How to Use the Metro in Beijing and Shanghai

🚶 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Find the nearest station

   Use Gaode Maps (高德地图) or Baidu Maps to find the closest metro station. Metro stations are marked with blue M icons.

2. 2

   Enter through the correct entrance

   Most stations have multiple entrances (labeled A, B, C, D). Check signs or ask a local which entrance serves your direction — at larger stations an entrance leads into a specific line's concourse, so pick one that matches the line you want rather than assuming they all connect.

3. 3

   Buy a ticket or tap to enter

   Options: (a) Use Alipay/WeChat Pay — first activate the metro QR code (乘车码): in Alipay open "Transport" and select your city, or in WeChat use the city transit mini-program, then scan it at the gate; (b) Buy a single-journey ticket from a machine (touchscreen, usually has English); (c) Use a local transport card if you have one. (d) Tap an eligible contactless bank card (UnionPay, Visa, Mastercard, JCB, or American Express) directly at the gate. Beijing covers this across all 29 lines and 523 stations, at all fare gates; Shanghai Metro also supports tap-to-ride with the same card schemes. Card eligibility and station coverage can change, so check the operator's current guidance before relying on a single card.

   👁 You should see: Ticket machines usually have English language option (look for the UK/US flag icon)
4. 4

   Pass through security checkpoints

   All bags must go through an X-ray scanner. Put your bag on the belt, walk through the metal detector. No drinks need to be opened unlike airports.

5. 5

   Find your line and platform

   Follow directional signs to your train line. Platform signs show the destination station (English + Chinese). For direction, look at the LAST station on that line — that's which end of the line you're heading toward.

   ⚠ If this fails: When confused, ask someone: 'Intercontinental Hotel direction?' — they'll point you right
6. 6

   Board and ride

   Trains are frequent throughout the day — the interval varies by line and time of day, so check the platform display for the next train. Doors open on the side facing the platform. Don't try to board right as doors close — they're fast.

7. 7

   Transfer if needed

   Transfer stations have colored lines guiding you between connections. Follow signs with your line number. Usually involves a short walk (2-5 minutes).

8. 8

   Exit at your destination

   After exiting the train, follow "出口" (exit) signs. You'll pass through another gate — tap your QR code or insert your ticket. Collect your single-use ticket if you bought one (it pops out).

🎯 Done when...

You can navigate Beijing and Shanghai's metro systems independently with minimal Chinese.

🔄 Backup Plan

🆘 Common Problems