Getting Around China

China is a country of superlatives. Roughly the same size as the United States, this vast country in eastern Asia boasts the world's largest population, third-longest river, and biggest airport: the new starfish-shaped Beijing Daxing International.

Given the distances involved, flying is the quickest way around the country. China’s massive airports⁠ offer dozens of daily nonstop flights, including from Hong Kong to Beijing, and allow for easy weekend getaways—like from Shanghai to Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors.

Taking the train on short and long-haul journeys is efficient and inexpensive. More than RMB220 billion was spent to build China's high-speed rail system—the largest in the world—that crisscrosses four provinces. And by the time you factor in security screening, travel time to each airport, and potential delays, it's often more efficient to take the train.

Dozens of trains whisk travelers daily across the vast country at speeds up to 236 mph (380 kph). China’s bullet trains are fast and convenient making them many travelers' preferred choice, particularly the 819-mile (1,318-kilometer) Shanghai to Beijing route. 

On longer journeys like the 2,334 miles (3,757 km) trip from Beijing to Lhasa, the train is slower, but the scenery is mesmerizing and the experience is one of the most unique in the world: passengers ride on the world's highest railway that includes an ascent to Tanggula Pass, the highest point on a railway in the world. We dare you to find a journey that—literally—tops this.