Metro systems in China

Metro is the default in major cities

For sightseeing in Beijing (北京), Shanghai (上海), Guangzhou (广州), Shenzhen (深圳), Chengdu (成都) and other large cities, metro is often fast, inexpensive and predictable.

Use Amap for route planning

Amap (高德地图) can show metro lines, transfer stations, estimated travel time and station exits.

Payment varies by city

Possible options include mobile transport QR, Alipay transport functions, local transport cards, single-journey tickets and selected contactless bank cards.

Do not assume one payment method works nationwide.

Station exits matter

Large stations can have many exits.

Check the recommended exit before leaving the station.

Last train

Most Chinese metros do not operate all night.

Check last-train time before a late evening.