China Transportation

After the establishment of P. R. China, the following decades saw tremendous developments within the transportation industry due to the significantly repaid economic growth. In order to keep their economy moving forward, the Chinese Government needs an efficient system in place to move goods and people across this 9.6 billion sq. km. land mass. China currently has a comprehensive system of modern transportation which includes civil aviation, railway, road traffic and water transportation. Modern modes of transportation such as express highways, electrified railroads, metros, light rails, and maglev railways are becoming increasingly common, especially in large cities. Tibet, one of most inaccessible region in the world even can be reached via train since the operation of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway in first, July, 2005.

During the last few years, China has modernized its domestic air, train, highway and water systems to meet the influx and demands of foreign travelers. Massive upgrade of transportation infrastructure has created a vast improvement in ease of travel throughout the country.

China Air Travel

For travel, airplane is the most convenient and fastest means of transportation, though it is also the most expensive. Air travel can cover a long journey in less time, saving precious time and energy for you to enjoy the attractions in your destination.

Since late in 1980s, China airlines have witnessed a significant improvement in decades. By the end of 2004, the total number of airlines operated in China was up to 1,200; 975 are domestic and 225 are international airlines. The hub of China air travel is based in Beijing, with Beijing being the base for international travel. For example, the number of weekly flights between China and USA will increase nearly five times from the current limit of 54 weekly round trip flights to 249 within six years, according to a landmark pact signed between the two countries on June 18, 2004. Please click to search more about schedule of China flights or flying to China.
 
China Train Travel

Rail Lines is a popular and effective method of transportation in China. Train is one of the cheapest ways to travel some of the long distances and is used widely by the local population. So passenger rail traffic has priority over freight rail lines across China. By the end of 2006, there was over 76,600 kilometers of rail lines. Trains not only are a key mean of transportation between major cities in China, and but also connect virtually every part of the country.

Train travel in China has to be undertaken with the full knowledge that the system is designed for the local population who are familiar with the standard conditions. Trains between larger cities are always superior to those on lesser routes and will probably run close to schedule. Learn more tips about China Train Travel

Subways and subway systems exist only in the major cities in China, just like most of other countries. Subways are just designed to relieve traffic congestion at large city center and are insufficient for the population to take significant advantage. Moreover, inadequate subway systems are a major issue to the growth and health of these cities. Shanghai and Guangzhou are two good examples, where traffic congestion, air pollution from factories and a growing number of motorized vehicles is already a problem.

 
China Highway

China Bus Travel - Traveling by road instead of by air or by rail is no doubt a unique way of learning about China. In the past few years, China has been rapidly developing its highway system nationwide. The investment for highway construction has made the total length of road lines increase to 3. 48 million kilometers (includes 1.55 million km countryside roads and 45.4 thousand km expressways) by 2006. The government is planning to add about 3,000 km of expressway every year to the existing network. China has already built a network of highways, second only to the U.S. in total kilometers. Improving infrastructure has facilitated the increased use of automobiles; therefore private bus and cars are very popular now in China.

China's long distant bus system has several advantages. Almost all major cities and towns have long distant bus stations and tickets are sold at the bus station itself and need not to be booked in advance. Unlike trains, Chinese long distant bus does not sell tickets for different classes within a single vehicle. More about China bus travel.

Travel by Taxi - As you think a public bus are very crowded and takes too much time to go, taking a taxi is very fast and convenient way to reach your destinations such as hotels, bus stations, railway stations and airports in major tourist cities. Metered taxis are readily available at all hotels, shopping districts and a station along the street, and are permitted to stop at your signal. Travelers may find it convenient to hire a taxi for a whole or half day, but be sure to agree on a price first.

Biking in China - The number of bicycles has ever caused the real traffic jams in major cities in China. Besides walking, the main source of transportation is the bicycle. Seldom new and often not pretty, they provide the basic means of transportation to the average person in China to work, shopping and leisure activities. They offer a good way to experience real China in short-distance trip. Please learn more tips.

 
China Waterway

People nowadays seldom choose waterways to travel between cities except for river and coast cruises by ships or boats, but they are still and always have been an important way of moving goods through the country. The Pearl River and Yangtze River delta is two prime river systems for the movement of goods and people. The system is filled with an absolutely amazing wide armada of boats, from barges to sampans to small fishing boats, to barges and hovercraft. Inland and costal ports are being improved for greater use of China's waterways. More tips about travel by ship.

Leading by Port of Shanghai and Hong Kong, China's sixteen major shipping ports have a capacity of over 50 million tons per year. Combined China's total shipping capacity is in excess of 2,890 million tons. By 2010, 35% of the world's shipping is expected to originate from China.

Lastly, ships and boat are effective means for travelers to get happy experience through Yangtze River Cruise and Boat Cruises around coastal cities.