How to buy subway tickets in China?

China's subway system covers the main cities nationwide, with diverse and convenient ticket purchasing options. Below are specific operation guidelines:

1. Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (Recommended)

• Steps Explanation:

  1. Select Language: Most first-tier cities (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) offer English interface options on ticket machines, usually by selecting "English" at the top right corner of the screen.
  2. Select Line and Station: Use the touch screen to select the target line and destination station (some machines support pinyin input for station names).
  3. Select Number of Tickets: Choose the number of tickets based on the number of people traveling together.
  4. Payment Method: Cash (bills and coins), Alipay/WeChat Pay QR code scanning, and a few machines support UnionPay cards.
  5. Retrieve Ticket: After successful payment, the machine will dispense single-trip tickets (cards or round tokens).

• Notes:

  • Some second- and third-tier cities may only support Chinese interfaces, so it is recommended to prepare the Chinese or pinyin name of the destination station (e.g., "People's Square" corresponds to "Renmin Guangchang").
  • Single-trip ticket prices typically range from 2 to 7 RMB, depending on distance.

2. Manual Ticket Counter

• Every subway station has a manual ticket window where you can directly say in English, "One ticket to [station name]" and show the destination name (it is recommended to display the Chinese station name on your phone).
• Supports cash and some mobile payments.

3. Transportation Card

• Nationwide Universal Card: Some cities in China support the "Transportation Union" card (such as Beijing's "Yi Tong Xing" and Shanghai's "Metro Metropolis App"), which can be used interchangeably in over 300 cities.
• Purchase Method:
  • Buy a physical card at the subway station service counter (requires a 20 RMB deposit, refundable).
  • Bind an electronic transportation card via Alipay/WeChat (requires real-name authentication).

4. Direct Entry with Mobile Payment

• Alipay: Open the App → "Travel" module → Select city → Generate subway ride code, scan to enter.
• WeChat: Search for the "Ride Code" mini-program → Activate the corresponding city subway code.
• Apple Pay/UnionPay Flash Pay: Some cities (such as Beijing, Shanghai) support direct entry by tapping your phone.

Are there English signs?

The subway systems in China's major cities generally provide English services, but the coverage varies by city:

1. First-Tier Cities (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.):
2. All station signs (such as exits, transfers, restrooms) have bilingual Chinese-English labels.
3. Train announcements include English station names.

4. Self-service ticket machines and service counters provide English guidance.

5. Second-Tier and Lower Cities:

6. Key lines and tourist cities (such as Xi'an, Chengdu) may have basic English signs, but some details (such as safety warnings) may only be in Chinese.

7. Practical Suggestions:

8. Download offline maps (such as MetroMan, Baidu Maps) in advance to access English-version subway route maps.
9. Save the Chinese spelling of your destination station for easier assistance from staff.

Other Precautions

1. Peak Hours: Avoid early 7:30-9:30 AM and late 17:00-19:00 PM to prevent overcrowding.
2. Security Checks: All luggage must pass through X-ray machines; flammable and explosive items are prohibited.
3. Ticket Usage: Insert single-trip tickets into the turnstile for recycling, and place transportation cards near the induction area.