Getting through a Chinese metro turnstile without delay — especially when 50 people are queuing behind you — requires knowing exactly which payment method to use before you arrive at the gate. This guide explains every option, city by city, and gets you set up before you leave your hotel.
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The Three Ways to Pay
Method 1: City-Specific QR Code (Best for Tourists)
Each major city has an official transit QR code system, accessible via:
- An official metro app (e.g., 亿通行 for Beijing, Metro大都会 for Shanghai)
- Alipay mini-program (most cities)
- WeChat Pay mini-program (some cities)
How it works: the app generates a QR code on your screen that changes every few seconds. Hold your phone to the scanner on the turnstile → gate opens.
Advantages: no physical card needed, no deposit, linked to your existing Alipay/WeChat account.
Disadvantage: requires Alipay or WeChat Pay to be set up with a working payment method (see our payment guide).
Method 2: Physical Transit Card
A reloadable smart card you purchase at the station and top up as needed:
- Tap at turnstile entrance and exit
- Works on buses in the same city (and often across multiple cities in the same region)
- Requires ¥20–¥30 deposit (refunded when returned)
- Available at station service windows
Best for: stays of 5+ days in one city; heavy transit users; those who prefer not to use apps.
Method 3: Single-Journey Token / Card
For occasional use:
- Purchase at ticket machine: select your destination station, pay by QR/cash/card, receive a token or magnetic card
- Token (Beijing, some other cities): a coin-shaped plastic token — tap to enter, drop into exit slot
- Magnetic card (some cities): swipe at entry, insert into exit reader
City-by-City QR Code Setup Guide
Beijing: 亿通行 (Yitongxing)
- Open Alipay → search “亿通行” OR search “北京地铁”
- Open the mini-program or download the standalone 亿通行 app
- Register with phone number → select “New User Registration” → agree to terms
- Link payment: “充值” (top up) → Alipay or WeChat Pay → confirm
- Main screen shows a QR code — hold to the scanner on the turnstile
Also works on: Beijing buses, some suburban train lines.
Monthly/discount cards: within 亿通行, you can purchase monthly unlimited passes or commuter discount cards.
Shanghai: Metro大都会
- Download Metro大都会 app OR open Alipay → search “Metro大都会”
- Register → link to Alipay or WeChat Pay
- Home screen → “乘车码” (boarding code)
- Use at any Shanghai Metro turnstile
Works on: Shanghai Metro only (not buses directly). A separate transportation card works on buses.
Guangzhou: Yue Zhong Cheng or Alipay QR
- Open Alipay → search “广州地铁”
- Select 广州地铁 mini-program → generate code
Alternative: Guangzhou Metro also supports WeChat Pay QR directly at turnstiles (scan with WeChat in some stations).
Shenzhen: Shenzhen Metro (深圳地铁)
- Open Alipay → search “深圳地铁” or “乘车码”
- The “乘车码” (riding code) mini-program works for Shenzhen (and many other cities)
Chengdu: 成都地铁 via Alipay or WeChat
- Open Alipay → search “成都地铁” → open mini-program
- Link payment → generate QR code
Xi’an: 地铁乘车码 via Alipay
- Open Alipay → search “西安地铁” or “乘车码”
- The Xi’an metro uses Alipay’s transit code infrastructure
Other Cities (Standard Method)
For most Chinese cities with a metro system, the process is:
- Open Alipay → search “[城市名] 地铁” (city name + metro)
- If not found specifically, search “乘车码” (universal riding code)
- The “乘车码” mini-program by Alipay works in many second and third-tier cities
WeChat Pay Metro Access
WeChat Pay has its own metro QR code system, separate from Alipay. Access varies by city:
- Shanghai: Metro大都会 mini-program via WeChat Works
- Guangzhou: native WeChat Pay QR at turnstile
- Shenzhen: WeChat Pay QR at most turnstiles
- Beijing: 亿通行 app also integrates WeChat Pay as a funding source
Setup: in WeChat → Me → Services → Transportation Card (交通卡) or search the city metro mini-program.
NFC and Apple Pay for Metro
Some Chinese cities support contactless NFC payment for the metro via the Express Transit Card feature:
iPhone / Apple Watch:
- Open Wallet app → ”+” → Add Transit Card
- Select “Beiyou Express” (北京) or “Jiaotong (交通联合 card)” for Shanghai and Yangtze Delta cities
- Top up directly in the Wallet app
- Express Transit mode: hold phone to reader without Face ID or passcode — ultra-fast
- Available in: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Hangzhou, Nanjing, and more
Android NFC:
- Similar process via the HCE (Host Card Emulation) feature in Chinese metro apps
- Less standardised than Apple’s implementation; check your specific phone’s support
When You Can’t Connect at the Gate
Problem: QR code loading slowly
- Stand to the side and let others through while the app loads
- Switch from your VPN to direct connection (QR codes work faster without VPN)
- Pre-open the QR code screen before reaching the turnstile
Problem: Payment failed
- Ensure your Alipay International Balance has sufficient funds
- Top up before peak hours when possible
Problem: No Alipay/WeChat set up yet
- Go to the service window (服务中心) at the station and buy a single-journey ticket with cash
- This always works and requires no app or card
Transit Card Interoperability
China is moving toward national transit card interoperability. The “交通联合” (Jiāotōng Liánhé) logo on a transit card means it works across all participating cities:
Currently active in: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Nanjing, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Wuhan, Xi’an, Chengdu, and 260+ cities.
If you buy a transit card in Shanghai and then travel to Hangzhou, the same card should work on Hangzhou Metro — confirm the card has the Jiāotōng Liánhé logo.
Saving Money on Metro Fares
Monthly commuter passes: available in all major cities through their respective apps. Unlimited travel for ¥50–¥100/month — only worth it if staying 2+ weeks and using the metro daily.
Loyalty programmes: some city apps reward frequent use with small discounts or points. Low value for short-stay tourists.
Off-peak pricing: a few cities (Guangzhou) experiment with off-peak fare reductions. Check the specific city app for current promotions.
Last updated: May 2026 · Metro payment systems are updated frequently. Check the specific city app for the current process.