Taxi in China: A Guide to Services, Apps and Self-Driving Taxis
- Damian Brzeski
- Jun 12
- 17 min read
Autonomous taxis without drivers, mobile apps more important than your wallet and colorful cars with taxi meters – traveling in China is a completely different dimension of everyday transport.
How to Hail a Taxi in Beijing, What is the Difference Between Didi and Uber, and Why is a Receipt Your Insurance Against Loss?
In this guide, you will find practical tips, price lists and tricks that will allow you to move around China confidently, cheaply and without unpleasant surprises.
How the Taxi System Works in China
The Chinese taxi system is a hodgepodge of options, from classic taxis to modern, app-based ride-hailing, so you can always find something for yourself, no matter your budget, schedule, or mood.
Vehicle types and available travel options
Traditional taxis in China are usually well-maintained, air-conditioned and equipped with seat belts.
Here you will find models such as Hyundai Sonata, Elantra, Volkswagen Santana, Jetta or Citroën. Colors? They depend on the city - from classic red, through yellow, green, to colorful combinations such as yellow and blue or burgundy with a white stripe.
However, if you prefer technology and convenience, reach for apps like Didi Chuxing or Meituan.
Chinese taxis offer a variety of options to suit your needs:
Taxi (出租车) – classic taxis with city price list.
Express / Economy – private cars, fast and cheap, great for everyday routes.
Premium / Comfort / Business – something for those who want to travel in luxury, with a professional driver.
Hitch / Carpool – option to share a ride with others. Cheap, but you have to wait.
Designated Driver – someone who will drive your car away if, for example, you have been drinking.
Bus / Large Vehicles – buses and larger cars for groups or with large luggage.
This diversity stems from one thing: the market in China is huge and diverse . There is something for everyone, from the solo traveler to the family with children.
Platforms like Didi adapt perfectly to customer needs, offering personalization that classic services do not provide .
Then there are the private transfers in advance – perfect for long journeys, city breaks or group trips. You have control over the time, route and comfort.
Taximeter, driver ID and fare receipt
If you are using a traditional taxi, always ask for the meter (“dǎ biǎo” - 请打表) to be turned on . Otherwise, you may end up paying more, especially in tourist areas. Beware of dishonest meters – there are some like that.
Every legal taxi should have a plate with the driver's number on it. In Beijing , look for license plates starting with the letter "B." Also, check that the driver has a valid license .
At the end of the ride, always take a receipt (“fāpiào” - 发票) . It has everything on it: the price, the route, the car number and the driver's details. It's not just a receipt - it's your guarantee if something goes wrong (e.g. you lose your phone).
In traditional taxis, the receipt is the only protection for the customer , especially since there are no digital records like in apps. It's worth remembering.
Additional services: child seats and stops along the way
Traveling with a child? In China, car seats are rare in taxis . Neither regular taxis nor Didi usually offer them. You can add a note "with a small child" when booking, but that does not guarantee a car seat.
It is better to bring your own or use the services of a travel agency.
Most cars have ISOFIX, so installing your own seat is no problem. But yes, it is a big challenge for families – no seat means less safety and less spontaneity.
It is therefore worth ordering a taxi with appropriate equipment in advance .
What about stops along the way? If you choose a pre-booked ride, e.g. through GetTransfer.com, you can add stops.
In classic taxis or Didi — everything depends on the driver and may cost more.
China offers a lot of transportation options, but it requires preparation . A little planning and you will be ready for any situation.
What does an average taxi in China look like?
In China, you can tell an official taxi from a random car at first glance. Colorful bodies, an illuminated "TAXI" sign and LED flags in the windshield are just some of the characteristic markings.
What markings does a Chinese taxi have?
Every major city in China has its own color code for taxis. In Beijing, dark red and yellow-blue cars predominate.
In Shanghai , yellow, green or blue colors predominate, while in Shenzhen and Guangzhou you will most often see red or green cars.
All legal taxis have a brightly marked "TAXI" logo on the roof and a light on the front: if it's on, the taxi is free; if it's off, it's occupied . Inside, on the passenger side, there's a plaque with the driver's license plate number. And if you're in Beijing, a legal taxi's license plate number starts with the letter "B."
Such visual details are your first safety filter. They help you avoid so-called "black taxis" , illegal private vehicles without markings that often try to rip off tourists.
They stop, honk, wave their lights, but they don't have official signs . And most importantly - they don't use a taximeter . Price? Negotiable, so very often - overpaying.
How does the pricing system work in Chinese taxis?
In theory, everything is simple: the taximeter charges you from the start. You have an initial fee (for the first kilometers), and then the rate increases for each additional kilometer. But the devil is in the details – and in the extras.
The most important surcharges to watch out for:
Night surcharge – e.g. +20% in Beijing (11pm–5am), +30% in Shanghai.
Empty return fee – on longer journeys (e.g. +50% after 15 km in Shanghai).
Waiting time fee – e.g. ¥2 (approx. PLN 1 / €0.23) for every 5 minutes of standing in a traffic jam.
Price increases after exceeding the distance – after 15 km in Beijing, the rate per km increases by 50%.
Fuel surcharge – may appear, but must be on the receipt.
Outside the cities, especially on longer routes, the price is often set in advance – without a taximeter. In such situations , be sure to agree on a price before the ride . Or better yet – choose an app that will show you the cost right away.
The complexity of the system can confuse tourists. Especially when the taximeter goes crazy and the driver only speaks Chinese.
So insist on using a taximeter and always take a "fapiao" (receipt) – it's your only guarantee if something goes wrong. Ride-hailing apps give you an advantage: they show the price up front and leave no room for manipulation.
How much does a taxi ride cost in China?
Compared to the West, taxi fares in China are very affordable . However, the differences are big – they depend on the city, its size and wealth.
Beijing:
Start: ¥13 (approx. PLN 7.40 / €1.70) for 3 km, then ¥2.3/km (approx. PLN 1.30 / €0.30)
Night surcharge: +20% (23:00–5:00)
Parking: ¥2 for every 5 min (approx. 1 PLN / 0.23 €)
After 15 km – the rate increases by 50%
Example fares: from the airport to the city centre – ¥90–¥100 (approx. 51–57 PLN / 11–13 €), to the Olympic Village – ¥60–¥70 (approx. 34–40 PLN / 7–9 €)
Shanghai:
Start: ¥14 (approx. 8 PLN / 1.80 €) for standard / ¥16 (approx. 9 PLN / 2 €) for electric
Next: ¥2.7/km (approx. PLN 1.50 / € 0.35)
Night surcharge: +30%
Guilin: Starting only ¥8 (approx. 4.50 PLN / 1 €)
Yangshuo: a tourist trap – often without a taximeter, min. ¥20 for a few km (approx. PLN 11 / €2.50)
Average prices per km:
Apps (ride-hailing): ¥1.5–¥2.5 (approx. PLN 0.85–1.45 / €0.20–0.35)
Classic taxis: ¥2.0–¥3.0 (approx. 1.15–1.70 PLN / 0.25–0.40 €)
Private cars: ¥4.0–¥8.0 (approx. 2.30–4.60 PLN / 0.55–1 €)
Why such differences? It all depends on the income of residents and local purchasing power. The richer the city, the higher the rates. But also more options, better cars and greater availability of services.
Apps have one advantage: dynamic pricing . Prices can go up during holidays, rain, or rush hour. Traditional taxis have more predictable prices, but traffic jams can ruin your budget.
To sum up: it's worth ordering a taxi in advance , learning about local rates, and having an app at the ready. Because although it's cheap, you can easily overpay due to ignorance of the system.
Taxi booking apps
Without the app, nothing happens – this is what everyday life looks like in Chinese transport today. If you’re planning a trip to the Middle Kingdom, a phone with the right app is your best friend . At the forefront? Didi Chuxing , of course.
Didi Chuxing: China's Most Popular Platform
Didi is not just an app – it is a super tool for getting around China that includes everything you could possibly need.
Here's what you need to know about her:
📱 Over 550 million people use it – and that speaks for itself.
🚖 The selection of services is impressive :
classic taxis,
private cars (Express, Premium),
carpooling (i.e. sharing a ride with others),
designated driver (someone drives your car away, e.g. after a party),
buses and vans for group trips.
🔧 Features that will make your life easier :
you can register with a foreign number,
you enter the address in English – the app will translate it itself,
you know who is coming to pick you up, what the car looks like and how long you will wait,
you pay automatically – just Alipay, WeChat Pay or card,
you rate the rides, so the quality of services increases,
and if you use WeChat, Didi is there as a mini-app – no additional installations.
Prices? Dynamic. On Friday evening or during a downpour – they may go up, but the app shows it up front.
Here’s a quick look at Didi and Meituan’s ride options:
Service | Description | For whom? |
Taxi | Traditional taxi with city price list | For fans of predictability |
Express / Economy | Private car, fast and cheap | For everyday use and for budget-conscious people |
Premium / Comfort / Business | A classy car with a driver in a shirt | For important occasions |
Hitch / Carpool | Shared ride | Ecological and cheap |
Designated Driver | Someone is driving your car away | After the party or on the road |
Bus / Large Vehicle | A large cart for larger needs | Families, groups, lots of luggage |
Does Uber operate in China?
And here’s where it gets interesting. Uber tried in China—and failed. In 2016, it joined forces with Didi, which… well, absorbed it.
Why did Didi beat Uber?
🧠 Local approach – better understood the needs of Chinese users.
💸 Mobile payments – Didi has integrated with Alipay and WeChat Pay right away.
🎯 Greater flexibility of services – from cheap rides to luxury limousines.
🧱 It has built a stronger ecosystem – integrated with WeChat, accessible to millions with one click.
Uber wanted it their way, Didi acted like a local. And that was enough.
Payment methods: Alipay and WeChat Pay
Forget about cash – in China , even a busker has a QR code . If you want to order a taxi (or anything else), you need Alipay or WeChat Pay .
What do you need to know as a tourist?
🎫 Alipay Tour Pass :
works like a prepaid card,
you can top it up with a VISA or Mastercard,
up to a maximum of ¥2000 (approx. PLN 1130 / €260),
unused funds are returned after 90 days.
💳 Automatic payment on Didi and Meituan – no cash, no tension.
🔒 Limitations – e.g. you can't transfer money between users, but you'll still manage 90% of life.
🚀 Super apps – you pay, order food, book tickets, and sometimes even a hairdresser – all in one app.
🧠 Pro tip: Alipay and WeChat Pay are not interchangeable . Each has its own QR code and balance.
If you don't remember anything from this guide, at least this: get your mobile payments sorted out before you get on the plane . Because without it, you'll be left with nothing - no taxi, no dumplings, no coffee. And nobody wants that.
Book a taxi from the airport
After getting off the plane in China, especially after a long flight, one dreams of only one thing – getting to the hotel quickly and without any problems. And this is where the topic of booking a taxi from the airport comes in, which can save you nerves, misunderstandings and... a few unplanned expenses.
Airports in China as departure points
At most Chinese airports – from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Beijing Capital Airport to Wuhan Airport – you’ll find classic taxi ranks. They’re well-marked, usually near the terminal exit.
Just be careful: not every taxi waiting outside the terminal is a good option. Definitely avoid the "private drivers" who approach you and offer a "special ride" - usually without a meter, without a receipt, and with a sky-high price.
In many cities, including Shanghai , Shenzhen , and Chengdu , vehicles ordered through apps have specially designated pickup zones.
This will make it easier to find your driver and avoid misunderstandings. Some hotels also offer airport transfers – just book in advance and the driver will be waiting with a sign. Simple, convenient and stress-free.
Problems with Short Courses and How to Avoid Them
Unfortunately, things don't always go smoothly. If your hotel is close to the airport, you may encounter a classic problem: the driver doesn't want to drive a short distance . The reason? He waited in line for a long time, he's counting on a bigger profit, and you just want to drive 4 kilometers further.
Drivers sometimes make their dissatisfaction known, or – in the case of rides booked through apps – simply cancel the trip once they learn the destination .
In some Chinese airports, such as in Shanghai or Guangzhou , there are solutions in the form of so-called " short distance tickets" .
Drivers who accept a short ride can then return to the front of the line, provided they do so within 40 minutes. In theory, this helps, but in practice – driver complaints and refusals still happen.
That's why apps like Didi , T3 Mobility , Caocao or Meituan Ride-Hailing are a great solution, showing the driver in advance where you're going and how much they'll pay. Less chance that someone will cancel - everything is transparent and set.
An interesting trick? Some travelers temporarily change the phone number in the app profile to inactive – then the driver cannot call and ask about the destination of the trip. Effective, although unofficial.
If you want to be absolutely sure that no one will refuse the ride and the price will not change - use pre-booked transfers . Companies such as Blacklane , HolidayTaxis , i'way or Suntransfers operate in many Chinese cities and offer:
fixed price (regardless of time or traffic jams),
flight tracking,
ability to choose vehicle class,
online payment and no stress.
How to pre-book a taxi from the airport
Booking a taxi before you travel is one of the best moves you can make – especially if you land late at night, early in the morning, or are concerned about the language barrier.
Thanks to services such as Kiwitaxi.com , i'way , GetTransfer.com or Booking.com/taxi you can easily:
set the exact pickup location and destination,
see final price,
cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the course,
pay by card in advance,
and a driver with a sign will be waiting for you at the airport. Simple and convenient.
Apps like Didi and Gaode Map also let you set a ride in advance – although in some cities this involves a nominal surcharge (e.g. ¥6 in Beijing for a reservation more than 4 hours in advance). Still, it gives you peace of mind and more control.
In short? When it comes to China airport transfers , it’s best to have a plan. Booking a taxi in advance gives you a guaranteed ride, predictable costs, and the peace of mind you really want at the beginning of your trip. After all, this is where your Chinese adventure begins!
Self-driving taxis in China
If you think autonomous cars are the future, in China that future has already arrived. The so-called robotaxi is a topic that is developing at a dizzying pace here, and today you can jump into a vehicle without a driver. Literally.
What are robotaxi and how do they work?
Robotaxi are vehicles that work like classic taxis from the app, but... without a driver. Instead of a human behind the wheel, you have a set of sensors, radars, 360 cameras and artificial intelligence that understands the situation on the road better than many a human being.
In China, you will mainly encounter level 3 and 4 autonomous vehicles. The more advanced ones (level 4) can drive independently in certain conditions, and level 5 is science fiction, i.e. full autonomy in all conditions – for now only in theory.
The technology used in robotaxi is a real science & tech show:
LiDAR: Laser mapping of the environment,
Radar: detects moving objects,
360° cameras: an eye around your head,
Ultrasonic and audio sensors: detect pedestrians, cyclists, sounds,
AI and machine learning: analyze everything and make decisions in real time.
Most of these cars are electric or hybrid vehicles. At the beginning of the tests, they have a so-called safety operator on board – a human who can intervene. But ultimately, it is to be completely maintenance-free. And this is already happening.
Apollo Go: Baidu's Autonomous Service
The most high-profile player in this segment is Apollo Go , Baidu's autonomous ride-hailing project. Apollo's robotaxi are already operating in cities such as Beijing , Wuhan , and Shenzhen , and plans are to expand to 65 cities by 2026.
2,000 robotaxi in the fleet (as of 2024),
over 7 million completed journeys,
RT6 generation of vehicles – more modern, cheaper, mass-produced for less than USD 30,000.
Interestingly, Apollo Go behaves like a very careful driver: it does not exceed the speed limit, leaves plenty of space between cars, and does not enter on yellow lights. When necessary, it can be assisted by a remote operator from the Baidu support center.
Baidu is aiming high. It plans to export its technology – to Europe and Dubai, among others – and is working with global players to create a large-scale autonomous transport system .
It’s not just about technology, but also about cost. Apollo’s new generation of robotaxi is supposed to be cheap to produce, which allows for scaling the service – and ultimately, it’s supposed to cost less than a regular ride through Uber or Didi.
Autonomous Vehicle Regulations and Market Development
China isn’t just keeping up with the West— it’s setting the pace . The autonomous taxi market in China is already worth more than $12 billion, and is growing at a rate of 60% annually. By comparison, the U.S. is worth $8 billion and takes a more cautious approach.
More than 15 Chinese cities—including Beijing , Wuhan , Shenzhen —allow fully autonomous, driverless rides . And the number is growing. The pioneer was Pony.ai, the first company in China to get a license for an autonomous taxi in 2022.
The authorities are investing billions of yuan in infrastructure, AI development and the integration of road systems with the so-called Vehicle-Road-Cloud. This is a vision in which vehicles communicate with the road, traffic lights, and the data cloud. Sounds like science fiction? In China, this is already a project being implemented in practice.
In addition to Baidu and Pony.ai, the most important companies in the robotaxi sector include:
AutoX (powered by Alibaba),
WeRide (operates e.g. in Guangzhou),
Wait a minute ,
Deeproute.ai ,
as well as international players such as Waymo , Cruise , Tesla , who look with envy at the pace of service implementation in China.
Society? Surprisingly ready. More than 60% of Chinese say they would trust a driverless car .
This is more than in Europe or the US. And if by 2030 the cost of a robotaxi ride drops to $0.30-0.50 per mile (i.e. up to 60% cheaper than traditional services), then it is hard to be surprised by this enthusiasm.
In short: Self-driving taxis are taking the Chinese market by storm , and the future looks bright—and without a steering wheel. This isn’t just a technological innovation, it’s a major shift in the way we think about urban mobility. Will China become the world leader? There’s every indication that it already is.
Practical advice for travelers and tourists
Traveling in China can be a fascinating experience, but let's be honest, taxis can be a bit of a surprise. Here's a practical guide to help you not only survive, but also get around Chinese cities comfortably.
How to order a taxi step by step
Traditional taxi:
Get the Right Taxi: Look for a taxi with an illuminated LED panel (usually green or red). Avoid "touters" - this is often a trap.
An address in Chinese is essential: Have it written down – preferably in the form of a hotel business card or a screenshot from a map. English? Forget it, drivers barely know it.
Sit in the front: This is normal and makes it easier to check the taximeter and communicate with the driver.
“Qǐng dǎ biǎo” – the magic words: It means “Please turn on the taximeter.” This is your first weapon against ripping off.
Cash? Have change: Large bills are asking for trouble. Mobile payments are much safer.
Always take a receipt (“fāpiào”): This is your insurance policy for lost items or disputes.
Ride-hailing apps (Didi, Meituan, Alipay, Gaode Map):
Install and set up: Apps are available in English. Sign up, connect Alipay or WeChat Pay. Don't have a Chinese card? Alipay Tour Pass does the trick.
Enter your pickup location and destination: You can type in English – the app will translate. Don’t know the exact address? Type something like “Starbucks, Xidan.”
Select vehicle and confirm: Express, Premium? Everything in advance – price, time, driver.
Follow live: The app will show you the license plate number, car model and arrival in real time.
Built-in communication: Chat with translation works well, especially when the driver is calling and speaking... only Chinese.
Payment? Automatic: After the ride, the app automatically debits your account. At the end, you can rate the driver.
When is it best to book a taxi in advance?
There are times when it is better not to risk it:
Flights and major transfers: Hailing a taxi haphazardly during rush hour? This is an extreme sport.
Rain, snow, storm – forget it: In such conditions, applications are empty or demand 2-3 times more.
Lots of luggage? Child seat? Book through Booking.com, Kiwitaxi or directly with the hotel – comfort guaranteed.
Travelling at night or early in the morning: It's better not to take any chances. Booking gives you certainty and a good night's sleep.
How much does a ride cost and what influences the price?
The price depends on: distance, travel time (i.e. traffic jams) and time of day.
Night surcharges: 11pm to 5am – typically +20–30%.
Didi and other apps: They have surge pricing. In peak times, when it rains or when there is high demand – prices skyrocket.
Traditional taxis: have fixed meter rates, but traffic jams and parking fees can be surprising.
The city matters: You'll pay more in Beijing than in Chengdu. Generally, the richer the city, the more expensive it is.
Sample prices:
Short journeys in the city centre: approx. 14–25 CNY (~1.80–3.20 EUR / ~8–14 PLN)
From airport to city center: 80–150 CNY (~10–20 EUR / ~35–70 PLN)
Longer routes or premium cars: up to 200+ CNY (~25+ EUR / ~90+ PLN)
Language Barrier? There's a way around it!
Don't panic when you hear a stream of Chinese – you have plenty of options:
Address in Chinese is essential. Business card, screenshot, printout – whatever, but have it with you.
Apps like Didi or Meituan: English interface, translations in chat – a miracle of technology.
Translator on your phone: Baidu Translate, iTranslate, Papago – take your pick.
Famous places as landmarks: "Next to KFC", "opposite People's Park" – always works.
Destination phone number: Drivers sometimes call this for directions.
Counterfeit banknotes - and why mobile payment is a salvation
China's payment system works like it's from the future. Cash? Rare and dangerous.
Fake 50 and 100 yuan: It's a real problem. Even from an ATM!
Driver can switch banknotes: Classic. He'll say you gave him a fake one and there'll be a commotion.
Better:
Pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay: Safe, fast, no fuss.
Got cash? Just change. And check if the notes look suspicious.
Suspicious banknote? Don't use it - hand it in to the bank or police.
Lost Something in a Taxi? Here's What to Do
Don't panic, just act quickly:
Do you have a receipt (“fāpiào”)? Great! It has a registration number and driver ID. Call the number on the receipt or the general hotline 12328.
Did you order through the app? Even better! You have a history of the ride, you can contact the driver or report a loss.
No data? Try calling your local city hotline – some cities have lost and found centres and can check the taxi’s GPS.
The Chinese taxi world is a mix of old and new: classic fares meet digital high-tech. If you want to travel without stress, rely on apps, be prepared for any situation and don't part with your phone and receipt .
Do you have questions about what to do in a specific situation? Let us know – traveling in China is an adventure, but with the right plan it will be pure pleasure! 🇨🇳🚖
Comments