Getting Around China

Getting around China can be expensive if you rely on cabs. They seem to hike up the price for tourists most of the time. We tried to get a cheaper option by taking the motorized rig but once at our destination they more than doubled the price and little did we know we were not even at our destination! Beware of these guys! they will promise but not deliver! Maybe calling a taxi from the hotel woudl be a safer bet...

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The best option to reach Dongguan (and other locations) from Hong Kong airport - and vice-versa - is through a "Limousine Service" aboard 8-seater minvans. Tickets for the Trans-Island Limousine service company can be bought at the C02 counter in HKG airport terminal for the price of about 210-240 HK$ one way. Service is provided directly to major hotels. Travel time is about 3-4 hours including the HK-China border crossing via bridge into Shenzhen where long lines can be expected at the inspection booths.

When you fly to China, you will likely either arrive in Beijing, Shanghai, or Hong Kong. Airlines from the United States, at least, only serve these cities. To my knowledge, there are direct flights from Chicago, San Francisco, and Newark on United Airlines. American Airlines also has direct flights from Chicago as well as Los Angeles. Delta Airlines has direct flights from Detroit and Atlanta. Otherwise, you would probably have a layover in Tokyo. Check out the web site below or any travel booking site for the most recent information.

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Beijing Metro was officially opened to the public in 1969. It is the busiest subway system in China and the second longest after Shanghai Metro. Beijing Metro has approximately 200 kilometrs of subway tracks. There are a total of eight lines today.

Beijing Metro is undergoing rapid expansion to meet the needs of the local population as well as the increasing number of foreign tourists especially after the successful hosting of the 29th Beijing Olympiad by China. Beijing Metro attracts approximately three million passengers per day.

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For long distances (more than 8 hrs.) I only use nighttrains in China. Convenient and cheap too. Also don't need a hotel for that night. Four person cabin is more private, but sleeping without cabin gives more opportunity to meet locals. Washing (no privacy) and toilet is very basic.
Used the HS line from Beijing to Shanghai 2 weeks ago. Only 8 hours with one stop in Nanjing. Much better and cheaper than a (first class) plane. Lots of (leg)space (also in 2nd class) and decent spacious toilet.
First Class 935Rmb/p.p. Cheaper possible by using a train that stops at more stations but of course will take more time.

I've used C-trip before while living/working in China. I never had any issues with them. However, you cannot book tickets earlier than 4~5 weeks. Prices quoted prior to that are a forecast.

Please note that depending on the airline that operates the final flight, paper tickets may be required. If so, you must be able to either supply a delivery address in China or make arrangements for ticket pick-up at the airport.
[For example, I was working ~50km outside of Qingdao and they would not deliver there, but tickets were waiting for me at the airport on the day of my flight]

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You can book China domestic flight eTickets at http://www.elong.net/
and http://www.ctrip.com
and http://www.yoee.com

Some flights are discounted. Sometimes 50% or more! In China, the flights are discounted closer to the date of departure.

May 2007 I flew from Xi'an to Shanghai. I got 50% discount off the base and had to pay an additional 130 rmb tax and fees. I got the ticket the day before. Only the late flight had 50% discount at that time while most of the others were 20 or 30% discount. I checked the internet the day of the flight and my flight and an additional flight was 60% discount and many of the other flights were 50% on the day of departure. So the longer you wait, the cheaper the price.

May 2007, a 130 rmb domestic airport tax and fees is added and sometime a fuel surcharge tax is also added. These additional charges will be listed before you are required to give your credit card information.

You round trip is just double the one way price. This makes it easy to combine air and rail. For example, you can fly from Shanghai to Beijing. Then take the train to Xi'an. Then fly from Xi'an back to Shanghai or someplace else.

Be careful around holidays like Chinese New Year, early May and early October.

Update October 20, 2008
I've just checked elong.com for November 1. One way prices from Beijing to Shenzhen were between 600 and 1750 rmb. The higher prices were non stop. It also said plus 200 rmb tax/fees for nonstop and 400 rmb for connecting flights. .

I also checked other destinations and dates. Beijing to Shenzhen seem to have less discounts flights, especially close to the depart date. I think it all has to do with the capitalist policy of supply and demand. :)

So, check the internet and if you see a good price, maybe you should book it and not wait.

Please rate this and my other tips when you find them useful, interesting, or like the photos.

China's rail roads infrastructure has advanced very rapidity. I was amazed by the new stations and High Speed Trains on my latest trip compared to just a few years ago. They now have intercity trains traveling over 280 KM/hour. That is over 170 miles/hour.

The High Speed Train seems quicker between Shanghai and Suzhou the getting to the train station within Shanghai. I understand they will soon have a High Speed Train between Beijing and Shanghai which will compete with the airlines.

See my High Speed Train Video.