Metro and bus

One tap

Metro and busOrder DiDi

1. 
   Step 1

   Choose how to pay

   The easiest is the Alipay transport code. It works on the metro in big cities and on many buses. In Shanghai you can also tap your contactless Visa or Mastercard at the gate, on the whole network since June 2025. Ask your bank first to turn on contactless payments without PIN.

2. Step 2

   Open your code

   In Alipay tap Transport at the top of the home screen and check your city is shown at the top left. A QR appears and refreshes by itself. The first time it asks for your passport. It needs data, so open it before you reach the gate.

   乘车码Transport code. Type it in the Alipay search bar if you cannot find it · tap to see it bigShow my metro and bus QROpens in Alipay→
3. Step 3

   Security and gate

   Put your bag through the scanner at the entrance. At the gate, hold the QR to the reader or tap your card. It turns green and you go through.

4. Step 4

   Your platform

   Look for your line number and colour. The direction is shown by the last station, check it on your map.

   往It means towards. It comes before the last station · tap to see it big
5. Step 5

   Getting out

   Scan the QR or tap the same card again on the way out. That is when you pay. Before going up to the street, check the exit number. It saves you a walk.

   出口Exit · tap to see it big
6. Step 6

   On the bus

   Get on at the front door and hold the same Alipay code to the reader. If it does not work, pay cash. Carry small notes.

   Show my metro and bus QROpens in Alipay→
7. Step 7

   If something fails

   Buy a ticket at the machine, it has English, or ask at the desk by the gates. If the QR does not scan, turn up the brightness and take off a thick case.

   客服中心Customer service, next to the gates · tap to see it big

How to pay in each city

• BeijingTap your contactless Visa or Mastercard at the gate, on every line since June 2025. The Alipay code works too.
• Xi'anUse the Alipay code. There is no official word on foreign cards at the gates.
• ChengduTap your contactless Visa or Mastercard at metro gates and on buses, since July 2025. The Alipay code works too.
• ChongqingUse the Alipay code. The Line 2 monorail that runs through a building is part of the metro.
• ZhangjiajieThere is no metro. To reach the parks, take a DiDi or bus. Inside the park there are park buses.
• GuilinThere is no metro. Get around by DiDi or bus, with the Alipay code or cash.
• ShanghaiTap your contactless Visa or Mastercard at the gate, on the whole network since June 2025. The Alipay code works too.

To pay by card, ask your bank first to allow contactless payments without PIN.

Landing and getting to the hotelFrom the plane to your room, calmly→Paying for the first timeWith Alipay, in shops, taxis or restaurants→Taking a taxi or DiDiWithout speaking Chinese→Boarding the bullet trainFrom the station door to your seat→Ordering foodWith photos, codes and your allergies→If something goes wrongWhat to do, calmly→