Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TIMETABLES
Online English-language timetables:
»
Travel China Guide
(
www.travelchinaguide.com
)
»
China Highlights
(
www.chinahighlights.com
)
»
China Train Timetable
(
www.china-train-ticket.com
)
INTERNET RESOURCES
»
Seat 61
(
www.seat61.com/China.htm
)
»
Travel China Guide
(
www.travelchinaguide.com
)
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Long-distance transport in China is good, but local transport is less efficient,
except for cities with metro systems. The choice of local transport is diverse
but vehicles can be slow and overburdened, and the network confusing for vis-
itors.
BUS
With extensive networks, buses are an excellent way to get around town, but
foreign travellers rarely use them. In conductor-less buses, you put money in a
slot near the driver as you embark.
» Fares are very cheap (usually ¥1 to ¥2) but buses may be packed.
» Navigation is tricky for non-Chinese speakers as bus routes at bus stops are
generally listed in Chinese, without Pinyin.
» In Beijing and Shanghai and other large tourist towns, stops will be an-
nounced in English.
» Always have change ready if there is no conductor on the bus.
» Buses with snowflake motifs are air-conditioned.
METRO & LIGHT RAIL
Going underground or using light rail is fast, efficient and cheap; most net-
works are either very new or relatively recent and can be found in a rapidly
growing number of cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Xi'an, Hang-
zhou, Tianjin, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Wuhan and Hong Kong.
