China Guide
Getting around
By bus and minibus
While cities and major towns usually have a train station, getting from these out to other places usually requires a bus. Finding the right bus station isn't always easy though; even small towns often have both a central main bus station and several outlying depots handling specific destinations (located on the side of town in which traffic is heading).
Ordinary buses (putong che) are cheap and basic, with lightly padded seats; they're never heated or air-conditioned, so dress accordingly. They tend to stop off frequently, so don't count on an average speed of more than 50kph. Express buses (kuai che) are the most expensive and have good legroom, comfy seats that may well recline, air-conditioning and video. They operate on a speedy point-to-point basis, with no stops en route. Formerly common, sleeper buses (wopu che) have cramped, basic bunks instead of seats, minimal luggage space and a poor safety record, and are not recommended if there is any alternative. The final option is minibuses (xiao che or bao che) seating up to twenty people, common on routes of less than 100km or so. Prices vary around the country, but they typically cost a little more than the same journey by ordinary bus. They can be extremely cramped, however, and often circuit the departure point for ages until they have filled up.
Take some food along, too, because although buses usually pull up at inexpensive roadhouses at mealtimes, they have been known to plough on for a full 24 hours without stopping. Only the most upmarket coaches have toilets; drivers stop every few hours or if asked to do so by passengers (roadhouse toilets are some of the worst in the country, however).