How to get around: metro, bus and high-speed rail

Do this in order

1. 01

   Before setting off, check your route in the city's official transport information or a current journey planner. Save the line or bus number, travel direction, transfer stations and destination exit; the same station can have exits far apart.

2. 02

   For the metro, buy a single-journey ticket at a ticket machine or ask the station service desk about accepted payment. You can also use a transport QR code or app supported by that city's operator after completing its setup.

3. 03

   Check the selected city and whether your code is for the metro, the bus or both. A normal shopping-payment QR code is not automatically a valid transport ticket. Keep the same ticket, card or supported code available through the whole metro journey, including exit.

4. 04

   At a bus stop, confirm the route number and direction before boarding. Follow that route's fare and boarding instructions: accepted cards, QR codes, cash arrangements and whether you must tap again when leaving vary by city and service. Ask the driver if unsure.

5. 05

   For a high-speed rail journey between cities, book a separate train ticket through the official Railway 12306 website or app. Enter the passenger's passport name and number accurately, follow any identity-verification prompts, and check the exact departure and arrival stations. A metro ticket or city transport code does not cover this train journey.

6. 06

   Bring the original passport used for the rail booking. Allow time for the journey to the railway station, ID checks and security, then follow the train number, departure time, ticket gate and carriage. Gates close before departure according to station notices; a booking screenshot or itinerary sheet does not replace the boarding document. Ask staff if your passport cannot be read at a gate.

7. 07

   Keep your destination address, boarding station or stop, and return destination in Chinese as offline screenshots. On board, compare the announced or displayed stops with your planned stop; ask station staff or the driver for help if you miss it.