Chinese Traditional Transportation

During the 19th and early 20th century, Rickshaws became a popular hit in China. Rickshaw is a mode of human-powered transport: a runner draws a two-wheeled cart which seats one or two persons. They were later replaced by cycle rickshaws and auto rickshaws. Motorized bicycles, motorcycles and other motorized vehicles are growing in numbers. The vehicles come in many shapes, sizes and forms. You will see some of the strangest motorized vehicles in both the cities and the country-side. This is especially true in the larger cities as affluence grows. The motorized bicycle is quickly replacing the bicycle. You can see their growth in numbers with each visit. Bicycles, the real traffic jams in major cities in China are caused by the number of bicycles. Besides walking, the main source of transportation is the bicycle. Seldom new and often not pretty, they provide the basic means of transportation to the average person in China to work, shopping and leisure activities. Rail Lines is a popular and effective method of transportation in China. In 1996 there was over 56,700 kilometers of rail line. Trains are a major means of transportation between cities in China, and connect virtually every part of the country. Trains are a key method of transportation between cities. Subways and subway systems exist only in the major cities. They are insufficient for the population to take significant advantage. Inadequate subway system is a major issue to the growth and health of these cities. Waterways are and always have been an important way of moving goods through the country. The Pearl River delta is a prime river system for the movement of goods and people. The system is filled with boats, from barges to sampans to small fishing boats, to barges and hovercraft. Product moving to and from Hong Kong will be found on boats for some portion of its journey. Even today you will see a wide array of boats on the various river systems. Sampans, long famous boats in China, are still seen in Hong Kong Harbor and on the waters around China. Barges of all types, laden with goods and materials as well as soil and rocks for many of China's development projects can be seen floating upon the waters. Lastly, automobiles have become the hottest method of transportation in China today. With a country of more than 1 billion people strong, we can only imagine the impact of automobiles in China will have on everyone in the world. Influencing the influx of car buying, Chinese people are getting wealthier each day and more disposable income to utilize. Automobile is a necessity in Chinese culture today.