• Metro :

Most major cities in China have huge, efficient metro networks. They’re fast, affordable, and usually the easiest way to avoid traffic. Stations and trains have English signs and announcements, so getting lost isn’t a big concern. Even better, you can tap in and out using WeChat Pay or Alipay, no need to buy paper tickets.

Subway rides in cities like Shanghai and Chongqing typically cost ¥2–¥3, depending on distance (around 30–40 US cents)

• Buses :

To put things into perspective, City buses in places like Beijing and Shanghai cost as little as ¥0.90–¥1.00 per ride (roughly 12–14 US cents)

City buses go places the metro doesn’t, and they’re super cheap. That said, they can be a bit tricky if you don’t speak Chinese. Apps like Google Translate or Baidu Translate help a lot. Still, since metros and taxis are already so affordable, most international travelers skip buses unless they really need them.

• Taxis & Didi (China’s Uber)

Much like Uber or Grab, DiDi is China’s go-to ride-hailing app—and it can make your life dramatically easier when you need to get directly from Point A to Point B. Whether it’s an airport or railway station transfer, a private intercity drive, or an early-morning ride to one of China’s breathtaking national parks, DiDi is available for almost any journey, at any time of day.

 There is one thing to keep in mind when booking longer-distance DiDi rides. Because these vehicles are electric, charging can sometimes be part of the journey. Once actually had a driver accept our ride request only to realize he needed to charge first, resulting in a 15-minute stop at a charging station on my way to my final destination. Not a deal-breaker, but something to be aware of.

How to Book DiDi the Smart Way

You can book DiDi rides directly through the DiDi app, but you can also get a ride through AliPay. Yet another reason why AliPay is such a powerhouse app in China.

Here’s why AliPay is the better option:

• It includes a built-in translation feature
• Any message sent by your driver is automatically translated
• Your replies are translated into Chinese on the driver’s end

This removes a huge communication barrier, especially if your driver needs to clarify a pickup location or ask a quick question.

DiDi vs Taxis in China

In most cases, DiDi is cheaper than regular taxis, whether taxis use a fixed-distance fare or a metered rate. With DiDi, you also don’t need to:

• Explain directions in Chinese
• Show an address on your phone
• Worry about misunderstandings or miscommunication

That said, there are still situations where traditional taxis make sense, especially in smaller towns, rural areas, or places where ride-hailing coverage is limited. Sometimes, hopping into a waiting taxi is simply the more convenient option.

For expats, business trips, and international students, and long-term travelers, DiDi is an essential tool that makes getting around China faster, cheaper, and far less stressful.

• Shared Bikes & E-Bikes

Bike sharing is huge in Chinese cities and a fun way to explore. The bikes are dockless and literally everywhere. You’ll see:

1. Yellow Meituan bikes
2. Blue HelloBike (Alibaba)
3. Indigo Qingju bikes (Didi)

They’re  usually around 1.5 RMB for 30 minutes.

• Renting Electric Scooters and E-Bikes in China

China is one of the few countries that does not recognize the International Driving Permit (IDP) or foreign driver’s licenses. While it is possible to apply for a temporary Chinese driver’s license using your home license, the process takes time and paperwork—something most short-term travelers don’t want to deal with.

Of course, you can always hire a private driver or rely on DiDi and taxis. But if you’re looking for a way to explore on your own terms—without a Chinese license—there are a few legal and practical alternatives.

License-Free Riding Options

As a foreigner, you generally have two main options that don’t require a Chinese driver’s license:

• Gas-powered mopeds under 50cc
• Electric scooters, electric mopeds, or e-bikes

These vehicles are widely available in tourist-friendly areas and smaller cities, especially in places known for outdoor scenery and slow-paced travel.

This is exactly what we did while exploring the countryside around Yangshuo. Renting an electric scooter was affordable, easy, and genuinely fun, and it gave us the freedom to stop wherever we wanted—rice fields, rivers, small villages, and scenic viewpoints you’d never reach by bus.

What to Expect When Renting

• Rentals are often arranged through guesthouses, hostels, or small local shops
• Prices are usually charged by the day and are very reasonable
• Helmets are often included (though quality varies—check before riding)
• No license checks are typically required for electric scooters

You’ll also see electric mopeds with sidecars, which are popular with local families and travelers alike. They’re slower but feel more stable and safer, especially for longer countryside rides or carrying bags.

A Few Safety Notes

While electric scooters are convenient, keep in mind:

• Traffic rules can be loosely enforced in rural areas
• Cars, scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians often share the road
• Riding defensively and at moderate speeds is key

If you’re cautious and comfortable on two wheels, renting an electric scooter is one of the best ways to experience China’s countryside up close—no license, no stress, just freedom.

• Navigation Apps :

For getting around, locals use Baidu Maps and Gaode (Amap). Important note: Google Maps doesn’t work properly in China, so don’t rely on it.

Once you get used to these apps, navigating Chinese cities feels easy, and honestly, way easier than most people expect.