China: How to get around

China is a very large country with a lot of big cities and rural areas. Getting around the country and town you are traveling to can actually be relatively easy thanks to the great transportation methods China has available.

Train- Traveling by train is the most secure and reliable way to travel through the country. The rail system in China is very efficient. Traveling by train can be a favorite method as you can catch the train almost anywhere. There are four options for tickets:

1. Hard Seat- Essentially business class, 4-6 seats in a booth. This option is the cheapest and the most crowded.
2. Hard Sleep- The business class version of beds in a train, 4-6 beds in a booth.
3. Soft Seat- More like first class and has comfortable seats and more room.
4. Soft Sleep- Most expensive, 4 cabs of beds in a booth. First class version of sleeping on the train.

Bus- Traveling through China by bus is a common and less expensive way to travel than by train. Buses usually run through cities and are almost always full. Buying a bus ticket is extremely easy and accessible. The drawback to traveling by bus is the trip tends to be noisy and busses make frequent stops. Traveling through China using this form of transportation is good for short distance. Luxury buses are available in the country for traveling long distances cross country.

Air- Flying is expensive; however, it is an option at all regional capitals and many bigger cities. The train is the most preferred method of travel if flying can be avoided.

Car- Driving a car across China is still banned for foreigners. Foreign residents can rent a vehicle for local use in Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Hainan Island and Sanya. In order to do this, they must show an international drivers license, proof of residency and place a deposit. So, chances are good that if you planned to rent a car and drive across China, you will need to come up with a new plan.

How did you get around when you traveled to China? Was traveling by Rickshaw an option?