Complete Guide to Using China’s Metro System

China’s metro system is one of the world’s most developed urban rail transit networks. This guide teaches you how to easily ride China’s metro, applicable to all cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

🗺️ Major City Metro Overview

Metro-Developed Cities Ranking

City	Lines	Coverage	Rating	Features
Shanghai	20+	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Longest mileage
Beijing	27+	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	Most dense
Guangzhou	15+	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Very convenient
Shenzhen	16+	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Modern
Chengdu	12+	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Rapid development
Chongqing	10+	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Magical terrain
Nanjing	10+	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Good coverage
Wuhan	12+	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Very convenient

🎫 Ticket Purchase Methods

Method 1: Single-Journey Ticket (Ticket Vending Machine) ⭐⭐⭐

Purchase Process:

1. Find destination station name at ticket vending machine
2. Tap screen to select destination (supports Chinese and English)
3. Select quantity (1-10 tickets)
4. Check fare
5. Payment:
   • Cash (bills/coins)
   • WeChat Pay (scan code)
   • Alipay (scan code)
6. Collect ticket and change

Fare: Typically ¥2-10 based on distance

Pros: Simple and straightforward Cons: Need to buy each time, time-consuming

Method 2: QR Code (Recommended) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Alipay QR Code:

1. Open Alipay
2. Search “Metro Pass” or “QR Code” on homepage
3. Select your city
4. Activate QR code (authorize password-free payment)
5. Scan code when entering station
6. Scan again when exiting

WeChat QR Code:

1. Open WeChat
2. “Me” → “Services” → “Transportation”
3. Select “QR Code”
4. Choose city to activate
5. Same usage as Alipay

Pros:

• ✅ No need to queue for tickets
• ✅ Auto-deduct payment
• ✅ Usually discounted (95% off)
• ✅ Most convenient and fast

Note: Some older lines may not support

Method 3: Transit Card ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Purchase Locations:

• Metro station service center
• Convenience stores (some cities)
• Metro automatic card machines

Cost:

• Card fee: ¥20-30 (deposit, refundable)
• Initial top-up: Starting from ¥50

Top-up Methods:

• Metro station automatic top-up machines
• Convenience stores (some cities)
• Bank branches

Pros:

• Can use on buses, taxis (some cities)
• Usually discounted (90-95% off)
• No need for phone network

Major Transit Cards:

• Beijing: Yikatong
• Shanghai: Transportation Card
• Guangzhou: Yangcheng Tong
• Shenzhen: Shenzhen Tong

Method 4: Mobile NFC ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Supported Devices:

• Apple Pay (iPhone/Apple Watch)
• Huawei/Xiaomi/OPPO with NFC-enabled Android phones

Activation:

• Add transit card in phone wallet app
• Top-up online

Pros:

• No network needed
• Fast entry and exit
• Same convenience as physical card

🚇 Riding Process

Step 1: Entering Station

1. Security Check:

   • Bags through X-ray machine
   • People walk through side passage
   • Prohibited items: Knives, lighters, alcohol, pets (except guide dogs)

2. Tap Card/Scan Code at Gate:

   • Single ticket: Place on yellow sensing area
   • QR code: Align with scanner
   • Transit card/NFC: Touch sensing area

3. Gate Opens:

   • Pass through quickly
   • Don’t linger

Step 2: Find Direction

1. Look at station signs (Chinese and English)
2. Confirm line and direction (e.g., “Line 1 toward Sihui East”)
3. Go downstairs/escalator to platform

Important:

• 🔴 Red/dark = No entry
• 🟢 Green/white = Can pass
• Each direction has separate platform, wrong direction requires exiting and re-entering

Step 3: Waiting for Train

1. Queue at platform (floor markings indicate queuing area)
2. Let passengers exit first, then board
3. Mind safety line (yellow line)

Peak Hours:

• Morning rush: 7:30-9:00
• Evening rush: 17:30-19:30

Step 4: On the Train

1. Find seat or stand steady and hold on
2. Give priority seats to elderly, pregnant, children, disabled
3. Keep quiet (no loud phone calls)
4. No eating (prohibited in some cities)
5. Watch overhead/door route map and station display

Step 5: Transferring (if needed)

1. Listen/watch for transfer station announcements
2. After getting off, follow “Line X Transfer” signs
3. No need to exit, walk directly to another line’s platform
4. Some transfers require longer walks (5-10 minutes)

Transfer-Friendly Cities:

• Shanghai, Shenzhen: Well-designed transfers
• Beijing: Some transfers quite far

Step 6: Exiting Station

1. Get off at destination

2. Follow “Exit” signs

3. Exit gates:

   • Single ticket: Insert into collection slot
   • QR code: Scan
   • Transit card/NFC: Tap

4. Choose correct exit (A/B/C/D, etc.)

5. Check exit signs for your destination

📱 Useful App Recommendations

Official Metro Apps

Each city has official metro app:

• Beijing Metro: Beijing Metro Official App
• Shanghai Metro: Metro Daduhui
• Guangzhou Metro: Guangzhou Metro Official App
• Shenzhen Metro: Shenzhen Metro e-Travel

Functions:

• Route map query
• Fare calculation
• Real-time train information
• QR code

Third-Party Apps ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gaode Maps / Baidu Maps (Recommended)

• Most comprehensive metro + bus navigation
• Real-time updates
• Arrival reminders
• Compare multiple travel methods

Usage:

1. Enter start and end points
2. Select “Metro” or “Bus” option
3. App will tell you:
   • Which line to take
   • Where to transfer
   • Which exit to use
   • Total time and cost

💰 Fares and Discounts

Fare Calculation

• Base fare: ¥2-3 (starting price)
• Increases by distance: +¥1 every 5-10 km
• Generally within city: ¥2-7
• Cross-district: ¥8-15

Discount Policies

Group	Discount	Notes
Children	Free/Half	Free under 1.3m height
Students	50% off	Need student card
Elderly	Free/Half	65+ (varies by city)
Disabled	Free	With disability certificate

QR Code Discounts

• Usually 95% off
• Some cities have promotional activities (like first ride free)

⚠️ Important Notes

Safety Matters

• ❌ Don’t cross yellow safety line
• ❌ Don’t hold doors or lean on doors
• ❌ Watch belongings, beware pickpockets
• ✅ Be careful of crowds during rush hour
• ✅ Press red button in car for emergencies

Prohibited Items

• 🚫 Smoking
• 🚫 Eating (strictly prohibited in some cities)
• 🚫 Carrying dangerous items
• 🚫 Begging, distributing flyers
• 🚫 Loud noise
• 🚫 Pets (except guide dogs)

Cultural Etiquette

• Let passengers exit first
• Give seats to those in need
• Don’t block doors
• Don’t play music in cars
• Stand steady, don’t sway around

Practical Tips

1. Leave early: Rush hour is very crowded
2. Avoid rush hours: If possible
3. Download map apps: Won’t get lost
4. Remember hotel’s nearby metro station
5. Take photos of station names: Easy to find way back
6. Note last train time: Usually around 23:00

🕐 Operating Hours

Most cities:

• First train: 5:30-6:00
• Last train: 22:30-23:30

Check:

• Timetables in metro stations
• Official apps
• Gaode/Baidu Maps show last train times

🎯 Quick Start Checklist

Pre-Travel Prep:

• ✅ Download Gaode/Baidu Maps
• ✅ Activate Alipay/WeChat QR code
• ✅ Or purchase transit card
• ✅ Remember hotel’s nearby metro station

First Time Riding:

• ✅ Find nearest metro entrance (look for 🚇 sign)
• ✅ Security check and enter
• ✅ Use QR code to scan at gate
• ✅ Look at signs to find platform
• ✅ After boarding, check route map
• ✅ Get off at destination, scan out

📍 City Features

Beijing Metro

• Most complex but most comprehensive
• Some transfers very far
• Clear English signs

Shanghai Metro

• Longest metro network
• Well-designed transfers
• People’s Square transfer super complex

Guangzhou Metro

• Clean and tidy
• Announcements in Cantonese, Mandarin, English
• APM line (Zhujiang New Town) driverless

Shenzhen Metro

• Most modern
• Many stations connect to Hong Kong
• English-friendly

Chengdu Metro

• Panda elements in stations
• Rapid development
• Covers main attractions

💡 Money-Saving Tips

1. Use QR code: 95% discount
2. Get transit card: 90-95% off
3. Plan routes wisely: Reduce transfers
4. Avoid cross-district: Stay central for cheaper fares
5. Promotional activities: Watch for Alipay metro day discounts

🆘 What to Do When Problems Arise

Went Wrong Direction

• Get off at next station
• Cross to opposite platform and go back
• Or exit and re-enter (need new ticket/scan)

Missed Your Stop

• Get off at next station
• Go back (no need to exit)

Can’t Find Exit

• Look at floor/wall “Exit” signs
• Ask staff (service desks at all stations)
• Use map app navigation

Phone Dead/No Network

• Find ticket vending machine to buy single ticket
• Or borrow power bank from service desk

Lost Items

• Immediately notify platform staff
• Call metro lost and found number
• Check official app/website

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Enjoy smooth metro travel in China! 🚇✨