Buses are one of the best methods of long-distance travel in China. As the country improves its highways and adds more freeways, travel by bus is getting swifter and more convenient. Bus tickets are also cheaper than train. Buses also stop more extensively in small or little visited towns in remote regions. Unfortunately, roads in Tibet and the Sichuan region are in poor condition and accidents are common. If you travel from city to city, however, the buses are more modern and more comfortable. If you are taking a very long trip, you also can opt for the more expensive bus with sleeper compartments. On more remote routes, breakdowns are common, so bring the appropriate clothes if you are traveling in the winter.
Trains tend to be crowded but they are also the most comfortable way to travel in China. According to Lonely Planet, at any time there are 10 million Chinese traveling by train. Every province except Hainan has train service. There are many different options of ticket you can buy for cheap, second-class seats to the pricier sleeper car. Trains in China also have a very good safety record, though petty theft is an issue at times. There are new trains that run between the major cities. Many of them are air-conditioned, have complementary food and ports to recharge mobile telephones.
For those who don't have the time to spend on buses and trains, China also has an extensive web of airports and planes. Currently, the plan is to triple the country's fleet of planes to accommodate the massive number of travelers. According to Lonely Planet, China is predicted to be the world's most visited place by 2020, so new airports are springing up all over to handle the traffic. However, most Chinese tend to use trains and buses since they are cheaper.
