Guide to Riding the Subway in Chinese Cities

China has the world's largest urban rail transit network, covering more than 40 cities with a total operating mileage of over 10,000 kilometers. For foreign tourists visiting China, the subway is the most convenient, economical, and safe way to travel. This guide will introduce in detail how to buy tickets for China's subways, the security check process, the steps for riding, as well as an overview of the subway systems in major cities and recommendations for useful apps.

Why Choose Subway Travel

China's urban subway systems have the following notable advantages:

• Punctual and efficient: unaffected by surface traffic congestion, and can still maintain on-time performance during peak hours
• Affordable: one-way fares are usually between 2 and 10 RMB, far lower than taxis
• Wide coverage: major tourist attractions, commercial districts, and transportation hubs are all covered by subway stations
• Safe and comfortable: full surveillance, platform screen door protection, and air-conditioned cars
• Clear signage: bilingual Chinese-English signs, making it easy for foreign tourists to use

Ticket Purchase Methods

Self-service Ticket Machines

Automatic ticket machines in subway stations are the most common way to buy tickets, and the operation is simple:

1. Select the language (usually supports Chinese and English)
2. Tap the destination station on the route map
3. Select the number of tickets
4. Payment methods: Cash: accepts 5 RMB, 10 RMB, and 20 RMB banknotes (change is given in coins) Mobile payment: supports scanning with Alipay and WeChat Pay Bank card: some machines support UnionPay cards
5. Collect the ticket and change

• Cash: accepts 5 RMB, 10 RMB, and 20 RMB banknotes (change is given in coins)
• Mobile payment: supports scanning with Alipay and WeChat Pay
• Bank card: some machines support UnionPay cards

Tip: Ticket machines usually do not accept large 100 RMB banknotes. It is recommended to prepare small change in advance or use mobile payment.

Transit Cards

Local transit cards issued by each city can generally be used on the subway, buses, and some taxis:

• Beijing: Yikatong
• Shanghai: Public Transportation Card
• Guangzhou: Yang Cheng Tong
• Shenzhen: Shenzhen Tong
• Chengdu: Tianfu Tong
• Chongqing: Yiju Changtong Card

Where to buy: subway station service centers and convenience stores (such as 7-Eleven and FamilyMart)

Advantages: no need to buy a ticket each time, fare discounts (usually 5% off), and the card and remaining balance can be refunded

Deposit: usually 20-30 RMB, refundable when the card is returned

Mobile NFC/QR Code Riding

The most recommended method for foreign tourists, with no need to buy a physical card:

QR Code Riding

1. Download the city's official subway app (see the city app list below)
2. Register an account and link a payment method (Alipay/WeChat/bank card)
3. When entering and exiting stations, open the app and scan the QR code area on the gate
4. The system automatically calculates and deducts the fare

NFC Riding (only for phones that support NFC)

• Apple Pay: add a local transit card to Wallet
• Android Pay: activate the "Transit Card" function in Alipay/WeChat
• When entering and exiting stations, simply hold the phone near the gate's sensing area

Note: In some cities, NFC transit cards can only be activated on phones issued in mainland China, and foreign phones may not be able to activate them.

Recommended Options for Foreign Tourists

Best choice: download the city's official subway app + link an international credit card or Alipay/WeChat

Backup option: buy a physical transit card (the card can be returned before departure)

Emergency option: buy a ticket with cash from a self-service ticket machine

Not recommended: queuing at a staffed window to buy a ticket each time (inefficient, and some cities have already canceled staffed ticket sales)

Security Check Process

China's subways implement a comprehensive security check system. All passengers and luggage must pass through security checks before entering the station.

Security Check Steps

1. Luggage passes through the X-ray machine: place backpacks, handbags, and suitcases on the conveyor belt
2. Personal inspection: pass through the security gate; if an alarm sounds, you need to undergo a handheld detector check
3. Liquid inspection: security staff may ask you to open a water bottle and take a sip or inspect liquid containers

Prohibited Items

• Flammable and explosive: lighter fuel, fireworks and firecrackers, gasoline
• Controlled knives: knives with a blade length exceeding 10 centimeters
• Corrosive items: strong acids and strong bases
• Live animals: except guide dogs (certification required)
• Others: bicycles (folding bicycles must be bagged), oversized luggage

Liquid Restrictions

• Allowed: sealed beverages and bottled water (no more than 2 liters per bottle)
• May be asked to take a sip: opened beverages
• Prohibited: bulk liquor, gasoline, and other flammable liquids

Notes

• Peak-hour queuing: security check lines are longer during weekday morning and evening peaks (7:30-9:00, 17:30-19:00)
• Cooperate with inspections: if security staff ask to open your bag for inspection, please cooperate actively
• Prepare in advance: take out metal items (keys, coins) in advance to speed up passage

Full Riding Process

1. Entering the Station

Find the subway station entrance, which usually has an obvious blue or red "subway" sign (an M-shaped icon).

2. Security Check

Pass through the security checkpoint according to the security check process described above.

3. Buying a Ticket/Tapping a Card

• Single-journey ticket: buy it from a self-service ticket machine
• Transit card/phone: go directly to the gate

4. Passing Through the Gate

• Single-journey ticket: place the ticket on the gate's sensing area, retrieve the ticket after the gate opens (it must be inserted into the回收口 when exiting)
• Transit card: hold the card near the sensing area and pass after hearing a "beep"
• Mobile QR code: open the app and aim the scanning area at the gate scanner
• Mobile NFC: simply hold the phone near the sensing area

Note: one ticket per person; multiple people may not share one card

5. Finding the Platform

1. Check the in-station route map and signs
2. Confirm the direction of travel (usually indicated by the name of the terminal station, such as "toward Tianfu Square")
3. Follow the arrows on the floor and walls to the corresponding platform
4. If you need to transfer, first take the first segment of the route

6. Waiting for the Train

• Wait outside the yellow safety line
• Before the train arrives, the platform screen doors will open automatically
• Let passengers off first, then board, and line up while waiting
• Check the route map above the car doors to confirm the direction

7. Riding the Train

• There are bilingual Chinese-English station announcements and electronic displays in the car
• Listen carefully to the station announcements and prepare to get off in advance
• Cars are crowded during peak hours; please move toward the middle of the car
• Eating and drinking are prohibited: most city subways prohibit eating and drinking (except drinking water)

8. Transfers

If you need to transfer to another line:

1. After getting off, follow the **"Transfer to Line X"** signs
2. Go through the transfer passage to the platform of the other line
3. In-station transfer: no need to exit the station; simply walk through the transfer passage
4. Out-of-station transfer: you need to exit the station and walk to another station (rare)

9. Exiting the Station

1. Get off after arriving at your destination
2. Follow the **"Exit"** signs to the fare gates
3. Tap your card/scan the code to exit the station (single-journey tickets must be inserted into the回收 slot)
4. Choose the appropriate exit (A/B/C/D, etc., usually marked with nearby landmarks)

Tip: Before exiting, check the exit signs and choose the exit closest to your destination to save walking time.

Metro Apps by City

Using the official app gives you access to QR code rides, real-time queries, route planning, and more.

Recommended general apps:

• Amap/Baidu Maps: Support nationwide metro route planning and real-time queries
• Alipay/WeChat: Some cities support riding directly through Alipay/WeChat mini programs

Note for foreign tourists: Some apps require a Chinese mobile number for registration. It is recommended to prepare in advance or use the ride features in Alipay/WeChat.

Transfer Tips

Understanding the Route Map

• Color distinction: Each line has a unique color (for example, Beijing Line 1 is red and Line 2 is blue)
• Transfer station markers: Transfer stations on route maps are usually marked with circles or special symbols
• Direction markers: Platforms are marked with "Toward XX," where XX is the terminal station in that direction

Follow the Signs

• Transfer passages: Walls and floors have clear line colors and arrow directions
• Chinese and English signs: Major city transfer stations have English signs
• Electronic screens: Display transfer lines and directions

In-Station vs Out-of-Station Transfers

• In-station transfer (recommended): No need to exit the station; underground passages lead directly to another line's platform, saving time and money
• Out-of-station transfer: You need to exit the station and walk to another station, usually occurring on lines from earlier, less comprehensive planning

Common in-station transfer stations:

• Beijing: Xizhimen (Lines 2/4/13), Guomao (Lines 1/10)
• Shanghai: People's Square (Lines 1/2/8), Century Avenue (Lines 2/4/6/9)
• Guangzhou: Tiyu Xilu (Lines 1/3/APM)

Peak Hour Avoidance Tips

• Avoid peak periods: Weekdays 7:30-9:00 and 17:30-19:00
• Choose less popular transfer stations: If possible, detour through transfer stations with fewer passengers
• Allow sufficient time: Walking in large transfer stations may take 5-10 minutes
• Use elevators/escalators: When carrying luggage, give priority to elevators, and note the rule to "stand on the right, walk on the left"

Overview of Major City Metros

Data note: The above data is based on 2026 statistics; actual operating hours may be adjusted depending on the line and holidays.

Featured Recommendations

• Beijing Line 2: Operates as a loop line, passing near attractions such as the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven
• Shanghai Line 2: Connects Pudong and Puxi, passing through Lujiazui and Nanjing Road
• Chongqing Line 2: A "internet-famous" monorail line that passes through buildings, offering views of the mountain city
• Chengdu Line 1: Connects core areas such as South Railway Station, Tianfu Square, and Chunxi Road
• Xi'an Line 2: Runs north-south, passing through Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Frequently Asked Questions

Luggage Size Restrictions

• Allowed: Luggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 1.6 meters
• Oversized luggage: Suitcases of 28 inches and below can usually be carried without issue
• Special circumstances: If carrying oversized luggage, it is recommended to choose non-peak hours or consider other modes of transportation

Accessibility Facilities

• Elevators: Major stations are equipped with accessible elevators (marked with a wheelchair icon)
• Tactile paving: Tactile guide paths are installed throughout stations
• Wheelchair access: Wide gates are available beside the ticket barriers
• Assistance: You can contact station staff for help

Note: Some older stations may have incomplete accessibility facilities. It is recommended to check in advance or call the station for information.

Last Train Time Inquiry

• Official App: Metro apps in each city allow you to check the last train time for each line
• Station notices: First and last train timetables are posted on platform walls
• General pattern: In most cities, the last train runs between 22:30 and 23:30

Tip: The last train time refers to the departure time from that station. If you need to transfer, please allow extra time.

No Eating or Drinking on the Metro

• Regulations: Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen explicitly prohibit eating and drinking on the metro (except drinking water)
• Penalties: Violations may result in fines of 50-500 yuan
• Exceptions: Feeding infants, special medical needs

Suggestion: Eat before entering the station or after exiting.

Mobile Phone Signal

• 4G/5G coverage: Mobile networks are covered across the entire metro system in major cities
• Wi-Fi: Some stations and train cars provide free Wi-Fi (registration required)
• Signal blind spots: A very small number of deeply underground sections may have weak signal

Payment Methods

• Foreign credit cards: Most self-service ticket machines do not support foreign credit cards
• Recommended methods: Use Alipay/WeChat Pay (can be linked to international credit cards) Purchase a physical transportation card Prepare cash and small change

1. Use Alipay/WeChat Pay (can be linked to international credit cards)
2. Purchase a physical transportation card
3. Prepare cash and small change

Related guide: See the China Payment Guide for details

Connections with Other Transportation

• High-speed rail stations: High-speed rail stations in major cities have direct metro access (e.g., Beijing South Railway Station, Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station)
• Airports: Cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu have airport express lines
• Buses: Bus stops are usually located near metro station exits, and the same transportation card can be used

Related guide: See the China High-Speed Rail Travel Guide for details

Practical Tips

1. Download apps in advance: Before departure, download the metro app for your destination city and link a payment method
2. Avoid peak hours: If your schedule is flexible, try to avoid morning and evening rush hours
3. Study the route map: Plan your route in advance and familiarize yourself with transfer stations
4. Keep your ticket safe: Single-journey tickets need to be returned when exiting; if lost, you will need to pay again
5. Stay safe: Stand behind the yellow line while waiting on the platform, and keep an eye on your personal belongings inside the train
6. Offer your seat: Proactively give up your seat to the elderly, pregnant women, and children
7. Keep quiet: Avoid loud conversations in the train, and set your phone to silent or vibrate
8. Emergencies: Emergency call buttons are available inside train cars, and staff are on duty on platforms

Summary

China's urban metro systems are the best way for foreign tourists to explore cities. Through this guide, you have learned the complete process from buying tickets and security checks to boarding, as well as the metro features and useful apps of various cities. It is recommended that you download the official metro app of your destination city before traveling and link a payment method to enjoy convenient QR code riding services.

Wishing you a smooth and pleasant metro journey in China! For more transportation information, please refer to our transportation travel feature.

Related Destinations

Beijing

An ancient capital of a thousand years, the heart of modernity

Shanghai

The Oriental Pearl, the charm of the Magic City

Chongqing

A mountain city in the fog, the capital of hot pot

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