Driving
Driving in China is perilous so take all care when crossing the road by looking both ways, as well as when walking through pedestrianised areas – rickshaws, cars, ebikes, donkey carts and other people oblivious to you will skirt in front, around and behind you.
Each city’s local police force (the Public Service Bureau, or PSB) sometimes display boards using graphic and unedited photos of horrific road accidents for all to see at busy places like railway stations and outside schools. Yet there is still a high incidence of hair-brained driving, with running red lights often done away from major roads and junctions. So, always look both ways!
In China vehicles will swerve around you and so there is a sea of erratically changing traffic. However, Chinese drivers are quite skilled within city limits. In Beijing for example, the locals are well known for their courtesy and calmness and so, on the roads there is markedly less noise and danger than in other parts of the country. So it depends where you are.
On longer distances, avoid if possible overnight bus journeys – overtaking on hill brows or blind corners are given scant caution and can allow for a very nerve-wracking experience. I have many experiences of this. Opt for daylight bus services if at all possible.
Seat belt use is mandatory in the front seats but not so in back seats. If it is, it certainly isn't enforced or encouraged much, anyway. Buckle up is always a good call.
In this section, we'll soon map out how you can start driving, too.
