Metro & Subway Guide
How to use China's metro systems as a foreign traveller. Payment methods, city-specific apps, hours, and tips for 7 major cities.
How to pay
Four ways to get through the gate. QR code is the easiest for tourists.
1. Alipay / WeChat QR code (easiest)
- ✓Alipay: Tap Transport (出行) on the home screen. It auto-generates a city-specific QR code. Works in 40+ Chinese cities. Just scan at the gate.
- ✓WeChat: Search the city's metro mini-program (e.g. "上海地铁" for Shanghai) and generate a QR code. Works in most major cities.
- ✓Foreign card: Both apps support international Visa/Mastercard — link your card in the app settings before you travel.
2. City transit card
- ✓ Buy at any station service counter or ticket machine. Deposit ¥20, top up as needed. Works on metro, bus, and some taxis.
- ✓ Each city has its own card — they do not work across cities (exception: cards with "China T-Union" logo work in 300+ cities).
3. Single-journey ticket
- ✓ Use the ticket vending machine at any station. Switch to English, select your destination, pay with cash or Alipay/WeChat.
- ✓ Tap the token or card on the gate sensor. Keep your ticket — you need it to exit.
4. City-specific metro app
- ✓ Each city has its own app for QR-code entry (see city cards below). Useful for route planning in English.
Fares: ¥2–10 per ride depending on distance. Most trips in the city centre cost ¥3–6. Beijing and Shanghai offer discounted monthly passes for frequent riders.
City-by-city guide
Tap each card for details. All metros run from roughly 05:30 to 23:00 — last trains leave terminal stations around 22:30.
Shanghai Metro
20 lines508 stations¥3–9 per ride6:00–22:30
The world's longest metro network by route length. English signs everywhere. App: 大都会 (Da Duhui) — supports Alipay/WeChat Pay for foreigners. Key lines for visitors: Line 2 (Hongqiao Airport ↔ Pudong Airport through city centre), Line 10 (Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, Hongqiao Railway Station), Line 1 (People's Square, Hengshan Road). Tip: Avoid Line 2 between 8:00–9:00 and 17:30–18:30 — it is the busiest line in the world.
Beijing Subway
27 lines500+ stations¥3–10 per ride5:00–23:00
One of the world's busiest metros. All signs in Chinese and English. App: 亿通行 (Yi Tong Xing) — supports foreign mobile payment. Key lines for visitors: Line 1 (Tiananmen, Wangfujing, CBD), Line 2 (loop line — Lama Temple, Drum Tower area), Line 4 (Beijing South Station, Summer Palace), Line 8 (Olympic Park, Nanluoguxiang), Airport Express (¥25, faster than taxi). Security: Every station has X-ray bag scanners — allow 1–2 extra minutes.
Guangzhou Metro
16 lines300+ stations¥2–14 per ride6:00–23:30
Clean, modern, and connected to the neighbouring city of Foshan. App: 广州地铁 (Guangzhou Metro) — English UI available. Key lines: Line 2 (Guangzhou South Station, downtown), Line 3 (airport, Canton Tower, Tianhe), Line 1 (old city, Chen Clan Academy). Tip: Line 3 is chronically overcrowded. Use Line APM for Zhujiang New Town.
Shenzhen Metro
16 lines300+ stations¥2–11 per ride6:30–23:00
The newest of the four first-tier metro systems. App: 深圳地铁 (Shenzhen Metro) mini-program in WeChat. Key lines: Line 1 (Luohu border crossing, Huaqiangbei electronics), Line 4 (Futian Checkpoint, Shenzhen North), Line 11 (airport express). Tip: If you take the metro to the Luohu or Futian border crossings, you can walk directly into Hong Kong — no taxi needed.
Chengdu Metro
15 lines400+ stations¥2–10 per ride6:00–23:00
One of China's fastest-expanding metros. App: 成都地铁 (Chengdu Metro) — Alipay QR code works directly. Key lines: Line 1 (Tianfu Square, Global Centre), Line 2 (Chunxi Road, Chengdu East), Line 10 (Shuangliu Airport). Tip: Many stations have themes — Panda Avenue on Line 3 has panda artwork throughout the station.
Hangzhou Metro
12 lines200+ stations¥2–9 per ride6:00–22:30
Expanded significantly for the 2022 Asian Games. App: 杭州地铁 (Hangzhou Metro) — supports Alipay. Key lines: Line 1 (East Station, West Lake area, Xiaoshan Airport), Line 3 (West Lake cultural sites), Line 19 (airport express). Tip: West Lake is best reached from Longxiangqiao (龙翔桥) on Line 1. Use the metro to avoid the impossible West Lake taxi situation.
Chongqing Rail Transit
12 lines300+ stations¥2–7 per ride6:30–22:30
Built on steep terrain — expect deep stations and monorail lines with views. App: Alipay Transport QR code works directly. Key lines: Line 1 (Jiefangbei, Ciqikou), Line 2 (monorail with river views — the famous Liziba station where the train passes through a building), Line 3 (Jiangbei Airport). Tip: Line 2's monorail segment between Fotuguan and Liziba is a tourist attraction in itself.