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On the Ground: Transit, Living & Street Survival

Daily life logistics: bullet trains, city buses, hotel registration, restroom tissue rules, unboiled tap water precautions, and street safety.

High-Speed Rail
Bullet Trains: No Paper Tickets
Your passport IS your ticket. One gate rule to know.
Read Rail Guide →
Overnight Trains
Sleeper Trains: Soft vs. Hard
Save a hotel night. The token swap and boiled water culture.
Read Sleeper Guide →
City Transport
Didi Needs No Chinese Number
Register with your home number. Metro QR codes too.
Read City Transport →
Public Buses
City Buses: Alipay QR & Tiered Fares
Front-door boarding, Beijing's double-tap rule, and exact cash.
Read Bus Guide →
Hotels
The Hotel Midnight Problem
Not every hotel takes foreign passports. Check first.
Read Hotel Rules →
Safety & Scams
Tourist Scams & Dialing 110
The Shanghai tea house trap, black cabs, and calling police.
Read Scam Guide →
Emergency System
Calling the Police: 110 & the Numbers
110 vs 120 vs 122, the 10-language 12345 line, and how police here actually work.
Read Police Guide →
Public Security
Is China Safe? Night Walks & Reality
Zero gun violence, midnight safety, cafe table test, and real hazards.
Read Safety Guide →
Restrooms
Pack Tissues. Always.
"Pack tissues or lose your boxers" — community rule #1.
Read Restroom Guide →
Health & Water
Tap Water & Your Stomach
Never drink unboiled. The pharmacy fix is cheap.
Read Health Guide →