Travel Essentials
China Metro Guide for Foreigners
Learn how to use the metro in China as a foreign traveler, including tickets, Alipay transport QR codes, foreign bank cards, security checks, transfers and airport connections.
China's metro systems are often the easiest way to move around major cities.
They are usually:
- Fast
- Affordable
- Frequent
- Well signposted
- Connected to airports and railway stations
- Easier than road traffic during rush hour
For foreign visitors, the system can look complicated at first because payment methods vary slightly between cities.
But the actual journey is simple:
Choose your route → enter the station → go through security → pay or scan in → follow the line and direction → transfer if needed → scan out.
This guide explains the process.
The Short Version
For most travelers, the easiest options are:
Option 1: Alipay transport QR code
Open:
Alipay → Transport → select the city → Metro
Complete the required setup and use the QR code at the gate.
Option 2: Buy a single-journey ticket
Use:
- Ticket machine
- Station service center
Option 3: Use a local transport card or metro app
Useful if you are staying longer.
Option 4: Tap an overseas bank card
Available in some cities, but not nationwide.
Beijing is currently a notable example where eligible overseas Visa and Mastercard cards can be tapped directly at metro gates.
Is the Metro Easy to Use in China?
Usually, yes.
China has metro systems in dozens of cities.
Major networks include:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Chengdu
- Chongqing
- Xi'an
- Hangzhou
- Nanjing
- Wuhan
- Suzhou
- Changsha
- Kunming
- Guiyang
In large cities, metro signage commonly includes:
- Chinese
- English
- Line numbers
- Station numbers
- Color coding
You do not need to speak Chinese to use most major metro systems.
The Easiest Setup for Most Foreign Travelers
If you already use Alipay, start there.
A practical setup is:
- Open Alipay
- Tap Transport
- Select your city
- Choose Metro
- Complete any identity verification
- Activate the transport QR code
- Scan when entering
- Scan again when leaving
This avoids buying individual tickets each time.
Does the Same Metro QR Code Work Everywhere in China?
No.
Metro systems are city-based.
When you arrive in a new city, check the city shown in Alipay's Transport section.
For example, a transport code set up for Shanghai is not something you should assume automatically works in Chengdu.
Switch to the correct city before traveling.
Step 1: Plan Your Route
Before entering the station, check:
- Starting station
- Destination station
- Line number
- Direction
- Transfers
- Final station exit
Amap is especially useful because it shows:
- Metro routes
- Travel times
- Station exits
- Walking connections
- Alternative routes
Read next: Essential Apps for Traveling in China
Station Names Matter
Many Chinese station names look similar when translated.
Also, one large transport hub may contain:
- Metro station
- Railway station
- Bus station
- Airport terminal
Check the exact station.
For example:
Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
is a major railway hub with metro access.
But that is not the same thing as every station containing the word “Hongqiao.”
Step 2: Enter the Station
Look for the metro symbol and station entrance.
Entrances are usually numbered or lettered.
For example:
- Exit A
- Exit B
- Exit C
- Exit D
Large stations may have many entrances.
The entrance you choose usually does not matter much when entering, but the correct exit can matter a lot at your destination.
Step 3: Go Through Security
Security screening is common in Chinese metro systems.
You may need to:
- Put bags through an X-ray scanner
- Walk through a security checkpoint
- Allow staff to inspect unusual items
This is normal.
It is generally much faster than airport security.
Are There Liquid Restrictions?
Metro security is not the same as airport security.
Ordinary drinks are often allowed.
However, metro systems may restrict:
- Flammable items
- Dangerous chemicals
- Weapons
- Certain pressurized products
- Other hazardous items
Local rules vary.
Follow station signage and staff instructions.
Option 1: Use Alipay for the Metro
For many foreign visitors, this is the simplest method.
Current official guidance recommends:
Alipay → Transport → select city
After completing the required verification, you can obtain a metro QR code.
Scan it at the gate when entering and exiting.
How to Set Up the Alipay Metro Code
The exact interface may change, but the process is usually:
- Open Alipay
- Tap Transport
- Check the city
- Choose Metro
- Agree to the current service terms
- Complete verification if requested
- Activate the transport code
- Open the QR code at the station gate
Once set up, you normally do not need to buy a ticket for every trip.
Do You Need a Chinese Bank Account?
Not necessarily.
Foreign visitors can already link supported international bank cards to Alipay.
Whether a specific transport function accepts your exact payment setup can depend on the city and current service configuration.
If the metro QR code cannot be activated, use a single-journey ticket instead.
Read next: How to Set Up Alipay Before Traveling to China
Option 2: Buy a Single-Journey Ticket
This is the safest fallback.
You can usually buy one from:
- Ticket machine
- Station service center
Select:
- Destination
- Number of tickets
- Payment method
Then enter the metro.
The ticket format depends on the city.
You may receive:
- Token
- Card
- Paper QR ticket
- Other electronic ticket
Can You Use Cash?
Yes, many metro systems still allow RMB cash for ticket purchase through appropriate machines or staffed counters.
Official national guidance also lists RMB cash as an available metro ticket-payment option for foreign travelers.
However, some machines may:
- Not accept large notes
- Not provide all denominations
- Prefer mobile payment
Keep small RMB notes if you want a cash backup.
Can You Use an Overseas Bank Card?
Sometimes.
But the answer depends heavily on the city.
Do not assume the same rule applies nationwide.
Beijing: Overseas Visa and Mastercard Can Be Tapped at the Gate
Beijing currently has one of the most convenient systems for international visitors.
Since September 2024, eligible overseas-issued Visa and Mastercard cards can be used directly at Beijing metro fare gates.
That means you may not need to:
- Buy a ticket
- Download a metro app
- Generate a QR code
You simply tap the eligible card when entering and exiting.
Beijing government guidance says this system covers the city's metro stations and operating rail lines included in the service.
Can You Use Apple Pay or Phone NFC in Beijing?
Beijing official guidance states that supported international-card payment can include compatible smartphone NFC cards linked to qualifying card networks.
But your exact:
- Device
- Wallet
- Card issuer
- Card network
still matters.
If tapping your phone does not work, try the physical card or another payment method.
Shanghai: Overseas Cards Can Be Used to Buy Metro Tickets
Shanghai also supports foreign bank cards, but the setup differs.
Metro service centers across Shanghai have card-payment terminals supporting eligible cards including:
- Visa
- Mastercard
- American Express
- Discover
- Diners Club
- JCB
- UnionPay
These cards can be used to purchase metro tickets at staffed service centers.
Shanghai also provides app-based and transport-card options.
Does Shanghai Let You Tap Every Foreign Card Directly at the Gate?
Do not assume so.
Shanghai's foreign-bank-card support includes ticket purchase at station service centers and certain app/payment integrations.
That is not the same policy as Beijing's universal direct foreign-card gate-tapping system.
Check current Shanghai Metro instructions for the payment method you plan to use.
Why Payment Rules Differ by City
China's metro systems are operated locally.
That means cities can have different:
- Apps
- Transport cards
- QR systems
- Bank-card support
- Fare rules
There is no single nationwide metro ticketing system that works identically everywhere.
This is why Alipay is useful: it can provide a more familiar interface across many cities.
Option 3: Use a Metro or Public Transport Card
Frequent travelers can buy local transport cards.
These may work on:
- Metro
- Bus
- Ferry
- Other local public transport
depending on the city.
Official guidance states foreign travelers can purchase metro passes or transport cards at station service locations, sometimes using a passport.
This makes more sense for longer stays than for a two-day visit.
Do You Need Your Passport to Ride the Metro?
Normally, ordinary metro rides do not require you to present your passport at every journey.
However, identity verification may be required when:
- Activating certain transport services
- Buying certain cards
- Completing app registration
Keep your passport accessible while traveling in China generally.
Step 4: Scan or Tap In
At the gate:
QR code
Open the transport QR code and hold it over the scanner.
Transport card
Tap the card.
Supported contactless bank card
Tap at the appropriate gate where supported.
Single ticket
Scan or tap according to the ticket type.
Wait for the gate to open before walking through.
Do Not Scan Twice
If the gate does not immediately open, pause.
Repeatedly scanning can sometimes create confusion about whether the first transaction registered.
Ask staff if needed.
Step 5: Find the Correct Platform
Once inside, follow signs for your metro line.
The most important thing is the direction.
Metro signs commonly show the final station or major stations in each direction.
For example:
Line 2 → Pudong International Airport
versus
Line 2 → Xujing East
Same line.
Opposite direction.
How to Know Which Direction to Take
Look at the line map.
Find your current station.
Then find your destination.
Follow the direction toward the end of the line on that side.
Amap can also tell you:
- Which direction
- Which platform
- How many stops
- Where to transfer
Step 6: Board the Train
Stand behind the platform markings.
Let passengers exit first.
Then board.
During rush hour, trains can become very crowded.
Keep:
- Phone
- Passport
- Wallet
secure.
Rush Hour
Typical commuter peaks are around:
- Morning commute
- Evening commute
Exact timing varies by city.
In major cities, central lines can be extremely crowded.
If you have:
- Large luggage
- Small children
- Limited mobility
travel outside peak periods where possible.
Can You Take Large Luggage on the Metro?
Usually, normal travel luggage is possible.
But the metro can be inconvenient with a very large suitcase because of:
- Crowded trains
- Security scanners
- Stairs
- Long transfers
- Walking distances
For airport arrivals with multiple large bags, Didi or a taxi may be easier.
Read next: How to Use Didi in China
Step 7: Transfer Between Lines
Transfers are usually clearly marked.
Follow signs for:
Transfer / 换乘
plus the line number and color.
Some transfers are short.
Others can require a long walk inside the station.
Do not assume “one transfer” always means a two-minute walk.
Do You Need to Pay Again When Transferring?
Normally, no.
If the transfer takes place inside the paid metro area, you simply follow the transfer signs.
Do not exit through the fare gates unless the route specifically requires an out-of-station transfer.
Some Transfers Can Require Leaving the Paid Area
This is less common, but certain systems or unusual station arrangements may use out-of-station transfers.
If that happens, fare treatment depends on the city's rules and ticket type.
Follow local metro instructions.
Step 8: Watch for Your Stop
Inside trains, you will usually find:
- Route map
- Station display
- Chinese announcement
- English announcement on many major systems
Do not rely only on pronunciation.
Watch the station name on the screen.
Step 9: Choose the Correct Exit
This can save much more time than people expect.
Large stations may have:
- 4 exits
- 8 exits
- 15+ exits
The wrong exit can put you on the opposite side of:
- Major road
- Shopping complex
- Railway station
- Tourist attraction
Before leaving the train, check which exit you need.
Amap is particularly good for this.
Exit Numbers Are Extremely Useful
Instead of telling someone:
“I'm at People's Square Station.”
say:
“I'm at Exit 6.”
That is much more precise.
This is especially useful when meeting:
- Friends
- Tour guides
- Didi drivers
Step 10: Scan Out
At your destination:
- Open the same QR code
- Tap the same card
- Use the same bank card
- Insert or scan the single ticket as required
Use the same payment method you used to enter.
Why You Must Use the Same Bank Card
In systems that calculate fares by distance, the network needs to match your entry and exit.
For example, if you tap into Beijing Metro with one Visa card, use that same card when tapping out.
Do not enter with:
physical card
then exit with:
a different card or wallet version
unless the system explicitly treats them as the same payment token.
What If the Gate Won't Let You Exit?
Go to the service counter.
Common reasons include:
- QR code problem
- Incomplete entry record
- Wrong ticket
- Insufficient balance
- Payment failure
- Ticket damaged
- Wrong card used
Show staff your ticket or payment method.
These issues are usually easy to resolve.
Metro Fares in China
Metro fares are generally inexpensive compared with taxis.
Many cities use distance-based pricing.
Exact fares vary by city.
For typical urban journeys, the metro is often one of the cheapest transport options available.
Can You Ride All Day With One Ticket?
Usually not with a normal single-journey ticket.
Some cities may offer:
- Day passes
- Multi-day passes
- Tourist tickets
Check local options if you expect to ride frequently.
Metro Operating Hours
Chinese metros do not generally run 24 hours.
The first and last train vary by:
- City
- Line
- Station
- Direction
- Day
- Special event
Do not assume “the metro closes at midnight.”
Your station's last train may be earlier.
Always Check the Last Train
This is particularly important if you are:
- Out late
- Arriving on a late flight
- Arriving by evening high-speed train
- Transferring across several lines
The final train on your first line may run later than the last possible transfer on your second line.
Check the whole route.
Airport Metro Connections
Many Chinese airports connect directly to metro or urban rail networks.
Examples include major airports in cities such as:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Chengdu
- Xi'an
Airport rail can be:
- Cheap
- Reliable
- Faster than road traffic
But it may not operate late enough for every flight.
Airport Metro vs Didi
Choose metro if:
- You have manageable luggage
- The hotel is near a station
- You arrive during operating hours
- Traffic is heavy
Choose Didi or taxi if:
- You have multiple large suitcases
- You arrive late
- Your hotel is far from a station
- You are traveling in a group
- You want door-to-door transport
Railway Station Metro Connections
Most major high-speed railway stations connect directly to urban transit.
Examples:
- Shanghai Hongqiao
- Beijing South
- Guangzhou South
- Shenzhen North
- Chengdu East
- Hangzhou East
This often makes metro the easiest way to continue into the city.
Read next: How to Take China's High-Speed Trains as a Foreigner
Metro With a Suitcase After a Train Journey
Before choosing the metro, check:
- Number of transfers
- Walking distance
- Elevators
- Rush hour
- Distance from final station to hotel
A direct 35-minute metro ride can be easy.
A 50-minute route involving three transfers and a 15-minute walk may not be.
Accessibility
Major systems often provide:
- Elevators
- Accessible gates
- Platform facilities
But accessibility can vary between:
- Stations
- Entrances
- Older lines
If elevators are important, check the specific station before travel.
Toilets in Metro Stations
Many Chinese metro stations provide public toilets, but availability and location vary.
They may be:
- Inside the paid area
- Near the concourse
- Near certain exits
Follow station signage.
Eating and Drinking
Rules differ by metro system.
Some cities restrict:
- Eating
- Drinking certain beverages
- Strong-smelling food
Follow local signage.
Even where drinking water is allowed, avoid making a mess on trains.
What If You Lose Something?
Go to:
- Station service center
- Metro customer service
as soon as possible.
Provide:
- Line
- Train direction
- Time
- Station
- Description of item
Some metro operators also have lost-property hotlines or online systems.
Emergency Help
If you need help inside a station:
- Speak to station staff
- Use the service desk
- Use emergency intercoms where provided
Translation apps can help if English-speaking staff are not immediately available.
Do You Need a Separate Metro App for Every City?
Usually, no.
For a short tourist trip, we generally do not recommend installing a new metro app for every city.
A simpler setup is:
- Amap for route planning
- Alipay Transport for QR payment where supported
- Single tickets as backup
Install a city-specific metro app only if it provides a function you actually need.
Why We Prefer Alipay + Amap
They solve two different problems.
Amap
Answers:
How do I get there?
Alipay
Answers:
How do I enter the metro?
Together, they cover most public-transport needs for a short trip.
Common Mistake 1: Using the Wrong City in Alipay
Before opening the metro QR code, check the selected city.
Common Mistake 2: Entering With One Payment Method and Exiting With Another
Use the same:
- QR account
- Card
- Ticket
through the whole journey.
Common Mistake 3: Taking the Correct Line in the Wrong Direction
Always check the terminal direction.
Common Mistake 4: Ignoring the Exit Number
The station name gets you underground.
The exit number gets you to the correct street.
Common Mistake 5: Assuming Every City Accepts Overseas Cards at the Gate
Beijing currently does.
That does not mean every Chinese metro system does.
Check local rules.
Common Mistake 6: Leaving Too Late for the Last Train
Metro service ends at night.
Check before going out.
Common Mistake 7: Taking the Metro With Too Much Luggage
The metro may be technically possible but practically miserable.
Use Didi when it makes more sense.
Common Mistake 8: Depending on Google Maps for Detailed Metro Navigation
Google Maps may not provide the most reliable or current local transport experience in mainland China.
Use a locally maintained map tool such as Amap for detailed route and exit information.
First Metro Ride Checklist
Before leaving the hotel
- Amap working
- Alipay working
- Correct city selected
- Destination station confirmed
- Route checked
- Last train checked if traveling late
At the station
- Correct line found
- Security completed
- Ticket or QR ready
- Correct direction confirmed
During the journey
- Transfer stations checked
- Destination monitored
- Exit number checked before arrival
Leaving
- Same payment method used to exit
- Correct exit followed
- Didi pickup point checked if continuing by car
The Setup We Recommend
For most foreign travelers:
Amap + Alipay + Didi
is enough for urban transport.
Use:
Amap
for route planning.
Alipay Transport
for metro and bus QR codes where supported.
Didi
when public transport is inconvenient.
And keep one backup:
a small amount of RMB or an international bank card
in case your phone or payment setup stops working.
What We Recommend
Do not overcomplicate the metro before your first trip.
You mainly need to remember four things:
- Use Amap to find the route
- Use Alipay or buy a single ticket
- Check the direction before boarding
- Check the exit number before leaving
Everything else becomes familiar very quickly.
In most large Chinese cities, once you have taken the metro once or twice, it will probably become your default way of getting around.
Official Sources
This guide was checked against information published by:
- The State Council of the People's Republic of China
- Beijing Municipal Government
- Shanghai Municipal Government
- Official guidance for foreign travelers using public transportation in China
- Official Beijing and Shanghai metro payment guidance
Metro payment methods, operating hours and local ticketing systems can change. Check the current metro operator information for the city you are visiting.