Metro: scan to enter
In many cities you can open a metro QR code in Alipay or WeChat and walk straight through the gate.
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China's city metros are fast, cheap and easy to use. You can pay in two ways:
| How | Good for |
|---|---|
| QR ride code in Alipay or WeChat | Quickest — no queue, no ticket |
| Single-journey ticket from a machine or the service counter | If the ride code doesn't work for you |
Ride codes for foreign visitors
Many big cities let visitors use a metro ride code inside Alipay or WeChat, but support for foreign cards and accounts differs from city to city and is changing quickly. If the code won't activate, don't worry — buy a single-journey ticket instead.
Single-journey tickets
Ticket machines have an English option. Choose your destination station or the fare, then pay by cash or by scanning a QR code with your payment app. Keep the ticket (a card or token) — you need it to exit.
Finding your route
Use Amap for routes: type your destination, tap Route, then choose public transport.