Independent travel in China

Question

We are researching a potential trip to China next year and would prefer to travel independently if possible. We are not fans of group tours and would prefer to travel at our own pace and timetable. We would be looking at doing the very obvious trio of Beijing, Xian and Shanghai.

How easy is it to get around those cities using public transport to get from hotels to the major tourist attractions. How easy is it to find places to eat. Is it straightforward for tourists to book tickets on the bullet trains. Any information or recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer

Independent travel in China, especially to major cities like Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, has become increasingly manageable for tourists over the past several years. Public transport, tourist infrastructure, and online booking systems have improved significantly, making it possible to travel at your own pace without a guided tour.

Getting around each city using public transport is generally straightforward:

Beijing has an extensive metro system that covers most major attractions including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and the Summer Palace. Buses are also available but can be crowded and less user-friendly for non-Chinese speakers.
Xi’an is smaller, and the metro covers the main attractions such as the Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower, and Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Walking and taxis are common ways to reach attractions outside metro reach.
Shanghai has a very efficient metro system, covering major sites like the Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, and the French Concession area. Taxis are affordable, though ride-hailing apps such as DiDi are very useful for convenience.

Finding places to eat is generally easy, ranging from street food stalls to international restaurants. Major tourist areas have English menus, and translation apps are helpful in local eateries. Food delivery apps like Meituan and Ele.me can also be useful, although registration may require a Chinese phone number.

Booking bullet trains (high-speed trains) is also straightforward, with multiple options:

Tickets can be purchased online via official China Railway websites, travel apps, or at train stations. Passport information is required for booking.
Apps like Ctrip and Trip.com allow booking in English and often provide e-tickets that can be picked up at stations or scanned directly on mobile devices.
At train stations, self-service machines or ticket counters can also be used to buy tickets, though queues can be long during peak travel times.

Additional tips for independent travel:

Carry a Chinese translation of your hotel address and train station destinations in case taxi drivers do not speak English.
Download an offline map app such as Maps.me or Baidu Maps for easier navigation.
Be mindful of peak travel days (Chinese national holidays) as attractions and trains can be very crowded.

Overall, independent travel in China for major cities is feasible and increasingly convenient. With basic planning and familiarization with metro systems and apps, you can enjoy flexibility and travel at your own pace without the constraints of group tours.

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