Cheap, efficient and fast, Buses and subways are comfortable,
that is, unless you are trying to go somewhere during rush
hours.
Try to avoid travel of any type (even bicycles) between 7 and 9
AM and 4:30 and 6:30 PM. Most urban bus fleets are being
rapidly updated -- especially in Beijing in the run-up to the 2008
Olympics. About 50% of the fleet is now air-conditioned in summer
and heated in winter. Many buses have soft cushioned seats,
however, the majority are still McDonald's type plastic torture
seats. But, most people can tolerate a lot of discomfort for the
few minutes of a city bus ride. One to three Yuan (11 cents to 33
cents) will take you anywhere the bus goes.
Outside the large cities the buses may be a little old and
drafty, but fares are also cheaper and journeys shorter. Tolerance
is the key to enjoying life in any major metropolitan area in the
world. Smile and grit your teeth.
(State Administration of Foreign Experts Affair October 18,
2006)