How to Use the Metro in China
China’s metro systems are usually fast, cheap, and easier than taxis during traffic. The parts that trip foreigners up are the app entry, city-specific transport QR code, security check, final-stop direction, and choosing the correct exit.
Difficulty
Easy
Time needed
5-10 minutes
Updated
May 14, 2026
Start here
Quick answer
- For most visitors, the easiest route is Alipay > Transport > choose the current city > activate the Metro QR code > scan in and scan out at the gates.
- Plan the ride before entering the station: line color, final-stop direction, transfer station, and exit number matter more than the English station name alone.
- If the QR code will not activate or scan, use a ticket machine, manned counter, local metro app, transport card, or contactless card where supported. The normal Alipay payment QR is not the metro QR.
Requirements
- Required: working phone data, destination name/address, and payment backup.
- Recommended: Alipay with payment verified, Amap or Apple Maps route open, and the Chinese destination/address saved.
- Recommended: battery above 20%, screen brightness adjustable, and enough time for security and transfers.
- Optional: local metro app such as Shanghai Metro DADUHUI, a physical transport card, tourist pass, or contactless bank card where supported.
Visual manual
Step-by-step guide
Plan line, direction, transfer, and exit before you go underground
Search your destination in Amap, Apple Maps, or the city metro app. Save four things: line number/color, final-stop direction, transfer station, and exit number. Do this before entering the station because signal can be weak underground and large stations can be confusing.
Original China Life Kit visual; created for this step.
Open the city-specific Metro QR code
In Alipay, tap Transport, choose the current city, then activate the metro or subway QR code. Some cities separate bus and metro cards. If you travel to another city, switch the city or open that city’s transport code. Do not use the normal merchant payment code at metro gates.
Original visual; verify current Alipay labels before final publishing.
Use a ticket machine or counter if QR activation fails
If Alipay asks for verification, the city card does not appear, your phone will not scan, or payment fails, do not get stuck at the gate. Buy a single-journey ticket from a machine or ask the service counter. In major cities, ticket machines often have an English option.
Original visual; replace with real ticket-machine photo later if cleaner.
Pass security and scan in
Most metro stations have security at the entrance. Put bags through the X-ray machine if asked, then scan the Metro QR, tap your card, or insert/tap your ticket at the gate. Use the same method to exit. If the QR scanner struggles, lower brightness slightly, tilt the phone, or use another gate.
Original visual based on common station flow.
Follow signs by final-stop direction
Metro directions are usually shown by the final stop on the line, not by north/south/east/west. Match your route app with the final-stop direction on the platform sign. If you board the wrong direction, get off at the next station and cross to the opposite platform.
Original visual; can be replaced with annotated real station sign later.
Transfer without exiting the paid area
For transfers, follow the transfer signs inside the station. Do not scan out unless your route app specifically says you need to leave and re-enter. Large transfer stations can involve long walks, stairs, and different line colors, so follow the line color and final-stop direction after the transfer.
Original visual; pairs with direction step.
Check the exit before scanning out
Before leaving the paid area, check Amap or station signs for the exact exit number. In China, one metro station can have exits on different corners, malls, office towers, or streets. The wrong exit can add a long walk or force you across big roads.
Original visual created for this step.
Keep a late-night and battery backup
Check the last train time if travelling late. If your phone battery is low, do not rely only on QR code access. Use a physical ticket/card, charge before entering, or switch to ride-hailing if the metro is closing.
Real metro image; replace with last-train sign photo later.
Troubleshooting
Common problems and fixes
- The normal Alipay payment code opens, but the metro gate needs a separate Transport / Metro QR code.
- The wrong city is selected in Alipay Transport.
- Bus and metro cards are separate in some cities.
- The QR code does not appear until you are in China, location is enabled, or the city is manually selected.
- Foreign-card-linked payment or identity verification blocks activation.
- The scanner cannot read the code because of brightness, angle, cracked screen, privacy screen protector, or phone compatibility.
- You scan in successfully but forget you need the same code/ticket to scan out.
- You choose the correct line but wrong final-stop direction.
- You exit from the wrong gate and end up far from the destination.
- You miss the last train and need a ride-hailing backup.
Important warnings
- Do not rely on the last train without checking the current station’s first/last train times.
- Transport code rules vary by city, app version, phone model, card, and account verification state.
- Keep enough phone battery for scan-in and scan-out. If the phone dies inside the paid area, ask staff for help.
- Peak-hour transfers can take longer than route apps estimate.
- Airport, railway station, and mega-mall metro stations can be much more confusing than ordinary neighborhood stations.
Best route and backup plan
Recommended route
- Set up Alipay first, activate the current city’s Metro QR code, plan the route in Amap or Apple Maps, and save the exit number before entering the station.
- For your first ride in a new city, give yourself extra time and keep the ticket-machine/service-counter backup in mind.
Backup options
- Use station staff or a translation app for route confirmation.
- Buy a single-journey ticket from a machine or service counter if the QR code flow fails.
- Choose a taxi or ride-hailing car for late-night travel.
- Screenshot the station exit and destination address.
- If you exit at the wrong gate, use Amap walking navigation rather than re-entering immediately.
Other ways to pay
- Single-journey ticket from a machine.
- Manned service counter.
- Local metro app such as Shanghai Metro DADUHUI or Beijing Yitongxing.
- Physical transport card or tourist pass where available.
- Contactless Visa/Mastercard where supported by the local metro.
- Ride-hailing or taxi for late-night trips, heavy luggage, or inaccessible routes.
FAQ
Can foreigners use the metro in China?
Yes. Major metro systems usually have English station names, signs, announcements, ticket machines, and staffed counters. The main challenge is choosing the right payment or ticket method.
Can I use Alipay for the metro in China?
Often yes. Open Alipay Transport, choose the city, and activate the Metro/Subway QR code. This is different from the normal Alipay payment QR used in shops.
Do I need to activate a new metro code in every city?
Usually yes or at least you need to switch to the current city. Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and other cities may use separate local transport cards or mini programs.
What if my metro QR code does not scan?
Try a different gate, adjust brightness, tilt the phone, clean the screen, or turn off a privacy screen effect if possible. If it still fails, buy a ticket or ask station staff.
How do I know which exit to use?
Search your destination in Amap and check the recommended metro exit before leaving the paid area.
Do I need my passport to ride the metro?
Usually no for an ordinary ride. However, some app activation, tourist passes, or special travel cards may involve identity or phone verification.
Can I buy a metro ticket with cash?
In many stations, yes, either at machines or counters, but cash support varies and machines may prefer mobile payment. Keep Alipay/WeChat and a small cash backup.
What if I choose the wrong direction?
Get off at the next station and cross to the opposite platform if available. Check the final-stop direction before boarding again.
What if my phone battery dies after I scan in?
Go to station staff and explain that your phone died after entry. This is one reason to keep battery above 20 percent or use a physical ticket/card when low.
Is the metro better than DiDi or taxis?
During rush hour and for central routes, usually yes. Use ride-hailing for late-night trips, heavy luggage, poor weather, or destinations far from stations.
Amap
A Chinese map app for finding stores, planning metro routes, checking addresses, and navigating daily life.
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