In China, cars are generally less expensive than they are in the West. However, they are very expensive to license. This is due in part to government initiatives to encourage use of public transportation and reduce traffic congestion, gas emissions, and noise pollution. As a result, public transportation is very popular.

Buses are the most common form of public transportation in China second only to bicycles. The bus system in most Chinese cities is extensive. Next in line after buses in terms of popular use are mass transit train systems. Several of China's large cities have metros, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chongqing, and Hong Kong, among others.

Unfortunately, due to its popularity, regardless of the time of day, all forms of public transport are crowded. After all, China is the world's most populous nation. In the past, travelers to China generally did not take the bus. Few stops were indicated in Hanyu Pinyin, and fewer drivers and conductors spoke English. But that is slowly changing. In Shanghai, for example, the new public buses and the Metro are equipped with displays that indicate the stops and information in Chinese and English. They are also equipped with automated public announcement systems that tell riders where they are on the route and what the next stop is in both Chinese and English. If, however, you are on a bus or train that is not equipped with such features, just go ahead and ask someone “[Destination] zài nǎr?”

Subway Speech

Here are some sample conversations for asking directions:

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