How to Buy Subway Tickets in China?

China’s subway systems (especially in big cities) are highly developed and automated, with a simple and efficient ticket purchasing process. Here is a detailed guide:

1. Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (Recommended Method)

• Operation Steps:
• Select Language: Most cities' ticket vending machines (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, etc.) offer English interfaces, usually with a language switching button in the top right corner of the screen (Language → English).
• Select Line and Station: Choose your destination station via touch screen or directly input the station name in pinyin (e.g., “Tiananmen Square”).
• Select Number of Tickets: Choose the number of tickets based on the number of people traveling together (single journey tickets are typically one-time use).
• Payment Methods: Supports cash (5 yuan, 10 yuan, 20 yuan banknotes; some machines accept coins), Alipay/WeChat Pay QR code scanning, and in a few cities (like Shanghai), UnionPay QuickPass.

• Retrieve Tickets: After successful payment, the machine will dispense the subway ticket and change (if applicable).

• Precautions:

• Single journey tickets are magnetic cards or round tokens (such as in Beijing) and must be kept carefully, as they need to be inserted into the turnstile upon exit.
• If the fare to your destination is displayed as "distance-based pricing," the system will automatically calculate the cost based on distance.

2. Manual Ticket Counter

• Every subway station has a manual counter where you can inform the staff in English about your destination (it’s recommended to write down the station name in Chinese beforehand or show them a map location).
• Supports cash and mobile payments, suitable for foreign tourists unfamiliar with operations.

3. Mobile Payment for Direct Entry (Most Convenient Method)

• Alipay/WeChat Scan Code:
• Search for "subway travel code" in the Alipay app, or activate the "travel code" mini-program in WeChat (bank card binding required).
• Select the corresponding subway e-card based on your city (for example, Beijing's "Yi Tong Xing" or Shanghai's "Metro Metropolis").
• Simply scan the code when entering and exiting the station, and the fee will be automatically deducted.
• UnionPay FlashPay or NFC: In some cities (such as Guangzhou and Shenzhen), direct payment using UnionPay cards or Apple Pay/Huawei Pay is supported.

4. Purchase Transportation Card (Suitable for Long-Term Stays)

• Each city has its own local transportation card (such as Beijing's "Yikatong" or Shanghai's "Transportation Card"), which can be purchased at convenience stores or subway stations. A deposit of approximately 20 yuan is required, and after recharging, you can swipe directly to enter the station and enjoy public transport transfer discounts.

Does the Subway System in China Have English Signage?

The subway systems in major Chinese cities generally provide English services, as follows:

1. Coverage of English Signage

• Station Names and Announcements:
• All stations are marked with both Chinese names + pinyin (e.g., "Wangfujing Wangfu Jing"), and some cities (such as Beijing and Shanghai) also include English translations (e.g., "People’s Square").
• In-car announcements are made in both Chinese and English, with important transfer stations providing English information prompts.
• Directional Signs:
• Exit entrances, transfer routes, restrooms, and other indicators all contain English (e.g., "Exit A," "Transfer Line 2").
• Route maps typically list station names in both Chinese and English.

2. Exceptions

• Smaller Cities or New Lines: Some third- or fourth-tier cities or newly opened subway lines may not have complete English signage. It's recommended to save the route map on your phone beforehand or use navigation apps (such as Baidu Map or Gaode Map, which can switch to English mode).

Practical Suggestions

1. Download Navigation Apps in Advance: Baidu Map or Gaode Map support English searches and can provide real-time queries for subway routes and transfer plans.
2. Avoid Peak Hours: The crowded times are usually from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM and from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. It's suggested to travel outside these peak hours.
3. Security Checks: All luggage must pass through an X-ray machine inspection, and liquids might require separate checks.
4. Keep Your Ticket Until Exit: Single journey tickets must be returned upon exit. Losing them will result in having to pay the highest fare (usually 10-15 yuan).