China Metro & Public Transit: QR Codes, Routes & Tips (2026)
How to ride China's metro with Alipay/WeChat QR codes, buy single tickets, navigate major city networks, airport connections, rush hour survival, and bus basics.
Key takeaway
- China's metro systems are modern, clean, safe, and extremely affordable (¥2-10 per ride). All major cities have English signage and announcements.
- No need to buy a transit card. Use Alipay or WeChat Pay metro QR code — scan at the gate. Activate once per city. NEW in 2026: International bank cards (Visa/Mastercard/Amex/JCB) can tap directly at gates in Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Tianjin and more cities — no app needed.
- Single-ride tickets available at self-service machines (cash or Alipay scan). Tap or insert at gate.
- Major networks: Shanghai (800+ km, 20+ lines), Beijing (800+ km, 27 lines), Guangzhou, Chengdu, Chongqing, Shenzhen, Xi'an.
- Rush hour (7:30-9:00am, 5:30-7:00pm) is very crowded. Avoid if possible or expect to squeeze.
Full guide
Set Up Metro QR Code (Alipay)
The easiest way to ride the metro is with Alipay's transit QR code. Set it up once per city.
- Open Alipay and go to Travel
Open the Alipay app. On the home screen, tap 'Travel' (出行) — it's usually a prominent icon with a bus/train symbol. If you don't see it, tap 'More' (更多) and find 'Travel' under 'Transportation' (交通出行).
- Select your city and activate metro code
In the Travel section, tap the city name at the top (defaults to your current location if location is enabled). Select your city (e.g., 'Shanghai', 'Beijing'). Then tap 'Metro' (地铁) tab. Tap 'Activate Now' (立即开通). Agree to the terms. Alipay will generate your metro QR code for that city. The code refreshes every few seconds for security.
Tip: You need to activate the metro code separately for each city. If you're visiting multiple cities, activate each one when you arrive. The code works for both metro entry and exit — scan at both gates.
- Scan at the gate and ride
At the metro station, find the entry gates (进站闸机). Open Alipay → Travel → Metro → your QR code is displayed. Hold your phone screen with the QR code facing the scanner on the gate (usually a green/blue area). The gate will beep and the barrier opens. Walk through. At your destination, find the exit gates (出站闸机) and scan the same QR code again. The fare is automatically deducted from your Alipay balance or linked card.
Warning: Always scan OUT at your destination. If you forget to scan out, you'll be charged the maximum fare for that line (¥10-15). If this happens, go to the station service center (客服中心) with your entry record to get it corrected.
WeChat Pay Metro Code (Alternative)
If you prefer WeChat Pay, the process is similar: Open WeChat → 'Me' (我) → 'Services' (服务) → 'Transport' (交通出行) or search '乘车码' in the search bar → Select city → Activate → Scan at gates.
WeChat's metro code is called 'Ride Code' (乘车码). It works in most major cities. Some cities support both Alipay and WeChat; a few only support one.
Tip: If you have both Alipay and WeChat set up, test which one works in your city. Shanghai and Beijing support both. Smaller cities may only support one.
Single-Ride Tickets (No Phone Needed)
If you don't want to use your phone, buy a single-ride token at the self-service machines.
Steps: 1) Find the ticket vending machine (自动售票机) near the station entrance. 2) Select your language (English available on most machines). 3) Tap your destination station on the map or select by line. 4) Select quantity (1-5 tickets). 5) Pay: insert cash (bills and coins accepted) or scan Alipay/WeChat QR. 6) Collect the plastic token (绿色圆形筹码). 7) At entry gate, tap the token on the scanner. 8) At exit gate, INSERT the token into the slot (don't tap — it must be inserted to be recycled).
Token cost: ¥2-10 depending on distance. Same as QR code fare.
Note: Some newer machines only accept QR payment (no cash). If you need to use cash, look for machines with a bill/coin slot marked 'Cash' (现金).
Major City Metro Networks
Shanghai: 20+ lines, 800+ km, world's largest metro system. Lines 1-18 + Pujiang line + Maglev. Airport: Line 2 (Pudong & Hongqiao), Maglev (Pudong, 8 min, ¥50). Key: Line 2 connects both airports + city center (People's Square, Nanjing Road).
Beijing: 27 lines, 800+ km. Airport: Capital Airport Express (Line 机场快轨, ¥25), Daxing Airport Line (大兴机场线, ¥35). Key: Line 1 (east-west, Tiananmen, Wangfujing), Line 2 (loop around old city), Line 10 (outer loop).
Guangzhou: 16 lines. Airport: Line 3 (North extension to Baiyun Airport). Key: Line 1 (east-west), Line 3 (north-south, busy), APM (Zhujiang New Town people mover).
Chengdu: 13 lines. Airport: Line 10 (Shuangliu), Line 18/19 (Tianfu). Key: Line 1 (north-south), Line 2 (east-west, Chunxi Road).
Chongqing: 11 lines, unique monorail + subway mix. Famous: Line 2 monorail through buildings (Liziba Station). Key: Line 1, Line 3 (monorail, very scenic), Loop Line.
Xi'an: 9 lines. Airport: Airport Intercity (机场城际, ¥16). Key: Line 2 (north-south, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter).
Shenzhen: 17 lines. Airport: Line 11 (Airport, express, ¥7-10). Key: Line 1 (east-west, Luohu, Futian).
Hangzhou: 12 lines. Airport: Line 19 (Airport Express). Key: Line 1 (east-west, West Lake).
Buses & Other Transit
City buses: ¥1-2 per ride (air-conditioned buses ¥2). Pay with Alipay/WeChat bus QR code (separate from metro code — activate in Travel section under 'Bus' 公交), or tap a transit card, or exact cash (driver doesn't give change).
Bus QR setup: Alipay → Travel → 'Bus' (公交) tab → Select city → Activate → Scan when boarding (front door). Most buses are flat fare (¥2), so you only scan once when boarding.
Bus tips: Bus stops have Chinese + English route numbers. Use Amap (高德) for real-time bus tracking and route planning. Buses can be slow during rush hour — metro is faster for cross-city travel.
Other transit: Ferries (Shanghai Huangpu River ¥2, Xiamen Gulangyu ¥35), trams (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen), BRT (Bus Rapid Transit, Xiamen, Changzhou), cable cars (mountain areas), sightseeing buses (major cities, ¥20-50/day hop-on-hop-off).
FAQ
Do I need a separate QR code for each city?
Yes. Each city's metro system is operated independently, so you need to activate the metro QR code separately for each city in Alipay/WeChat. It takes 30 seconds — just open Travel, select the new city, and tap 'Activate'. Some cities support a national transit card (交通联合) that works across cities, but the QR code approach is easier for tourists.
What if I forget to scan out at the exit?
If you don't scan out, you'll be charged the maximum fare for that line (usually ¥10-15). To fix it: go to the station customer service center (客服中心) before leaving the station, show your entry record (in Alipay Travel → Ride History), and they'll adjust the fare. If you've already left, you can dispute it in Alipay within 24 hours.
Is the metro safe at night?
Yes, China's metro systems are very safe, even at night. Stations are well-lit, have security cameras, and staff are present. Last trains usually run until 10:30pm-11:30pm (varies by city and line). After the metro closes, use Didi or taxis. Avoid empty stations late at night if possible, but there's generally no safety concern.