Getting around China
Asia
From Europe ✈️
Direct flight from Paris
Yes
Duration
11h-12h direct (Paris-Beijing or Paris-Shanghai)
Indicative round-trip price
EUR 550-1000 round trip
Book
2-4 months ahead, avoid August
Recommended airlines
Local transport
Bus
Decent but slow long-distance buses; the high-speed rail has replaced them on most routes.
Train
The world's most extensive high-speed rail (gaotie) network, up to 350 km/h. Beijing-Shanghai in 4h30 for ~550 CNY (70 EUR) in 2nd class. Book on the Trip.com app or Railway 12306.
Taxi
Taxis a compteur en ville. Didi (equivalent Uber, avec traduction integree) est le plus simple et se paie via Alipay/WeChat.
Metro
Modern, clean and very cheap metros (3-8 CNY per trip) in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and 40+ cities. Payment by Alipay/WeChat QR code.
Essential apps
Common routes and indicative prices
| From | To | Mode | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pekin | Shanghai | TGV | 4h30 | 70-100 EUR |
| Pekin | Xi'an | TGV | 4h30 | 60-90 EUR |
| Shanghai | Hangzhou | TGV | 1h | 10-15 EUR |
| Xi'an | Chengdu | TGV | 3h30 | 35-55 EUR |
Indicative prices for 2025-2026. Fares vary by season, demand and how far ahead you book.
Vehicle rental 🛵
Scooter / Motorbike
Rare, self-service electric scooters via local apps
Car
Rental possible but international permit NOT recognized
International permit : Not required (French license accepted)
Transport scams to know ⚠️
Teahouse
Fake students invite you to a tea ceremony then bill an exorbitant tab (up to 2000 CNY).
Tip :Never follow a stranger to a place he chooses.
Fake taxis
Drivers without meters outside stations and airports who inflate the price.
Tip :Order a Didi or insist on the meter (dache).
Fake QR code
Un autocollant frauduleux colle par-dessus le vrai QR de paiement du commercant.
Tip :Verifie que le nom du commercant s'affiche avant de valider.
Practical tips
- Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card before you leave: mobile payment is essential for everything, including the metro and taxis.
- Book high-speed train tickets on Trip.com or the 12306 app, especially during Chinese holidays when everything is full.
- Un VPN est necessaire pour Google Maps, WhatsApp et Instagram ; sur place utilise Amap et Didi qui fonctionnent sans.
Other transport guides
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