Bus Travel

Traveling by bus in Eastern China is a great way to get around, as even tiny cities and villages will have a station. Large cities such as Hangzhou will have several bus stations, so make sure to confirm where exactly you are departing from. Buses in Eastern China will usually be relatively new, air-conditioned vehicles, and almost always leave on time. The biggest headache you'll likely encounter is trying to navigate through the masses at the stations to buy your tickets. Ask your hotel to purchase tickets in advance, as line etiquette in China is nonexistent and can be frustrating, especially for non-Mandarin speakers. If traveling between major cities, such as between Hangzhou and Ningbo, buses leave frequently, so just show up and get on the next available departure.