Now that private carriers have
been allowed to set up operations in China, CAAC has assumed the
role of 'umbrella organisation' over airlines including China
Eastern, China Southern, China Northern, Great Wall, Yunnan Airlines
and several others. There is no such thing as a discount, no matter
where you buy your ticket and you'll usually be slugged with an
agents commisioning fee. There is an airport tax of 50.00 payable on
all domestic flights.
Long-distance buses are one of the best means of getting around on
the ground; they're frequent and cheap (which also translates as
crowded and stuffy) but there are extensive services, passable roads
and interesting towns and villages en route. An even better mode is
the train, which reaches into every province (apart from Tibet)
along a 52,000km (32311mi)network. It's cheap, relatively fast and a
safer proposition than buses; the only dangers on the trains are
getting your luggage pinched or dying from shock at the state of the
toilets.
As land transport improves, the romantic days of domestic boat
travel are fading. But there are still a number of popular boat
trips to be had between Hong Kong and the mainland. The best known
river trip is the three-day cruise along the Yangzi River from
Chongqing to Wuhan.
Taxis don't cruise the streets except in the largest of cities, and
while most cabs have meters they usually only get switched on by
accident. Motorcycle taxis, motor-tricycles and/or pedicabs hunt in
packs around most major train and bus stations. They're a motley
bunch, but they're cheap and useful if you don't mind sudden
traffic-induced adrenalin rushes. But really, once you've settled in
somewhere, the best way to get around is by renting a bike and
joining the pedalling throng. |
Western
China
