Quick Answer
China’s metro systems are safe, fast, and foreigner-friendly, but the ticketing logic is not obvious.
As a foreigner, you should use Alipay Transport QR codes, not paper tickets, and always plan your exit station in advance.
Most problems happen at the entry or exit gate, not on the train.
Exact Actions: How to Take the Metro in China
This guide assumes:
- You already have Alipay set up
- You are in a major city (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.)
Step 1: Find the Correct Metro Entrance
What to look for:
- A large “M” metro sign
- Chinese text “地铁”
- Station name in Chinese + English
Do not confuse with:
- Underground shopping entrances
- Railway stations (高铁 / 火车站)
Reality:
Large stations may have 10+ entrances. Any entrance is fine as long as it matches your line.
Step 2: Security Check (Mandatory)
Before you reach ticket gates:
- Put your bag on the X-ray belt
- Walk through metal detector
- Sometimes staff will ask you to open your bag
This is normal and quick.
If staff stops you:
- Show your phone
- Say: “Metro?”
- Follow gestures
Step 3: Open the Correct Metro QR Code
Do NOT use the normal “Scan” function.
Exact actions in Alipay:
- Open Alipay
- Tap Transport
- Choose the city (only once)
- You will see a black-and-white metro QR code
This QR code is:
- Different from merchant QR codes
- Time-limited
- Linked to your identity
Step 4: Enter the Station
- Go to a gate with a QR code scanner
- Hold your phone 15–30 cm above scanner
- Wait for green light + beep
- Gate opens
If the gate does not open:
- Do not push
- Try another gate
- Increase screen brightness
Step 5: Take the Train
Inside the station:
- Follow colored line signs
- Platforms show last station name, not direction (this confuses many foreigners)
On the train:
- English station names are announced
- Screens show current station and next station
You do not need to show your phone again until exit.
Step 6: Exit Correctly (Most Common Failure Point)
At destination:
- Follow Exit / 出口 signs
- Choose any exit unless you planned a specific one
- Scan the same Transport QR code at exit gate
If exit fails:
- See “Failure Scenarios” below
Failure Scenarios & Fixes (Very Common)
Gate Says “Please Go to Service Desk”
Reasons:
- QR code expired
- Network delay
- Entry/exit mismatch
What to do:
- Go to Service Center (客服中心)
- Show your phone with Alipay open
- Say: “QR code problem”
Staff will:
- Check your trip
- Charge correct fare
- Open gate manually
This is routine. Do not panic.
Gate Rejects You on Exit
Most common cause:
- You stayed inside too long
- System cannot calculate fare
Fix:
- Service desk adjustment (normal)
- Pay small difference if asked
You Took the Wrong Direction
What locals do:
- Get off at the next station
- Cross platform or take opposite train
- No penalty
Do not exit the station unless you are sure.
Reality Check: What Surprises Most Foreigners
- Metro QR ≠ merchant QR
- Entry works but exit fails (this is common)
- Stations are huge; walking time matters
- Not every exit leads where you expect
This does not mean you did something wrong.
What Locals Do When Something Goes Wrong
- Go straight to the service desk
- Let staff fix it (they do this all day)
- Do not argue with the gate
- Do not jump barriers (serious violation)
Follow staff gestures; English is often minimal but enough.
Checklist: Metro Ready Before Your First Ride
- Alipay Transport activated
- City selected correctly
- Phone battery above 20%
- Mobile data working
- Destination station name saved (Chinese + English)
FAQ
Do I need to buy a ticket?
No. QR code is enough in most large cities.
Can I use cash?
Yes, at ticket machines, but machines may not accept foreign cards.
Is the metro safe late at night?
Yes, but trains stop around 22:30–23:30 depending on city.