How to take the subway in China?

Features of Chinese Subways

1. Security Checks: All subway systems require security checks. If you are carrying liquids, they must be screened with a liquid scanner. Alternatively, you can take a sip of your drinking water or beverage in front of the security personnel.
2. In-Station Transfers: All subway systems support in-station transfers, even between different subway companies. Unlike in Japan, you don't need to exit and re-enter the station to transfer.
3. Special Cases: In some cities, airport express lines are separate from the city subway system. For example, the Beijing Daxing Airport express line requires you to exit one station and enter another.

Cities with Operational Subways

Beijing, Hong Kong, Tianjin, Shanghai, Taipei, Guangzhou, Changchun, Dalian, Wuhan, Shenzhen, Nanjing, Chongqing, Kaohsiung, Shenyang, Chengdu, Foshan, Xi'an, Suzhou, Kunming, Hangzhou, Harbin, Zhengzhou, Changsha, Ningbo, Wuxi, Qingdao, Nanchang, Fuzhou, Dongguan, Nanning, Hefei, Taoyuan, Shijiazhuang, Guiyang, Xiamen, Urumqi, New Taipei, Wenzhou, Jinan, Lanzhou, Changzhou, Xuzhou, Macau, Hohhot, Taiyuan, Luoyang, Taichung, Jiaxing, Shaoxing, Wuhu, Xiangxi, Jinhua, Nantong, Taizhou, Chuzhou, Xuchang.

How to Check Subway Lines

• Apple Users: You can check the routes by using Apple Maps.
• Apple Maps and Amap: First, translate place names, then check the routes. Even if you don't understand Chinese, you can navigate using route colors and numbers.
• Reading The Maps: Most cities have subway route maps. Learn to find your destination using Chinese characters and pinyin, and plan your transfer route using the map.

• Travel Direction: Pay attention to the direction you're traveling in. Avoid going the wrong way.
• Transfers: Same-platform transfers are rare. Most transfers require walking and using stairs.

How to Pay for Subway Tickets

Recommended Method: Online QR Code Payment

• Download Alipay or WeChat Pay.
• Open the "Ride Code" in Transport(Alipay) or Mini-program(WeChat).
• Get the ride code for the city you're in.
• Each city's subway is operated by a local company, so you need to get a local QR code for each city. This allows the subway company to calculate fares and deduct payment automatically.

Alternative Method: Offline Machines

• Select your destination on the machine, then use Alipay, WeChat, or cash to pay.
• You will receive a subway card to swipe to enter the station.
• Insert the card into the machine when you exit.

Interesting Facts About Chinese Subway Stations

• Chongqing: The rail passes through a building in Liziba station.

• Shenzhen: The subway station is as luxurious as an airport.

• Creative Stations

• History: Beijing opened China’s first subway line in 1969. Chongqing's Line 1 was initially a wartime air raid shelter, planned as a subway but converted due to the war, and later turned back into a subway.
• TOD Commercial Complexes: Unique to Asia, these retail centers are centered around subway stations, such as Capita Mall in Beijing, Times Square in Chongqing, and Shinjuku in Tokyo.