Overview
Major Chinese cities have excellent metro systems that are fast, cheap, and reliable. They’re often the best way to navigate large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Major City Metro Systems
Beijing Metro
- Lines: 27+
- Stations: 400+
- Hours: 5:00-23:00 (varies by line)
- Price: ¥3-10
Shanghai Metro
- Lines: 18+
- Stations: 340+
- Hours: 5:00-23:00
- Price: ¥3-10
Guangzhou Metro
- Lines: 15+
- Stations: 270+
- Hours: 6:00-23:00
- Price: ¥2-14
Shenzhen Metro
- Lines: 11+
- Stations: 280+
- Hours: 6:30-23:00
- Price: ¥2-10
How to Use
Buying Tickets
-
Self-Service Machine
- Select English
- Choose destination or line
- Pay with cash/card
- Collect ticket and change
-
Mobile Payment
- Scan QR code at gate
- Requires Alipay/WeChat Pay
-
Transit Cards
- Get at station info desk
- Refill as needed
- Convenient for regular use
At the Station
- Find entrance with metro logo
- Tap card or scan at gate
- Keep ticket for transfer
- Follow signs to platform
- Board correct direction train
Exiting
- Check station name announcement
- Follow exit signs
- Tap card to exit
- Don’t forget your ticket!
Metro Etiquette
- Give up seats for elderly, pregnant women
- No eating or drinking
- No smoking
- Stand on right side of escalator
- Let passengers exit first
Transfer Tips
- Check transfer stations before journey
- Some transfers require long walks
- Minimum transfer time: 5-15 minutes
- Keep your ticket for transfers
Pro Tips
- Download the city metro app for real-time info
- Use Google Maps or Apple Maps for directions
- Avoid rush hours (8:00-9:30, 17:30-19:00)
- Last train is earlier than you think!