Metro
The metro system is extremely easy and cheap. A metro ticket costs 2rmb per ride and you can use the same ticket until leave the system.
I would highly recommend downloading a Beijing metro map to your smartphone – it makes it so much easier to follow the map. I am using China Subway by Pekall, which also allows you to calculate the distances between the metro stops. The metro card comes only in Chinese but you are able to change it into English from the settings. Also remember to download the offline exit maps to the metro card.
I would highly recommend downloading a Beijing metro map to your smartphone – it makes it so much easier to follow the map. I am using China Subway by Pekall, which also allows you to calculate the distances between the metro stops. The metro card comes only in Chinese but you are able to change it into English from the settings. Also remember to download the offline exit maps to the metro card.
Taxi
Sitting in a taxi costs 10rmb (11rmb at night) and the first couple of kilometers are included in the price. After you exceed the kilometers included you need to pay extra 3rmb for the gas (this won't be included in the price the taximeter shows). Just make sure you do not sit in a black taxi.
NB! If the taxi driver does not want to take you to your destination or does not want to use the taximeter, then there is a trick we use. There is a operators phone number on the armature and the taxi driver would not want you to call them complaining…Normally it is enough if you start looking for the number holding your phone in the hand ;)
NB! If the taxi driver does not want to take you to your destination or does not want to use the taximeter, then there is a trick we use. There is a operators phone number on the armature and the taxi driver would not want you to call them complaining…Normally it is enough if you start looking for the number holding your phone in the hand ;)
Domestic flights
Flights inside of China are not very cheap but you can find good deals when booking last minute or during a campaign.
The best site to book flight is this on: http://english.ctrip.com/ Be aware of the taxis which will be add to the price shown at first place.
The best site to book flight is this on: http://english.ctrip.com/ Be aware of the taxis which will be add to the price shown at first place.
Trains
Train tickets are cheaper than the flights but can still cost depending on your travel destination. If you are taking a longer journey (11hours and so) I would advise you to take a night train with hard or soft sleeper (bed). Trains leave the station in the evening and arrive in the destination in the morning (Beijing ->Xi’an).
There are four different kinds of train tickets:
Soft seat and hard seat– soft seat should be more comfortable than the hard seat. Soft one is a bit more expensive as well.
Hard bed – you will be sleeping in the same coupe with tens of other people. Beds: triple bunk beds
Soft sleeper – you will share the coupe with 3 other people. Bed: double bunk beds.
From Beijing to Shanghai there is a fast train, which takes 5 hours and costs 550 rmb.
There are many sites, which display the average train ticket prices but with Google chrome and automatic translation you can also check the actual prices here: http://train.qunar.com/ Trains come on sales 10 days before the travel date.
Easiest to book the train ticket is to use the help of the hotel or hostel you are staying at. They take a small commission fee but it saves lots of time, energy and nerves. An alternative would be to go to the train ticket office but make sure you have your passport with you.
There are four different kinds of train tickets:
Soft seat and hard seat– soft seat should be more comfortable than the hard seat. Soft one is a bit more expensive as well.
Hard bed – you will be sleeping in the same coupe with tens of other people. Beds: triple bunk beds
Soft sleeper – you will share the coupe with 3 other people. Bed: double bunk beds.
From Beijing to Shanghai there is a fast train, which takes 5 hours and costs 550 rmb.
There are many sites, which display the average train ticket prices but with Google chrome and automatic translation you can also check the actual prices here: http://train.qunar.com/ Trains come on sales 10 days before the travel date.
Easiest to book the train ticket is to use the help of the hotel or hostel you are staying at. They take a small commission fee but it saves lots of time, energy and nerves. An alternative would be to go to the train ticket office but make sure you have your passport with you.