China Travel Guide — Essential Apps for Tourists

China's metros and buses accept Alipay directly at the turnstile or bus door — no physical card, no ticket queue. The key is knowing that transit payments use a separate QR code from your regular payment code, and it must be activated per city before you use it. Do this once in each city you visit and getting around becomes effortless.

The Transit QR Code — What It Is and Why It Matters

Your regular Alipay "Pay" code doesn't work at metro turnstiles. The subway system uses a dedicated Transit QR Code tied to a city-specific transit account. You activate it once inside the Alipay Transport section and it links to your existing Visa or Mastercard — no top-up or separate balance needed.

Activate the transit code for each city before you arrive at the station. The Beijing code doesn't work in Shanghai, and vice versa. Setting it up at the turnstile while a queue builds behind you is stressful.

Activating the Transit QR Code

1. Open the Transport section
On the Alipay home screen, look for 'Transport' or '出行' in the top row of icons. If you don't see it, tap 'More' and find it in the full list.
2. Select your city
The app asks you to choose a city. Select the city you're currently in — Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, and most major cities are supported.
3. Activate the metro or bus card
Tap 'Metro' or 'Bus' and then 'Activate' or 'Get Now'. Agree to the terms — Alipay will charge your linked Visa or Mastercard directly. No top-up required.
4. Use the QR code at the gate
A QR code appears. At the metro turnstile, hold your phone up to the scanner until it beeps and the gate opens. Use the same code when you exit so the correct fare is deducted.
5. Repeat for each new city
When you arrive in a new city, go back to Transport, switch to the new city, and activate again. Each city is independent.

Using It on Buses

Buses work the same way as the metro — scan your Transit QR Code on the reader when you board. In Beijing and some other cities, you also scan again before getting off because fares are distance-based. In most other cities, one scan on boarding is enough.

✓

Open the Transport QR code before you board the bus. Bus readers sometimes scan quickly and the driver won't wait — have it ready on screen.

Fares and Costs

Subway fares typically run ¥2–10 depending on distance. Bus fares are usually ¥1–3. Alipay charges no additional fee for transit payments — you pay only the standard fare, which is deducted from your linked card. Your bank's foreign transaction fee (usually 1–3%) may apply.

Practical Tips

Enable offline payment: In Alipay settings, you can enable offline transit codes that work without internet for payments up to ¥200 — useful in underground stations with no signal.
English in stations: Major city metros (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou) have English on all signage, maps, and announcements. Follow the line color and number.
Rush hours: Beijing and Shanghai metros are crowded from 7:30–9:00am and 5:30–7:30pm on weekdays. If possible, travel off-peak.
Alternative for missed setup: If you can't get the Transit QR Code working, most major metro stations also have ticket machines with English language options — pay with cash or, in some cities, a physical transit card purchased at the station.

Troubleshooting

Transit QR code says "not supported" for your city? Not all smaller cities are in Alipay's transit network. In that case, buy single-journey tickets at the ticket machine (cash or WeChat Pay) or use a city transit card available at the station service desk.

Turnstile doesn't read your code? Increase screen brightness to maximum and hold the phone steady 3–5cm from the reader. If it still fails, use a nearby manned gate — station staff can let you through and you can troubleshoot afterward.