Getting Around China: Maps, DiDi & Trains
Google Maps and Uber do not work here. Learn which map app to install, how to call a car, and how to book trains and metros in English.
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All maps & transport guides
- High Speed Train Beijing to Xi'an: Times and Fares (2026)The high speed train from Beijing to Xi'an takes about 4h 10m from Beijing West to Xi'an North. Stations, fares, tickets, train vs flight and tips.
- How to Buy Train Tickets in China as a Foreigner (2026)Buy China train tickets with your passport on Trip.com, 12306 or at the station. Compare fees, payment and steps for each, plus seat classes and timing.
- Hong Kong to Shenzhen: Train, MTR, Bus and Visa RulesHong Kong to Shenzhen takes about 14 minutes by high-speed rail from West Kowloon, or around an hour by MTR to Lo Wu. Compare routes, fares and visa rules.
- Shanghai to Beijing Train: Times, Fares, Tickets (2026)The Shanghai to Beijing train takes about 4h 18m on the fastest G-train, from Hongqiao to Beijing South. Fares, classes, which train to pick, train vs flight.
- Shanghai to Zhangjiajie: Train vs Flight, Times and FaresShanghai to Zhangjiajie takes 7h15m by direct train (about ¥750 to ¥790 second class) or about 2h15m by plane. Beijing is 10.5h by train.
- Does Apple Maps Work in China? Yes, Without a VPNApple Maps works in mainland China without a VPN and uses Amap data. See accuracy, transit, English limits and when to add AMap Global or Baidu Maps.
- Baidu Maps in English: Does It Work and How to Use ItBaidu Maps has an official English map, but it is partial and started in Beijing. See what turns English, what stays Chinese, and the paste-Chinese fix.
- Does Uber Work in China? No, Use DiDi (2026 Guide)Uber does not run in mainland China; it sold the business to DiDi in 2016. See what to use instead, what works in Hong Kong, and how to get a ride in English.
- Does Baidu Maps Work Outside China? What to ExpectBaidu Maps opens abroad and lets you plan China trips, but coverage outside China is limited. See what works, what does not, and what to use instead.
- Amap vs Baidu Maps: Which Should Foreigners Use?Amap (AMap Global) is the better pick for English users; Baidu is a strong Chinese-language backup. Compare English support, transit, offline maps and rides.
- How to Change Baidu Maps to English (What Works in 2026)Baidu Maps has a partial official English map, but the language switch is not the same in every version. Here are the steps to try and the fixes that work.
- Why Is Google Maps Bad in China? The Real ReasonsGoogle Maps is blocked and uses the wrong coordinate system for China, so pins drift and data is thin. Learn why, and which maps to use instead.
- 12306 App in English: Book China Train Tickets (2026)The 12306 app is Chinese-only, but foreigners can still use it. Step-by-step guide to register, verify your passport, book tickets, and board trains.
- Beijing Subway Guide 2026 - Maps, Tickets, Tips for ForeignersComplete English guide to Beijing metro. How to buy tickets, use apps, navigate lines, and reach major attractions. Updated 2026 with new lines.
- Robotaxi in China for Tourists (2026): Reality CheckChina has the world's largest robotaxi fleet, but most foreign tourists can't ride one. Honest 2026 guide to Apollo Go, Pony.ai, and WeRide.
- International Driving Permit China: 2026 Legal RequirementsCan you drive in China with an International Driving Permit? No. How foreigners can legally drive: the temporary permit, how to apply, what to carry.
- Shanghai Airport to City Center: Options 2026 (PVG & SHA)How to get from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) airports to city center. Maglev, metro, taxi, and bus options with prices and times.
- Buy China Train Tickets Without Chinese Phone Number (2026)How to buy high-speed train tickets in China without a Chinese phone number: Trip.com alternatives, station ticket windows, and 12306 workarounds.
- WeChat Location Sharing in China (2026): Tencent Maps Guide2026 guide to WeChat location sharing in China: how Tencent Maps pins work, opening shared locations in Baidu, Amap, or Apple Maps, and live location tips.
- How to Use Shared Bikes in China: Foreigner's Guide (2026)Guide to renting Hellobike, Meituan Bike, and Didi Bike in China as a foreigner: passport registration, foreign card payment, pricing, and tips.
- DiDi Airport & Train Station Pickup in China (2026)DiDi Chuxing airport pickup guide for China 2026: step-by-step pickup points, driver communication, and avoiding cancellations at airports and stations.
- Trip.com Train Seat Selection (2026): Window vs Aisle2026 guide to picking train seats via Trip.com: what A/F/C/D mean, best seats by class, sitting together, and what to do if selection is unavailable.
- Best Metro Apps for China: Navigate Any City's Subway (2026)Guide to the best metro and subway apps for traveling in China. MetroMan, city-specific apps, and tips for navigating Chinese public transit.
- Can Foreigners Rent a Car in China? (2026 Guide)The short answer: it's complicated. Here's what you need to know about driving and renting cars in China as a foreign tourist.