China's metro systems are among the world's largest, cleanest, and most affordable. If you are visiting any major city, the subway will likely be your primary transport.
Major Metro Cities
- Shanghai — 20 lines, 500+ stations, covers nearly everywhere
- Beijing — 27 lines, extensive coverage including airport express
- Guangzhou — 18 lines, connects to Foshan metro
- Shenzhen — 16 lines, great for border crossings to Hong Kong
- Chengdu, Wuhan, Xi'an, Hangzhou — Rapidly expanding networks
How to Pay
Alipay / WeChat Pay — The easiest way. Open Alipay, go to Transport, select your city, and scan the QR code at gates. No physical card needed.
Transport Cards — Available at station service counters. Some cities offer tourist day passes (Shanghai: 18 RMB/day).
Single-Journey Tokens — Still available at ticket machines, but increasingly rare as mobile payment dominates.
Practical Tips
- Operating hours: Typically 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Peak hours: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:30–7:30 PM — expect dense crowds
- Security check: All stations have bag scanners; allow extra time
- English signage: Present in all major city metros
- No eating/drinking: Fines apply in most cities
Airport Connections
Most major airports have dedicated metro express lines: Beijing Capital/Daxing, Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao, Guangzhou Baiyun, and Shenzhen Bao'an all connect directly to the city center.
Fares
Base fares start at 2–3 RMB for short rides, reaching 8–10 RMB for cross-city journeys. Extremely affordable compared to taxis.
Accessibility
Newer lines have elevator access and tactile paving. Older stations may lack elevators — check apps for accessible routes.
Download Gaode Maps (高德地图) or Baidu Maps for real-time metro navigation in English.