Quick Answer (30 seconds)
China's metro: enter through security (bags X-rayed), scan to pass the gate, ride, exit. Alipay transport QR is easiest — tap "Transport" (出行) on the home screen, select your city, activate the transit card, scan at the gate. Each city needs separate activation. Fares: ¥2-10 by distance. No eating or drinking in cars. Let passengers exit before boarding.
Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen have extensive networks. Tier-2 cities (Chengdu, Wuhan, Hangzhou) also have metro but smaller coverage.
Full Guide
China's metro is clean, punctual, cheap, and extensive. But unlike New York or London, there are a few things you must know.
Entry Process
- Find the entrance — metro entrances show the line number and station name in Chinese and English
- Security check — all bags go through X-ray. Drinks may require a sip test. Sharp objects (including small scissors) may be confiscated
- Buy ticket or scan in — two methods (see below)
- Find your platform — check signs for direction (terminal station names are marked on the line map)
- Wait — platform safety doors open simultaneously with train doors
- Let passengers exit first — stand to the side of the doors, let people off, then board
- Exit at your stop — scan out at the gate. If it won't let you out, you may have traveled past your paid zone and need to pay the difference
Payment Methods
Method 1: Alipay Transport QR (Recommended)
- Open Alipay home screen, tap "Transport" (出行 - chū xíng)
- Select your city
- Accept terms, activate the digital transit card
- A transport QR code appears
- Scan this code at the gate to enter, scan again to exit — fare is automatically calculated by distance
Note: Each city requires separate activation. If you activated Beijing, you need to activate Shanghai's card separately when you arrive there.
Method 2: WeChat Ride Code
- Search "乘车码" (ride code - chéng chē mǎ) in WeChat
- Select your city
- Generate QR code, scan at gate
Method 3: Physical Transit Card
- Buy at station ticket window, ¥20 deposit, top up to use
- Good for long stays, not recommended for short-term tourists
- "交通联合" (Transport Union) cards work across cities that display the logo
Method 4: Single-Ride Ticket
- Buy at station vending machines, select destination, pay by cash or scan
- Some machines only accept coins or small bills
- Foreigners may need to switch to English interface
Fares
- ¥2 starting fare (3-4 stops)
- ¥3-5 medium distance
- ¥7-10 long distance / cross-city
- Fares are distance-based, not stop-count-based
Metro Rules
- No eating or drinking — including bubble tea. Beijing fines up to ¥500; other cities vary (Xi'an ¥20-100)
- No smoking — entire station is smoke-free
- Exit before boarding — stand to the side, don't block the doors
- Large luggage — use the wide gate (宽通道 - kuān tōng dào)
- Charging — some newer cars have USB ports, but don't rely on them
Which Cities Have Metro
Tier 1 (extensive networks):
- Beijing (30 lines, 909 km), Shanghai (21 lines), Guangzhou (19 lines), Shenzhen (17 lines)
New Tier 1 (covers main areas):
- Chengdu, Wuhan, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Chongqing, Xi'an, Suzhou
Tier 2 (partial coverage):
- Zhengzhou, Changsha, Qingdao, Dalian, Kunming, and about 40 others
Troubleshooting
Problem 1: Can't Exit the Gate
What happens: You scan at exit, gate won't open, screen says "fare adjustment required."
Fix: You may have traveled farther than the estimated fare. Go to the customer service center (客服中心 - kè fú zhōng xīn), show your QR code, pay the difference, and exit. If using Alipay transport QR, it should auto-charge — if it fails, it may be a network issue, wait a few seconds and retry.
Problem 2: Going the Wrong Direction
What happens: You realize you boarded the wrong direction.
Fix: Get off at the next station, cross to the opposite platform, and ride back. No extra charge — as long as you don't exit the gates, you don't pay again. Check the in-car line map and arrival display to confirm direction.
Problem 3: Security Won't Let Your Item Through
What happens: You have small scissors or sunscreen spray in your bag, and security stops you.
Fix: Sharp objects (small scissors, nail clippers) are allowed on some lines but not others — depends on local rules. Sprays (sunscreen, perfume) are banned in some cities. Security will ask you to discard the item or store it at the checkpoint (some stations offer storage, pick up when exiting). Best practice: check your bag before heading out.
Last verified: August 2026 · Sources: chinaguidelines.com China public transport guide, Alipay Transport official documentation · Metro rules may vary slightly by city.