Home / Metro Guide
πŸš‡

Using the Metro in China

Navigate Beijing, Shanghai, and other cities' subway systems like a local β€” without speaking Chinese.

Quick Summary

Best way to pay: WeChat or Alipay metro QR code β€” scan at turnstile, no ticket needed

Backup option: Buy single-ride ticket at machine (accepts cash and mobile pay)

Navigation: Use Baidu Maps or city metro apps β€” they work offline too

Rush hours: Avoid 7-9am and 5-7pm β€” extremely crowded

How to Pay for Metro

πŸ’š WeChat Pay (Best)

  1. 1. Open WeChat β†’ Search "乘车码"
  2. 2. Select your city
  3. 3. Enable metro transit card
  4. 4. Show QR at turnstile

Works in 200+ cities

πŸ’™ Alipay (Best)

  1. 1. Open Alipay β†’ "ε‡Ίθ‘Œ"
  2. 2. Select "εœ°ι“" (Metro)
  3. 3. Choose your city
  4. 4. Show QR at turnstile

Also works for buses

🎫 Single-Ride Ticket

  1. 1. Find ticket machine
  2. 2. Select English
  3. 3. Choose destination
  4. 4. Pay with cash/WeChat/Alipay

Good for tourists

πŸ’‘ Pro Tips

  • β€’ Metro QR codes work across different cities β€” set up once, use everywhere
  • β€’ You can enter with one app and exit with another (just use same method both times)
  • β€’ If QR doesn't scan, try brightening your phone screen
  • β€’ Keep some cash (Β₯20-50) as backup for ticket machines

Major City Metro Systems

Beijing Subway (εŒ—δΊ¬εœ°ι“)

  • β€’ 27 lines, 500+ stations β€” world's largest network
  • β€’ Airport Express: Connects to both airports
  • β€’ Flat fare: Β₯3-9 depending on distance
  • β€’ App: "εŒ—δΊ¬εœ°ι“" (Chinese only, but useful maps)
  • β€’ Rush hour: Extremely crowded on Line 1, 2, 10

Shanghai Metro (δΈŠζ΅·εœ°ι“)

  • β€’ 20 lines, 500+ stations β€” 2nd largest in world
  • β€’ Maglev line: World's fastest commercial train (airport connection)
  • β€’ Fare: Β₯3-10 based on distance
  • β€’ App: "Metroε€§ιƒ½δΌš" β€” has English version
  • β€’ Connects to all major train stations

Shenzhen Metro (ζ·±εœ³εœ°ι“)

  • β€’ 16 lines, modern and clean
  • β€’ Connects to Hong Kong border (Futian/Luohu)
  • β€’ Fare: Β₯2-10
  • β€’ Less crowded than Beijing/Shanghai
  • β€’ Airport line direct to Bao'an Airport

Guangzhou Metro (εΉΏε·žεœ°ι“)

  • β€’ 16 lines, efficient system
  • β€’ Connects to Foshan (intercity)
  • β€’ Airport South line to Baiyun Airport
  • β€’ Fare: Β₯2-15
  • β€’ Cantonese announcements in addition to Mandarin

Step-by-Step: Riding the Metro

1

Find Your Station

Use Baidu Maps or AMap. Look for "εœ°ι“" (metro) logo. Station entrances are marked with a blue "D" symbol.

2

Security Check

All bags go through X-ray scanner. Have your bag ready. Sometimes liquids are checked separately.

3

Enter the Station

Scan your QR code (WeChat/Alipay) or tap ticket at turnstile. Keep your phone screen bright for easy scanning.

4

Find Your Platform

Follow signs to your line number. Check direction β€” lines have two directions (e.g., "Line 1: To Beijing Railway Station" vs "To Sihuidong").

5

Board and Ride

Let passengers exit first. Stand on right side of escalators (walk on left). Offer seats to elderly, pregnant women, children.

6

Exit

Follow signs to your exit (A, B, C, D). Scan same QR code or insert ticket to exit. If overcharged, fare adjusts automatically.

Navigation Tips

πŸ—ΊοΈ Best Apps

  • β€’ Baidu Maps β€” Most accurate for China
  • β€’ AMap β€” Alternative, good metro info
  • β€’ City Metro Apps β€” Official apps with offline maps

πŸš‰ Transfer Tips

  • β€’ Follow purple "捒乘" (transfer) signs
  • β€’ Some transfers require exiting and re-entering
  • β€’ Large stations can be 10+ minute walks between lines

⏰ Rush Hours

  • β€’ Morning: 7:00-9:30am (avoid)
  • β€’ Evening: 5:00-7:30pm (avoid)
  • β€’ Weekends: More manageable

β™Ώ Accessibility

  • β€’ Most stations have elevators (look for wheelchair signs)
  • β€’ Priority seats marked on trains
  • β€’ Staff can assist if needed

People Also Ask

How much does metro cost in China?

Β₯2-10 depending on distance. Beijing and Shanghai start at Β₯3 for short rides. Most city-center trips cost Β₯3-5. Airport express lines cost more (Β₯20-35).

Do I need to speak Chinese?

No. Major stations have English signs. Ticket machines have English options. WeChat/Alipay QR codes work without talking. Just know your destination station name in English or show it on your phone.

Can I use the same metro card in different cities?

Yes with apps. WeChat Pay and Alipay metro QR codes work in 200+ cities across China. Physical metro cards are city-specific and don't transfer.

Is metro safe at night?

Generally yes. Chinese metro systems are well-lit, staffed, and have security. Last trains usually run 10-11:30pm. Stations close after last train. Taxis/DiDi recommended after metro hours.

What if I miss my stop?

Get off at next station and go back. You can cross to the opposite platform and take train back. No extra charge if you exit at original destination. Don't try to stay on and reverse β€” Chinese metro trains terminate and empty at end stations.

Related Guides

Getting Around β†’
DiDi, taxis, all transport
WeChat Pay β†’
Set up metro payment
Train Tickets β†’
For longer journeys

⚠️ Notice

Metro fares shown are approximate and may vary by city policy adjustments. Major cities occasionally update their public transportation pricing. Lines and stations listed reflect April 2026 status; new lines open frequently in expanding cities. Please Verify before use.

Check: City metro official website or app; Visit: Metro station information counter

Last updated: April 2026