Bus Travel

With even more destinations and departures than the rail system, buses can be essential for trips of less than four or five hours. The actual vehicles vary wildly in terms of quality and comfort, but sometimes there's just no other option. In big cities, buses are usually in reasonable condition and have air-conditioning, assigned seating, and reliably punctual service. Remember to bring a pair of headphones, as drivers love to blast Chinese pop music to help stay awake. Never go with the army of touts who work at the main bus stations and offer cheaper, faster alternatives. The vast majority of these will be small, unsafe old vehicles soliciting every hitchhiker along the way and turning a 50-mile trip into an all day stop-and-go.