The 14-hour overnight trip between Shanghai and Beijing offers a tempting alternative to flying, with soft sleep berths costing just 300 Rmb one-way. Train tickets can be bought through the larger hotels, travel agencies or main railway stations, but for popular destinations they MUST be bought at least three days in advance.

Even in this case, the ticket office may claim that the train is full. In this event, it's always best to look around outside the office for touts, who will provide you with a ticket (with an 50% surcharge). There is every reason to suspect collusion between the touts and the ticket offices.

Bus :

China's bus network covers all areas of the country, including those not yet reached by train. Buses are slow and basic, though private competition in recent years has raised levels of comfort and frequency. Good-value luxury and sleeper buses are now available on some routes, offering padded seats or even bunks, though passengers are still required to bring their own food and drink.

Boat :

Traveling by ferry is now more of an experience for the tourist than a practical means of getting around. Larger rivers such as the Yangzi offer a tremendous experience for tourists seeking to see China at a more sedate pace. Conditions on board tend to be basic, with accommodation varying from acceptable to atrocious. Tourists should opt for private cabins if at all possible.