Transit & Passes
How to ride the metro and high-speed rail like a local — what to tap, what it costs, and the security rules that catch visitors out.
How you get through the gate
Scan a QR code in Alipay or WeChat
Open the “Transport / 出行” mini-program, activate the metro QR code for the city you are in, then hold it to the scanner at the gate. Works across 300+ cities; you pay per ride, no card needed.
Tap a contactless bank card or phone
In Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Xi’an and more, you can tap an overseas Visa/Mastercard (or Apple/Google Pay) straight on the gate reader. One card per person — you cannot tap twice for a companion.
Buy a pass or stored-value card
Shanghai Pass and Beijing Pass, plus metro day passes, are sold at station service desks and ticket machines. Stored-value cards usually need a refundable deposit (about ¥20). Day passes pay off if you ride four or more times.
What it costs
Metro: about ¥3–¥8
Fares are distance-based; a typical city-centre ride is ¥3–¥5, longer cross-city trips ¥6–¥8. Machines and desks give change.
Bus: from ¥2
City buses are flat-fare, usually ¥2. Exact change or the same QR code / card works; many buses no longer accept cash.
Taxi: from about ¥10–¥14
Flag-fall varies by city. Use the official taxi rank at airports and stations — ignore people offering rides inside the terminal.
Security checks that catch visitors out
Every bag goes through the X-ray
Metro stations are airport-style: bag on the belt, then step through the scanner yourself. It is quick — but budget extra time at peak hours.
Power banks: ≤100Wh, single unit
The national cap is 100Wh (about 27,000mAh) per unit, with the capacity printed on the shell. Some cities are stricter — 20,000mAh and a limit on how many you carry — and a few restrict using one on the train. Unlabelled or swollen cells get confiscated.
Flammables and sharps are banned
Aerosol cans, lighter fluid, large scissors and knives are not allowed. Lighters are usually fine on your person but not in luggage. Rules vary by city.
High-speed rail, the 12306 way
Book with your passport
Use the official 12306 app (English interface available) or Trip.com. Every traveller needs their own real-name ticket — children included. Your passport number must match exactly.
No paper ticket — scan your passport
Your e-ticket is linked to your passport: scan it at the gate, then again at the platform entrance. Arrive 40–60 minutes early at large stations.
Classes and luggage
Second class is fine for most trips; first class has wider seats, business class lies flat. There are overhead racks plus a big-luggage area at the carriage ends — no check-in needed.
Changes and refunds
You can change or refund in the app before departure; the closer to departure, the higher the fee. Refunding is cheapest 8+ days ahead. Seats sell out fast around holidays — book early.
Fares, deposits and security rules differ by city and change without notice. Confirm at the station service desk (客服中心) on arrival.