Step-by-Step Guide to Taking the Subway in China

China’s subway systems are one of the most convenient ways for foreign travelers to move around major cities. Many popular tourist destinations already have extensive metro coverage connecting airports, railway stations, attractions, shopping districts, and hotels. In recent years, mobile QR-code transit systems through Alipay and WeChat Pay have become the standard way locals ride the subway.

This guide explains the three main ways foreigners can buy subway tickets in China:

• Alipay transit QR code

• WeChat transit QR code

• Offline single-journey subway tickets

If you are visiting China for the first time, learning this system will make daily transportation much easier.

Cover image — China Metro Ticket Guide for Foreigners.

I. Three Ways to Purchase Subway Tickets in China

Today, most Chinese cities support digital transit QR codes through Alipay and WeChat. These systems allow passengers to enter and exit metro stations by scanning a dynamic QR code directly from their phone.

If mobile payment setup is inconvenient, travelers can still purchase traditional single-journey tickets from subway station vending machines.

Three ways to purchase subway tickets: Alipay, WeChat, and offline tickets.

Option 1 — Alipay Transit QR Code

Alipay supports metro systems in most major cities across China. Travelers can activate a transit code directly inside the app and pay automatically through their linked international bank card.

Option 2 — WeChat Transit QR Code

WeChat Pay also supports subway systems in most major cities. The process is similar to Alipay and works through a mini-program called “chengchema” (乘车码).

Option 3 — Offline Single-Journey Ticket

Travelers who do not want to use mobile payments can buy paper or token-style subway tickets from self-service machines located inside metro stations.

Most subway fares in China are distance-based:

• Minimum fare: usually 2 RMB

• Most trips: under 15 RMB

This pricing structure is commonly used across major Chinese metro systems.

II. Using Alipay to Take the Subway

Alipay is one of the easiest methods for foreign travelers because it supports international cards and is widely accepted throughout China.

Alipay preparation and activation screen.

1. Preparations

Before activating subway access, complete the following:

Identity Verification

Upload your passport information inside Alipay to complete real-name authentication.

Add a Bank Card

Link an international credit or debit card such as:

• Visa

• Mastercard

• JCB

• Discover

If you have not completed these steps yet, refer to the detailed Alipay setup guide first.

2. Activate the Metro E-Ticket

Inside Alipay:

• Open “Transport” or “City Services”

• Select “Public Transport”

• Choose your current city

• Activate the subway QR code

Important:
Transit QR codes are city-specific.
If you travel to another city, you must activate that city’s metro code separately.

Alipay city selection and transit-code activation process.

3. How to Ride Using Alipay

Once activated:

Entering the Station

• Open the transit QR code

• Scan it at the subway gate

Exiting the Station

• Scan the same code again

• The fare will automatically be calculated and deducted from your linked bank card

Important:
Always check that the city displayed at the top of the QR-code page matches the city you are currently in.

Using Alipay QR code at subway gates.

III. Using WeChat Pay to Take the Subway

WeChat Pay works similarly to Alipay and is also widely supported in Chinese metro systems.

WeChat Pay preparation and activation screen.

1. Preparations

Before using subway QR codes:

• Complete passport verification

• Link an international bank card

Supported cards commonly include:

• Visa

• Mastercard

• JCB

• Discover

2. Activate the Transit QR Code

Inside WeChat:

• Search for the mini-program called “chengchema” (乘车码)

• Select your city

• Activate the transit service

Important:
Transit codes are not shared between cities.
Each city requires separate activation.

WeChat “chengchema” activation process.

3. Boarding with WeChat Pay

To enter the subway:

• Open the QR code

• Scan it at the gate

When exiting:

• Scan again

• The fare will automatically deduct from your linked payment method

Always verify that the selected city is correct before entering the station.

Using WeChat transit QR code at metro gates.

IV. Buying Offline Subway Tickets

If you prefer not to use mobile payments, you can still purchase subway tickets manually at station vending machines.

This is a good option for:

• short trips

• travelers without mobile payment setup

• elderly travelers

• tourists taking the subway only once or twice

Automatic subway ticket vending machine interface.

1. How to Use the Ticket Machine

Step 1 — Switch to English

Most ticket machines include an English-language button in the top-right corner.

Step 2 — Select Your Destination

• Choose the subway line

• Choose your destination station

Step 3 — Pay

Most machines accept:

• coins

• 5 RMB banknotes

• 10 RMB banknotes

• sometimes 20 RMB banknotes

Many machines do not accept:

• 50 RMB notes

• 100 RMB notes

Step 4 — Collect the Ticket

The machine will issue a single-journey ticket or subway token.

2. How to Use a Single-Journey Ticket

Entering the Station

Tap the ticket/token at the subway gate.

Exiting the Station

Insert the ticket into the gate or return the token depending on the city’s system.

Keep the ticket safely during the entire trip.

Single-journey subway ticket and vending machine examples.

V. Which Method Is Best for Foreign Travelers?

Alipay

Best for:

• most tourists

• travelers already using Alipay

• frequent subway users

Advantages:

• convenient

• fast

• automatic payment

• supported in most cities

WeChat Pay

Best for:

• travelers already using WeChat daily

• people familiar with mini-programs

Advantages:

• integrated into WeChat ecosystem

• convenient for daily life in China

Offline Tickets

Best for:

• occasional subway rides

• travelers without mobile payment setup

• backup option when phones run out of battery

Advantages:

• simple

• no registration needed

• available at all metro stations

VI. Final Travel Tips

China’s metro systems are:

• fast

• clean

• affordable

• safe

• foreigner-friendly

For most travelers, activating a transit QR code through Alipay or WeChat is the easiest long-term solution. However, offline tickets remain a useful backup option.

If you are arriving in Xi’an and need:

• airport pickup

• hotel transfer

• local transportation assistance

• help setting up Alipay or WeChat Pay

you can contact me directly on WhatsApp:

WhatsApp: +86 158 7753 7303

I can assist foreign travelers after arrival in Xi’an.