Nanjing

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Comprehensive Guide to Transportation in Nanjing, China

Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu Province, is a modern city with a well-developed and efficient public transportation system. Whether you are a visitor or a new immigrant, navigating the city is relatively straightforward once you understand the options available. Below is a detailed guide to help you get around Nanjing efficiently.

1. Overview of Public Transportation in Nanjing

Nanjingโ€™s public transportation system includes:

  • Metro (Subway): Fast, reliable, and the most convenient way to travel within the city.
  • Buses: Extensive network covering almost every corner of the city.
  • Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services: Widely available and affordable for short to medium distances.
  • Bicycles and E-Scooters: Shared bike and scooter services for short trips.
  • High-Speed Rail: For intercity travel, Nanjing is a major hub in Chinaโ€™s high-speed rail network.

2. Nanjing Metro System

The Nanjing Metro is the backbone of the cityโ€™s public transportation system, with 12 operational lines (as of 2023) and more under construction.

Key Features:

  • Coverage: The metro connects major districts, tourist attractions, and transportation hubs (e.g., Nanjing South Railway Station, Nanjing Railway Station, and Lukou International Airport).
  • Operating Hours: Typically from 5:30 AM to 11:00 PM, though exact times vary by line.
  • Frequency: Trains run every 3-8 minutes during peak hours.

Costs:

  • Fares range from ยฅ2 to ยฅ9 depending on the distance.
  • Children under 1.3 meters in height travel for free when accompanied by an adult.

How to Use the Metro:

  1. Tickets:
    • Purchase single-journey tickets at ticket vending machines (available in English) in metro stations.
    • Alternatively, use a Nanjing Public Transportation Card (see below) or mobile payment apps.
  2. Payment Methods:
    • Cash (for single-journey tickets).
    • Nanjing Public Transportation Card (ไธ€ๅก้€š, Yikatong): A rechargeable card that can be used on the metro, buses, and even some taxis.
    • Mobile payment apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay (widely accepted but require a Chinese bank account).
  3. Navigation:
    • Metro maps are available in both Chinese and English.
    • Announcements and signage are bilingual (Chinese and English).

Tips for Visitors and Immigrants:

  • Download the Nanjing Metro App (ๅ—ไบฌๅœฐ้“) for real-time updates, route planning, and station information. The app is primarily in Chinese, but Google Translate can help.
  • Avoid peak hours (7:30-9:00 AM and 5:30-7:30 PM) to avoid crowded trains.

3. Nanjing Bus System

The bus network in Nanjing is extensive and serves areas not covered by the metro.

Key Features:

  • Routes: Over 400 routes, including regular, express, and night buses.
  • Operating Hours: Most buses run from 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with some night buses operating later.
  • Language Barrier: Bus routes and stops are primarily in Chinese, which can be challenging for non-Chinese speakers.

Costs:

  • Standard fare: ยฅ2 for air-conditioned buses.
  • Payment: Cash (exact change required), Nanjing Public Transportation Card, or mobile payment apps.

Tips for Visitors and Immigrants:

  • Use navigation apps like Baidu Maps (็™พๅบฆๅœฐๅ›พ) or Gaode Maps (้ซ˜ๅพทๅœฐๅ›พ, also known as Amap) to plan bus routes. Both apps have English versions or can be used with translation tools.
  • If you donโ€™t speak Chinese, show the bus driver your destination in Chinese characters to confirm the route.

4. Taxis and Ride-Hailing Services

Taxis and ride-hailing services are convenient for short trips or when public transportation is not available.

Taxis:

  • Availability: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or at designated taxi stands.
  • Costs:
    • Base fare: ยฅ11 for the first 3 kilometers.
    • Additional distance: ยฅ2.6 per kilometer.
    • Late-night surcharge (11:00 PM to 6:00 AM): 20% increase in fare.
  • Payment: Cash, Nanjing Public Transportation Card (some taxis), or mobile payment apps.
  • Tips:
    • Always ask for a receipt (ๅ‘็ฅจ, fฤpiร o) in case of disputes or lost items.
    • Drivers may not speak English, so have your destination written in Chinese.

Ride-Hailing Services:

  • Popular apps include Didi Chuxing (ๆปดๆปดๅ‡บ่กŒ) and Gaode Maps (which integrates ride-hailing options).
  • Costs are similar to taxis but may vary based on demand.
  • Apps are available in English, but you may need a Chinese phone number and payment method to register.

5. Shared Bicycles and E-Scooters

For short distances, shared bicycles and e-scooters are a popular and eco-friendly option.

Providers:

  • Major bike-sharing companies include Mobike (็พŽๅ›ขๅ•่ฝฆ) and HelloBike (ๅ“ˆๅ•ฐๅ•่ฝฆ).
  • E-scooters are available in some areas but may require a local driverโ€™s license.

Costs:

  • Typically ยฅ1-ยฅ2 per 30 minutes.
  • Payment is made through mobile apps like Alipay or WeChat Pay.

Tips:

  • Use bike lanes where available.
  • Be cautious when riding in traffic, as road rules may differ from your home country.

6. High-Speed Rail and Intercity Travel

Nanjing is a major hub in Chinaโ€™s high-speed rail network, making it easy to travel to nearby cities like Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou.

Key Stations:

  • Nanjing South Railway Station: The largest and most modern station, serving most high-speed trains.
  • Nanjing Railway Station: Serves both high-speed and regular trains.

Costs:

  • High-speed rail fares vary by distance and class (e.g., second class, first class, business class). A trip to Shanghai costs around ยฅ140 (second class).

Tips:

  • Book tickets in advance through the 12306 app (official railway app) or at ticket counters.
  • Bring your passport for ticket purchase and boarding.

7. Payment Methods for Transportation

  • Nanjing Public Transportation Card: Available at metro stations and convenience stores. Rechargeable and offers discounts on fares.
  • Mobile Payment Apps: Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted but require a Chinese bank account.
  • Cash: Accepted for single-journey tickets and buses, but exact change is often required.

8. Navigation Tools

  • Baidu Maps (็™พๅบฆๅœฐๅ›พ): The most accurate navigation app for China. Available in Chinese, but an English version is in development.
  • Gaode Maps (้ซ˜ๅพทๅœฐๅ›พ): Another excellent option with some English support.
  • Google Maps: Limited functionality in China but can be used with a VPN.

9. Cultural and Practical Tips

  • Language Barrier: Most public transportation staff and taxi drivers do not speak English. Use translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco to communicate.
  • Peak Hours: Avoid traveling during rush hours to minimize delays and discomfort.
  • Etiquette:
    • Stand on the right side of escalators to allow others to pass on the left.
    • Offer your seat to elderly passengers, pregnant women, or those with disabilities.
  • Safety: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.

10. Special Considerations for Visitors and Immigrants

  • Tourist Passes: Some metro stations offer day passes for unlimited travel (e.g., ยฅ15 for 1 day, ยฅ30 for 3 days).
  • Language Support: Carry a card with your destination written in Chinese characters.
  • Emergency Numbers: Dial 110 for police and 120 for medical emergencies.

By understanding the transportation options and following these tips, youโ€™ll find it easy to navigate Nanjing and enjoy everything the city has to offer!