Transport

There is an efficient and expanding public transportation system that makes getting around in Guangzhou relatively simple. The Yang Cheng Tong card, available from convenience stores throughout the city, offers discounted travel using local buses, subways and even some taxis. The subway covers much of downtown, and the stations are clearly marked with the Guangzhou Metro logo. The bus system has more comprehensive service, but are slow if you travel long distances. Buses require exact change or a Yang Cheng Tong card.

Taxis are a popular form of transport in Guangzhou for visitors, as they are cheap and reliable. Many drivers will not speak English, however, so it is best to have your destination written in Chinese to show them. Renting a car is possible, but driving in the downtown area can be confusing and possibly dangerous for those unfamiliar with Chinese as the road signs are not in English.

China has a reputation for being bicycle-friendly, but Guangzhou has many fewer amenities like bicycle lanes. You can rent a bicycle on Shamian Island, but for longer stays it is preferable to buy one as rentals are often in bad repair. It is also possible to explore some areas of the city on foot, but the various districts are far apart.