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Metro
in China

How to ride the metro in major Chinese cities, including Alipay transport QR, ticket machines, day passes, and first-time visitor tips.

Quick advice

For most first-time visitors, metro is the easiest way to travel inside major Chinese cities. Use Alipay Transport QR if it works for your city, and keep ticket machines as a backup.

Quick summary

The basic metro flow for first-time visitors.

Metro is usually the best option

In major cities, metro is often the fastest, most reliable, and easiest way to move around.

Alipay transport QR is convenient

For most visitors, using Alipay Transport is easier than buying a ticket every time.

Ticket machines are a good backup

Most large metro stations have ticket machines, and many include an English interface.

Day passes are optional

They can help on busy sightseeing days, but pay-per-ride is often simpler.

Option A

Alipay Transport QR

Open Alipay, tap "Transport" or "出行", choose Metro, and generate a QR code to scan at the gate. You may need to activate the card separately for each city.

Select your city and open Transport in Alipay

Select your city and open Transport.

Tap View or Get Card in Alipay Transport

Tap View or Get Card.

Agree and obtain a metro transport card

Agree and obtain the card.

Scan the metro QR code at the gate

Scan at the gate to enter.

Option B

Single Ticket Machine

Buy a single-use ticket from the machine at the station. This is a good backup if you do not want to use Alipay Transport QR.

1

Choose English

Tap the English button on the ticket machine if available.

2

Select your destination

Choose the correct metro line, destination station, and number of passengers.

3

Pay and collect your ticket

Pay with Alipay, WeChat Pay, or cash, then collect your single-use ticket.

Good to know: If a transfer is required, choose the final destination station. The system calculates the fare automatically. You can also buy multiple tickets by selecting the number of passengers.

Important note

Keep your ticket until the end of the ride. You must insert it into the exit gate when leaving the station.
Option C

Day Passes

Day passes can be useful if you plan to take many metro rides in one day, especially on busy sightseeing days in major cities.

1

Ask at the service center

Ask station staff whether a day pass is available in that city.

2

Buy only if you ride a lot

A day pass is useful if you expect to take multiple metro rides in one day.

3

Use Alipay if unsure

If day passes are not convenient in that city, Alipay pay-per-ride is usually easier.

Good to know: Day pass rules vary by city. Some major cities may offer 1-day or multi-day metro passes, but availability, price, and purchase method can change. Ask at the station service center or check the local metro app.

Metro tips

Small details that make metro travel smoother in Chinese cities.

Expect security checks

Every station has airport-style screening, and water bottles may be checked.

Use a map app

Apple Maps, Amap, Baidu Maps, or MetroMan can help you find lines, transfers, and exits.

Avoid rush hour if possible

Around 8:00–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:00 PM, metro stations can be very crowded.

Check the exit number

Large stations may have many exits. Choosing the right exit can save a lot of walking.

Be careful with luggage

Crowded stations and stairs can be inconvenient with heavy bags during peak hours.

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