.