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)

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