Bus Travel
In China, traveling long-distance by bus can be a very challenging experience for foreigners, and even dangerous in some cases. If you are not caught in an overcrowded bus on an urban route, you will probably be crossing your heart as the bus driver recklessly negotiates the perilous and ill-maintained roads of the rural areas. However, apart from the wondrous sights to behold, traveling by bus has its share of advantages over other modes of transportation.
Buses are usually the last resort for long-distance traveling in China as train and air tickets are generally either too popular or expensive for the regular traveler. Just having to wait in line to get a train ticket is quite an ordeal itself, and trains are not exactly so much less crowded compared to buses. Even though the network of railroads is extended to include many new destinations lately, certain remote places remain to be only accessible by road. With more than 1.4 million km of highways and 9000 km of expressway, almost every town in China can be conveniently reached by bus. Besides, bus is also the most affordable way to travel.
The types of buses available for long-distance traveling in China range from luxury buses with the benefits of air-conditioning and TV to rickety old ones with wooden seats. Mostly, luxury buses are commonly used for routes to and from an urban city or a major tourism destination, and they can be quite expensive compared to ordinary buses. The majority of long-distance buses in China do not have air-conditioning or heating, and the seats are usually too lightly padded for long-distance comfort. Leg-room may be sufficient for the locals but if you are any taller than 1.5m, it may be rather restricting for you. Sleeper buses are also available in China and they can be quite comfortable if you manage to get a lower bunk, which is more expensive. Generally, sleepers are very sought-after and you will have to get your tickets well in advance to secure a place.
To purchase a bus ticket, you can either get it through the hotel desk or at the long-distance bus station. It is advisable that you get it one or two days before your departure date to secure better seating arrangement, but since most Chinese people will simply arrive at the bus station and buy a ticket for the next bus, you should be able to do the same (but this is only advisable for popular routes with multiple busses a day!).
Usually, tickets are sold at ticket counters in the bus station, but you can also purchase them direct from the bus-driver or conductor at the point of departure. Always find out what type of bus you will be traveling in because if you get one of those old buses, you may be arriving at your destination much later than expected, not to mention the discomfort you have to deal with. The cheaper busses will also usually avoid toll highways, which can easily cause your travel time to be doubled. In less urban places, buses stop just about anywhere along the road to pick up passengers. All you have to do is just wave them down and pay the fare when you get into the bus.
There are several things you have to bear in mind when traveling on a bus in China. First of all, always keep your valuables in a very secure place because many travelers have fallen prey to pickpockets in buses. Mostly, they wait for the passengers to fall asleep before acting, and some locals even try to stay awake throughout the trip as a result of that. Keep an eye on suspicious characters while you are in the bus. If you are traveling with an old bus, you should bring earplugs with you because the drivers use the horn rather often, especially when overtaking. The sound of the horn can be rather deafening and it is very difficult to get any rest without earplugs. Also, most buses stop at very cheap restaurants for breaks, and the food they serve at these joints may not be up to your taste. It is advisable that you bring your own food.
Traveling by bus is still the best way to experience the country. Besides being able to enjoy the scenic beauty, you will also be rubbing shoulders with the true commoners of China. Most adventurous travelers will choose to take the bus over other forms of transportation, despite the discomfort, because they get to experience first-hand the culture of the common Chinese travelers.