China Metro & Subway: Complete Guide for Tourists (2026)

China has over 50 cities with metro systems — the world’s largest urban rail network. Trains are clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and incredibly cheap. A typical ride costs ¥2–7 (about $0.30–$1 USD).

But for first-time foreign visitors, the payment system can be confusing. Do you buy a card? A ticket? Scan a QR code? And why won’t the gate let you through?

This guide covers everything: how to pay, which cities have metro, real fares, navigation tips, and the mistakes that trap tourists at the turnstile.

Quick Start: How to Ride in 4 Steps

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If you just landed and need to take the metro right now:

1. Open Alipay → tap “Transport” (出行)
2. Select your city → a QR code appears
3. Scan the QR at the entry gate → walk through
4. Scan again at your exit gate → fare deducted automatically

That’s it. No ticket machine, no cash, no physical card. Works in 46+ Chinese cities.

If Alipay isn’t set up yet: See the Alipay Transport QR setup section below. Or buy a single-journey token at any station machine (cash or Alipay accepted).

City-by-City: 8 Major Metro Systems Compared

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Operating hours: Generally 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM across all cities. Last trains depart around 10:30–11:00 PM from terminal stations.

Over 40 additional cities have metro systems including Wuhan, Nanjing, Suzhou, Kunming, Dali, Guilin, Harbin, and more. All major tourist destinations are covered.

How to Pay: 4 Methods Ranked

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Method 1: Alipay Transport QR (Recommended)

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The easiest, fastest, and most universal payment method for foreigners.

Setup (one time, 2 minutes):

1. Open Alipay (make sure your international card is linked)
2. Tap “Transport” (出行) on the home page
3. Select your city from the list
4. A blue QR code appears — this is your metro ticket

At the station:

• Entry: Hold QR code to the scanner on the gate → green light → walk through
• Exit: Open Alipay again → same QR → scan at exit gate → fare deducted

Works in 46+ cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Wuhan, Nanjing, Suzhou, and most tourist destinations.

2026 Update: Foreign Visa/Mastercard binding now works directly in 42 of 46 QR-supported cities — no need for a separate TourCard.

Pro tip: Pre-load your city’s QR code while on hotel WiFi before heading to the station. If your mobile signal is weak underground, the cached QR still works for up to 24 hours.

Method 2: WeChat Ride Code (Alternative)

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Similar to Alipay but through WeChat:

1. Open WeChat → search “乘车码” (Ride Code)
2. Select your city
3. QR code generates → scan at gates

Works in the same cities as Alipay. Use whichever app you’re more comfortable with — both accept international cards.

Method 3: Single-Journey Token (Backup)

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Every station has self-service ticket machines that accept cash and Alipay:

1. Find the machine (usually near station entrance)
2. Tap your destination station on the touchscreen map
3. Fare displays → insert cash or scan Alipay
4. A plastic token dispenses
5. Tap the token at the entry gate
6. Insert the token at the exit gate (machine keeps it)

Note: Some machines have English buttons. If not, look for the station name in pinyin on the map. Machines accept ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥20 notes. Coins accepted but not always available.

Downside: You wait in line. During rush hour, lines can be 5–10 minutes.

Method 4: Physical Transit Card (For Long Stays)

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City-specific cards like Beijing’s Yikatong (一卡通) or Shanghai’s 交通卡:

Why get one? If you’re staying 2+ weeks in one city, the fare discounts add up. Also useful as backup if your phone dies.

Why skip it? Cards are city-specific — a Beijing Yikatong doesn’t work in Shanghai. Alipay QR works in 46+ cities with one setup. For most tourists, Alipay is simpler.

2026 New Option: Contactless Bank Card (Shanghai Only)

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Shanghai Metro now accepts Visa/Mastercard contactless (tap-to-pay) on Line 11 and the Maglev. Guangzhou and Shenzhen are testing similar systems on airport lines. Not yet widespread — use Alipay QR as your primary method.

Metro Fares: What You’ll Actually Pay

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Fares are distance-based in every city. Here are typical prices:

Beijing

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Example: Beijing South Railway Station → Tiananmen East: ¥4 (about 20 min)

Shanghai

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Example: Pudong Airport → People’s Square: ¥7 (about 60 min on Line 2)

Guangzhou / Shenzhen / Chengdu / Chongqing / Xi’an

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What ¥5 Buys You in Each City

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Bottom line: Most rides within the city center cost ¥2–5. Airport lines cost ¥5–10. Metro is always the cheapest transport option.

Navigation: Finding Your Platform & Exit

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Step 1: Plan Your Route

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Use Apple Maps (works without VPN in China) in transit mode. It shows:

• Which line to take
• Transfer stations
• Estimated time
• Which exit to use

Alternative apps: Amap (高德), Baidu Maps, MetroMan (subway-specific, shows station maps).

Step 2: Find Your Line

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Station entrances are marked with a blue “地铁” (subway) sign. Inside:

• Follow signs to your line number (colored circles with numbers)
• Signs show two directions — each named after the line’s terminal station
• Example: Line 2 direction “Towards Xujiahui” vs “Towards Pudong Airport”

Step 3: Board the Right Train

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• Platform screens show next train arrival time (usually 2–5 minutes)
• In-train displays show current station, next station, and destination
• Announcements are in Chinese AND English in all major cities

Step 4: Choose the Right Exit

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Major stations have 4–20 exits (labeled A, B, C, D, E1, E2, etc.). Going out the wrong exit can put you 500+ meters from your destination.

• Check the exit map on the platform before going up
• Apple Maps tells you which exit to use
• When in doubt, use exit A or B (usually closest to major streets)

Key Chinese Signs to Know

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Security Check: What to Expect

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Every Chinese metro station has mandatory bag X-ray scanning at the entrance:

• Place all bags on the conveyor belt
• Walk through a metal detector or body scanner
• No need to remove shoes, belts, or electronics
• Liquids: May be asked to take a sip from water bottles
• Process takes 30–60 seconds (add 2–5 minutes during rush hour)

Restricted items: No knives, flammable liquids, or self-heating food (自热食品 — popular Chinese self-heating hotpot meals are banned on metro).

Rush Hour Survival Guide

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Chinese metro rush hour is extremely crowded. Here’s how to handle it:

Rush hour tips:

• Board the front or rear cars — middle cars are most crowded
• Let passengers exit first — don’t push in (Chinese riders queue orderly in most cities)
• Keep your bag in front of you — prevents pickpocketing (rare but happens)
• Have your QR code ready before reaching the gate — fumbling blocks everyone behind you

Accessibility

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Tip: If you have mobility challenges, DiDi ride-hailing may be more convenient than metro for some routes.

7 Mistakes Foreigners Make on Chinese Metro

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1. QR Code Expired at the Gate

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What happens: You generated a QR code 10 minutes ago, reach the gate, and it won’t scan. Fix: QR codes expire after 5 minutes. Regenerate fresh before scanning. Pre-load the QR while on WiFi, then refresh right before the gate.

2. Using the Wrong QR Code

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What happens: You scan your personal Alipay payment QR instead of the Transport QR. Fix: Use the blue Transport QR from 出行 (Transport) section, NOT the green personal payment QR. The transport QR is a special transit code.

3. Forgetting to Scan Out

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What happens: You walk through the exit without scanning. App charges you the maximum fare for that line. Fix: Always scan out. If you forgot, open the app → find the trip → tap “Appeal” (申诉) within 24 hours for a fare adjustment.

4. Selecting Wrong City in Alipay

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What happens: You set up Beijing’s transport QR, then fly to Shanghai and it doesn’t work. Fix: You need to select each city separately in Alipay Transport. Switch cities when you travel. It remembers all your previous cities.

5. Going to the Wrong Exit

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What happens: Station has 12 exits. You pick Exit F instead of Exit A. You’re 700 meters from your hotel. Fix: Check Apple Maps for the recommended exit before going up. Look at the exit map on the platform wall.

6. Low Phone Battery at the Gate

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What happens: Phone dies in the station. Can’t generate QR code to exit. Fix: Stations have staffed gates — walk to the manual gate (人工通道) and explain. Staff can process your exit manually. Always carry a portable charger.

7. Standing on the Left Side of the Escalator

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What happens: You stand on the left. People try to walk past. You get glared at. Fix: Stand on the RIGHT side of escalators. The left side is for walking. This is a universal rule across China.

Airport Metro Lines: Quick Reference

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Do I need a transit card in China? No. Alipay’s Transport QR works in 46+ cities and is the easiest option for tourists. No physical card needed.

Can I use one QR code in multiple cities? You need to select each city in Alipay’s Transport section, but the same Alipay account works everywhere. Switching cities takes 5 seconds.

Is the metro safe for tourists? Very safe. Crime is extremely rare on Chinese metro. Stations have security checks, and trains have surveillance cameras. Avoid rush hour if you’re uncomfortable with crowds.

What if my phone dies in the station? Go to the staffed gate (人工通道) — staff can process your exit manually. Keep a portable charger as backup.

Does the metro run 24 hours? No. Most systems operate 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM. If you’re out late, use DiDi for the ride home.

Can I bring luggage on the metro? Yes, but large suitcases are inconvenient during rush hour. Use the elevator (not escalator) with luggage. Airport lines have dedicated luggage space.

Are there toilets in metro stations? Most stations have public toilets near the entrance level. Look for “卫生间” signs. Some are inside the paid area (before you scan out), some outside.

Related Guides:

• How to Get Around China: Complete Transportation Guide
• China High-Speed Rail: Complete Guide
• 12306 App: Complete Guide for Foreigners
• DiDi Ride-Hailing: Complete Guide
• Transportation Apps & Payment in China
• Airport to City Center: Transfer Options