Taxis & Rideshare in China (2026) - Grab, Uber & More

In China, local taxis remain the most universally available option, recognizable by their two-tone paint schemes and rooftop lights. To hail one, simply stand on the curb and raise your hand, drivers will stop if the rooftop light displays "空车" (kōng chē, meaning "empty car"). Payment is straightforward: most drivers accept cash. But mobile payment via WeChat Pay or Alipay is increasingly preferred. Language barriers can be mitigated by showing your destination written in Chinese characters or using translation apps. For added convenience, major cities like Beijing and Shanghai have taxi stands at airports, train stations, and popular tourist areas where English-speaking dispatchers can assist. Rideshare services have largely replaced international apps like Uber, with Didi Chuxing dominating the market. Download the Didi app (available in English) and register with your phone number, foreign credit cards are accepted. The app offers multiple service tiers: Express for budget travel, Premier for comfort, and Lux for premium vehicles. For travelers without Chinese mobile numbers, some hotels can help book rides through concierge services. Choose taxis for immediate street pickups during rush hour when app wait times increase, or opt for Didi when you need upfront pricing, English interface, or the ability to track your route, useful for longer journeys or when traveling with luggage.