Getting around a Chinese city is cheap, fast and incredibly convenient — once you know the right words. The metro systems in major cities are modern and extensive, buses cover every neighborhood, and ride-hailing apps make taxis as easy as tapping a screen. This guide covers all the essential phrases for every common transport situation, so you can travel confidently anywhere. Taking the Metro The 地铁 (dìtiě) — subway / metro — is the fastest way to get around most big cities. Every station has ticket machines, and most accept phone payments via WeChat or Alipay. Useful phrases for the station: 请问几号线到火车站？ (Qǐngwèn jǐ hào xiàn dào huǒchēzhàn?) — Excuse me, which line goes to the train station? 在哪里换乘？ (Zài nǎlǐ huànchéng?) — Where do I change lines? 哪个出口？ (Nǎge chūkǒu?) — Which exit? 末班车几点？ (Mòbānchē jǐ diǎn?) — What time is the last train? When you are on the train, listen for announcements like: 下一站… (Xià yī zhàn…) — Next station… 开门请当心。 (Kāimén qǐng dāngxīn.) — Please mind the doors. 换乘的乘客请准备。 (Huànchéng de chéngkè qǐng zhǔnbèi.) — Passengers transferring, please get ready. Taking the Bus Buses are cheaper than the metro and go more places, but they can be slower in traffic. Most bus stops have electronic boards showing the next arrival time. Useful phrases: 这趟车到人民公园吗？ (Zhè tàng chē dào Rénmín Gōngyuán ma?) — Does this bus go to People's Park? 到了叫我一声，谢谢。 (Dào le jiào wǒ yīshēng, xièxie.) — Please let me know when we arrive, thanks. 多少钱一张票？ (Duōshao qián yī zhāng piào?) — How much is a ticket? On most city buses, you tap a transport card or scan a phone code when you get on. The fare is usually a flat 2 yuan within the city centre. Taking a Taxi / Didi 滴滴 (Dīdī) — the Chinese ride-hailing app — is used more often than street taxis in most cities. But if you do flag down a taxi on the street, these phrases help: When you get in: 去高铁站。 (Qù gāotiězhàn.) — To the high-speed train station. 麻烦走最近的路。 (Máfan zǒu zuìjìn de lù.) — Please take the shortest route. 大概多久到？ (Dàgài duō jiǔ dào?) — Roughly how long does it take? When you arrive: 停这里就行。 (Tíng zhèlǐ jiù xíng.) — You can stop here. 能开发票吗？ (Néng kāi fāpiào ma?) — Can I get a receipt? Asking for Directions If you get lost or are unsure where the station entrance is: 请问地铁站怎么走？ (Qǐngwèn dìtiězhàn zěnme zǒu?) — Excuse me, how do I get to the metro station? 远不远？ (Yuǎn bù yuǎn?) — Is it far? 走路要几分钟？ (Zǒulù yào jǐ fēnzhōng?) — How many minutes on foot? |
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