By air: China has a large comprehensive network of international airports and domestic airports at major urban centres and provincial cities, with the major international aviation hubs in Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. The prominent Chinese international airlines with connecting flights to provincial capitals and international destinations are Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines.

By rail: This is the major mode of transportation in China, with the country being the third highest in the world in terms of number of passengers carried per kilometre. Beijing is the centre of the railway network, and there are different classes of passenger rail options depending on the speed of the trains and the number of stops along the route.

By road: China is linked by an evolving network of roads and expressways. China National Highways stretch to all four corners of the country while expressways complement them, with the exception for Tibet, which has a rugged terrain. Traffic drives on the right. Driving in China is a challenge in itself with increasing numbers of car users and buses on the roads. Students are advised to utilise other modes of transportation if possible.

Coaches: There are intercity or interprovincial passenger coach services available at provincial capital cities, providing another alternative mode of transport for frequent travellers.

Car-hire: There are car rental companies at major international airports and major urban centres. However, given that traffic is mostly congested in city centres and a high rate of traffic accidents, students are advised not to use this form of transport if possible.

Public Transport: There are underground or light rail systems in major urban centres such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, with plans underway to develop similar systems in other areas. Shanghai has a maglev train network that connects its international airport to the outskirts of the city. There are also comprehensive bus networks within the cities. Bicycles are a popular form of transport among locals for short distance travel within the city. Passenger ferry services are also available for crossings over China’s largest rivers.

Some recommended dishes:

• Great Wall of China (Beijing)
• Forbidden City (Beijing)
• The Bund (Shanghai)
• Terracotta Army  (Xi’an, Shaanxi)
• Yellow Mountain (Anhui)
• Potala Palace (Lhasa, Tibet)
• Dian Chi Lake (Kunming, Yunnan)
• Li River (Guilin, Guangxi)
• Mogao Caves or Caves of the Thousand Buddhas (Gansu)
• West Lake (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)

• Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore
• China National Tourist Office
• Lonely Planet China