I. Safety Analysis of Inter-city Private Car Services

In China, the safety of inter-city private car services (such as chartered cars, exclusive cars, ride-sharing, etc.) depends on the qualifications of the service provider and the user’s selection method. Below are key points to note:

1. Legality and Qualifications

• Platform Certification: It is recommended to book through formal platforms (such as DiDi Chuxing, Shenzhou Car Rental, Ctrip, etc.). These platforms strictly review drivers and vehicles, requiring them to provide driver's licenses, vehicle registration certificates, vehicle insurance, and operation qualification certificates.
• Operation License: Legal operating vehicles must possess the "Network预约Rental Car Transport Certificate" (i.e., "Ride-hailing Car License"), and drivers must hold the "Network预约Rental Car Driver Certificate."

2. Vehicle and Driver Safety Assurance

• Vehicle Condition: Regular platform vehicles are usually new cars within 5 years and undergo regular safety inspections.
• Trip Tracking: Most platforms offer real-time GPS positioning, trip sharing (can be shared with family and friends), and emergency contact functions.
• Insurance Coverage: Platform vehicles must be insured with passenger accident insurance, and some high-end services also include additional commercial insurance.

3. User Reviews and Reputation

• Check the driver's rating before booking (generally above 4.8 is more reliable) and historical reviews, avoiding services without reviews or with many negative reviews.

4. Risk Warnings

• Avoid "Black Cars": Privately hired vehicles on the street may lack legal qualifications, posing higher safety risks.
• Night Travel: Female travelers or solo travelers are advised to avoid taking vehicles from unfamiliar drivers at night.

II. Booking Methods for Inter-city Private Car Services

Below are mainstream booking channels and operation guides:

1. Online Platform Booking (Recommended)

• DiDi Chuxing:
• Download the "DiDi Chuxing" APP, registration requires binding to a Chinese mobile phone number (temporary SIM cards can be purchased at airports).
• Choose "Inter-city Exclusive Car" or "Carpool" (cheaper), input departure point, destination, and time, and the system will automatically quote.

• Supports Alipay, WeChat Pay, or international credit cards (in some cities).

• Ctrip / Fliggy:

• In the APP, choose the "Chartered Car/Rental Car" service, which allows customization of inter-city routes (e.g., Beijing-Xi'an), with options including economy class, business cars, luxury cars, etc.
• Transparent fees (including expressway tolls, driver service fees), need to book 1-3 days in advance.

2. Booking via Travel Agencies or Hotels

• Book chartered car services through hotel front desks or local travel agencies, suitable for tourists who don't speak the language or require customized itineraries, but the cost may be slightly higher.

3. Airport/High-speed Railway Station Service Counters

• Some large airports (such as Beijing Capital Airport, Shanghai Pudong Airport) have counters for formal rental companies (such as Yihaizuche, Shenzhouzuche), where you can book inter-city exclusive cars with drivers on-site.

4. Private Chartered Car Companies

• Some companies offer services in both Chinese and English (such as "China Highlights", "Top China Travel"), requiring contact through their official website or email, suitable for long trips or group tours.

III. Booking Precautions

1. Cost Estimation: Inter-city chartered car costs are usually calculated based on "mileage + time", for example, Beijing to Shanghai (about 1200 kilometers), the cost of a business car is approximately 4000-6000 RMB (including driver, fuel, expressway tolls).
2. Contract and Invoice: Confirm that the itinerary includes the license plate number and driver's contact information, and request a formal invoice (some platforms can issue electronic invoices).
3. Communication Details: Confirm the route, rest stops along the way, and whether there are additional fees in advance (such as night service fees).
4. Payment Method: Preferably choose platform-guaranteed transactions, avoiding direct deposits to drivers.

IV. Alternative Suggestions

If you have concerns about private car services, consider the following more economical inter-city transportation options: - High-speed Rail: Covers major cities, fast speed (e.g., Beijing-Shanghai 4.5 hours), dense schedules, can be booked through the 12306 official website or Trip.com. - Long-distance Bus: Suitable for short distances (e.g., Shanghai-Suzhou), can be checked through the "Bus365" APP.