Public Transport Guide

How to use subway, bus & shared bikes with Alipay

Subway + Bus + Bike 6 Steps 2-10 RMB/ride

KEY

One QR code for everything. Your Alipay Transport QR code works on subway, bus, and shared bikes across most Chinese cities. No need to buy separate tickets or cards.

Download AMap or Baidu Maps

Navigation apps are essential for navigating China's public transport

▸ Download AMap (高德地图) — has limited English support
▸ Or Baidu Maps (百度地图) — Chinese only but more accurate
▸ Alternatively, use the transport mini-program inside Alipay (no separate app needed)
▸ Both apps cover subway, bus, walking, and cycling routes

💡 Pro Tip: AMap has an English mode toggle under Settings. Baidu Maps is more up-to-date but entirely in Chinese. For casual tourists, the Alipay transport mini-program is the easiest — no download needed.

Set Your App to English & Enable GPS

Configure your navigation app before heading out

▸ Open AMap → Settings → Language → English
▸ Enable GPS/Location services in your phone settings
▸ Grant location permission to the app ("Allow While Using")
▸ Test the app by searching for a nearby landmark

💡 Pro Tip: GPS works well in Chinese cities but can drift in dense urban canyons. If the blue dot is off, look for nearby street signs or landmarks to recalibrate.

Open Alipay Transport QR Code at the Subway Gate

You can enter the subway by scanning QR codes — no physical ticket needed

▸ Open Alipay → search "Transport Code" or find it on the home screen
▸ Select your city if prompted (Alipay auto-detects via GPS)
▸ A QR code will appear — this works for subway, bus, and some taxis
▸ Approach the subway gate and hold your phone near the scanner

💡 Pro Tip: If you don't see the transport QR code in Alipay, tap "More" on the home screen and look for "City Service" or "Transport". Each city has a slightly different setup but Alipay handles it automatically.

Scan QR, Gate Opens — Follow English Signs

Enter the station and navigate to your train

▸ Scan your QR code at the gate scanner (look for the blue light area)
▸ The gate opens within 1 second — walk through
▸ Follow English signs toward your line number (e.g. Line 1, Line 2)
▸ Check the direction — signs show the terminal station name
▸ Wait behind the yellow line on the platform

💡 Pro Tip: All major city subway systems have English signage and announcements. Look for colored line numbers — the color matches the line on the map.

Transfer at Interchange Stations

Many subway lines cross — follow colored signs to transfer

▸ When the train announces an interchange station, prepare to exit
▸ Follow the colored signs with the line number you need
▸ Transfers are free — you don't scan out and in
▸ Some stations are large — allow 5-10 minutes for transfers
▸ Check the map above the doors to count remaining stops

💡 Pro Tip: Major interchange stations like Shanghai People's Square or Beijing Guomao can be huge. Follow the LINE COLOR, not just the name. The signs are consistent and well-marked.

Exit: Scan QR Again at Destination

The fare is automatically calculated based on distance traveled

▸ At your destination station, walk to the exit gates
▸ Scan your Alipay QR code again at the exit scanner
▸ The gate opens and the fare is deducted automatically
▸ Fares are distance-based — typically 2-10 RMB per trip
▸ Check your Alipay notification for the fare amount

💡 Pro Tip: If the gate doesn't open, check your QR code — it may have expired (they refresh every 60 seconds). Tap the code to refresh and try again. Staff are nearby at every exit if you need help.

🎉

You're Ready to Ride!

✨ Avoid rush hour (7:30-9:00 and 17:30-19:00) — trains can be extremely crowded.

✨ Keep your phone charged — a dead phone means you can't scan in or out.

✨ Download the subway map image to your phone as backup before heading out.

✨ Most stations have clean public restrooms — look for WC signs near exits.

✨ Last train is typically around 23:00 — check the last train time for your line.

Also check Ride-Hailing Guide →

← Back to Transport

Quick Tips: Bus & Shared Bikes

🚇 Subway

Scan Alipay QR at gate
English signs everywhere
Avoid 7:30-9:00 & 17:30-19:00
Last train ~23:00

🚌 Bus

Same Alipay QR code works
Cheapest: 1-2 RMB per ride
Board at front, exit rear
Have exact change if paying cash

🚲 Shared Bikes

Scan with Alipay or WeChat
Meituan / Hellobike most popular
~1.5 RMB per 30 min
Park in designated zones only

💡 Pro Tip: Shared bikes are the best way to cover the "last mile" from subway station to your destination. Scan the QR code on the bike with Alipay, ride, and park in a designated zone. No deposit required for foreigners.