Getting Around China: A Tourist's Guide to Trains, Metro & Taxis
Learn how to get around China as a tourist. Use DiDi and regular taxis, ride the metro with QR codes, book high-speed trains, and travel from the airport to your hotel.
China's transport is fast and cheap once you know the apps. Most visitors get around with DiDi and taxis, the metro's QR-code entry, and high-speed trains — here is how each one works.
How to Use DiDi and Taxis in China
For most foreign visitors, DiDi is the easiest way to book a car in China — you tap in your destination and a driver comes to you, with no need to negotiate where you are going or what it costs in Chinese. You can also use official street taxis, which you will find at airports, railway stations and marked taxi ranks.
How to Book a DiDi Ride
- Set up your payment method. Prepare Alipay or WeChat Pay before your trip, or check which payment methods your DiDi app supports.
- Enter your destination. Use the address in Chinese when you can — especially for hotels and attractions that share similar names.
- Check your pickup point. Large stations and airports often have a designated ride-hailing pickup area; the app will name it for you.
- Confirm your car. Check the vehicle details and licence plate in the app before you get in.
- Keep your destination handy. Save the Chinese address so you can show it to the driver if needed.
Can Foreign Tourists Use DiDi?
Many visitors can use DiDi through its international app or supported mini-programs. Available features, account verification and payment options can vary, so set up your account before you travel.
Is DiDi Better Than a Regular Taxi?
DiDi lets you enter your destination in the app and review the estimated fare before you book, which removes most of the language pressure. Regular taxis are still useful, particularly at official airport and station taxi ranks — use the meter, confirm where you are going, and avoid unsolicited ride offers in the terminal.
How to Get from the Airport to Your Hotel
Compare the metro or airport express, an official taxi, and a ride-hailing app. Public transport is usually the cheapest, while a car is more convenient with luggage or a late arrival. Save your hotel's full Chinese address and confirm the correct branch before you leave the airport — see hotels in China and maps in China for the details.
You do not need to install DiDi just for China. Alipay and WeChat Pay both have a ride-hailing button, and AMap does too if you use it for maps. Pick the one you already use.